New Jersey American Water is launching the 2026 American Water Charitable Foundation Water and Environment Grant Program.
The foundation invites community partners to apply for grants that promote clean water, conservation, environmental education, climate variability and water-based recreation projects.
“The American Water Charitable Foundation’s support has allowed the Musconetcong Watershed Association to serve our community with credible, science-based information at a time when residents need it most,” said Christa Reeves, Director of Watershed Science and Stewardship for the Musconetcong Watershed Association and 2025 Foundation Water and Environment grantee.
”Through expanded PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances) monitoring, and public outreach, we’ve been able to keep people informed, reduce uncertainty, and advance our mission to protect and improve the quality of the Musconetcong Watershed for people and nature,”
In 2025, the American Water Charitable Foundation awarded a total of $1.7 million in water and environment grants to 80 organizations in 12 states, supporting groups located in communities served by American Water, including nine New Jersey-based organizations: Clean Ocean Action, Great Swamp Watershed Association, Monmouth Conservation Foundation, Musconetcong Watershed Association, New Jersey Audubon, New Jersey Tree Foundation, Pinelands Preservation Alliance, The Somerset County Chapter of the Native Plant Society of New Jersey, and The Watershed Institute.
“Across our state, we see firsthand how strong community partnerships can make a meaningful difference for our waterways and the people who depend on them,” said Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water and member of the Board of Trustees of the American Water Charitable Foundation.
“Through the foundation’s water and environment grant program, we’re proud to support local organizations that are educating future stewards, protecting natural resources and enhancing quality of life in the communities we serve.”
The foundation supports three pillars of giving: water, people and communities. Since 2012, the American Water Charitable Foundation has invested more than $25 million in funding through grants and matching gifts that positively benefit the communities where American Water and its employees live and work.
Applications will be accepted through March 6.
