New Jersey American Water and the American Water Charitable Foundation have announced the recipients of the 2025 Community Advancement Grant Program, 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.
The grants will be used to develop and implement programs, training or community-related projects.
The 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
“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.”
“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.
