Raritan NJ
11-20-2025 9:30am

New Jersey American Water Announces 2025 Community Advancement Grant Program Recipients

CAMDEN, N.J. – November 19, 2025 – The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., and New Jersey American Water announced today the recipients of its 2025 Community Advancement Grant, offered through the Foundation’s State Strategic Impact Grant Program. This year, the Foundation awarded $25,000 to 10 distinguished organizations to help expand access to opportunities and promote progress for individuals with limited access to programs or services throughout New Jersey.

"A Hand to Hold is truly honored to receive this grant from the American Water Charitable Foundation and New Jersey American Water. This support comes at a crucial time for our organization and will directly strengthen our impact, enabling us to reach more youth and families in Camden," said Ayana Baker, Executive Director of A Hand to Hold Inc. “We intend to use these funds to expand our enrichment programs, provide essential resources, and continue creating safe spaces where young people feel seen, supported, and valued.”

This year’s grants will be used in various ways to develop and implement programs, training or community-related projects in the communities we serve.

The 2025 Community Advancement Grant recipients include:

  • A Hand to Hold, Inc. – Expand Pathways to Success and Youth Hygiene Pantry Initiatives Program
  • Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Warren County – Increase community access to programs and services
  • Feeding Hands, Inc. – Expand Kids in the Kitchen healthy cooking program
  • HABcore, Inc. – Expand services supporting affordable housing
  • Hairy’s Dog House – Expand outreach programs for children in hospitals
  • JPELITE Enterprise – Expand initiatives for Young Engineers Enrichment Program
  • Meeting Essential Needs with Dignity, Inc. (MEND) – Extend Mobile Market program to the community
  • New Jersey Blind Citizen Association, Inc. – Improve quality of life for the visually impaired
  • Tara’s Happy Boxes – Expand wellness services for children
  • VET4U, LLC – Increase outreach program for homeless veterans

“The Community Advancement Grant Program continues to strengthen communities across New Jersey by supporting organizations committed to meaningful impact,” said Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water and American Water Charitable Foundation board member. “These grants honor the exceptional efforts of our 2025 recipients and reaffirm our shared dedication to expanding opportunity, deepening community connections, and building a brighter, more resilient future for all.”

Funding for the Community Advancement Grant Program is provided by the American Water Charitable Foundation, as part of its State Strategic Impact Grant Program, focused on high-impact projects and initiatives throughout American Water’s national footprint. State Strategic Impact grants are part of the Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, focused on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities.

For more information about New Jersey American Water and the Community Advancement grant program, please visit www.newjerseyamwater.com.

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable, and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About American Water Charitable Foundation

The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water, focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested more than $20 million in funding through grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water. The Foundation is funded by American Water shareholders

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