Water and Environment Grant Program

Water and Environment Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: American Water Charitable Foundation Inc
Last Updated: January 29, 2026

Summary

The Water and Environment Grant Program by the American Water Charitable Foundation supports innovative community projects aimed at improving watersheds, conserving water, and enhancing access to recreation in underserved areas. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions located within American Water's service areas. Projects must be completed within 12 months, and applicants should consider budget feasibility when requesting funds. Certain organizations and projects, such as those not classified as 501(c)(3), are ineligible.

Overview

The American Water Charitable Foundation is an independent, 501(c)(3) private foundation, supported by the shareholders of American Water. The Foundation’s Board of Trustees, composed of officers and leaders of American Water or its subsidiaries, review Foundation programs, guidelines, and distribution of funds. Applications will be accepted in the following states served by American Water, in addition to its Military Service locations: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. The Water and Environment Grant Program will be awarded to help fund innovative, community-based projects that: improve, restore or protect the watersheds, surface water and/or groundwater suppliespromote water conservationimprove equitable access to water-based recreation in underserved communities

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicants must be classified as a 501(c)(3) public charity by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or K-12 public school, college or university.Projects must be completed within 12 months of the grant being awarded.Projects must be located within and benefit American Water’s service areas.The amount of grant you request should be based on your budget. As our Foundation has limited resources to address many needs in the communities we serve, a request for an amount that is not feasible may eliminate your project from consideration.

Ineligibility

To focus our giving, there are projects and organizations we don’t fund. Please review the following list in its entirety before you apply for a grant. This is not an exhaustive list and other restrictions may apply.Organizations not registered as a 501(c)(3) public charityGovernment entities including townships, municipalities, citiesDonations of water or water-related servicesDonations to connect water service, pipeline or water main extension projectsCustomer assistance grants to help pay water bill. Click here to learn about Customer Assistance Programs available in your state.Individuals, including GoFundMe campaignsPolitical causes, candidates, organizations, or campaignsScholarships and tuitionSponsorships, fundraisers, festivals, banquets, galas, races, golf tournaments, or other eventsBoy Scouts of AmericaDonor advised fundsFaith-based or religious organizations, including churches, synagogues, mosques or other houses of worship, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, The Salvation Army, and other organizations that are not required to file for exemption with the IRS as they automatically qualify for 501(c)(3) status as a church. This restriction extends to projects that are supported by a church, for non-church purposes, such as a meal program, where the check would be payable to the church.K-12 schools that require religious instruction as part of their general education requirements. This restriction extends to colleges and universities that require any type of Theology, Faith or Religious courses to meet core curriculum graduation requirements. Colleges seeking assistance to identify their religious affiliation should visit the NCES website.Organizations that discriminate against people based on age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, protected veteran status, an individual’s disability status, or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.