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‘Tis the season of giving for the American Water Charitable Foundation, which recently announced $117,500 in grants to organizations around New Jersey. 

Funding for the following initiatives is provided by the foundation as part of its State Strategic Grant and Keep Communities Flowing Grant programs, focused on three pillars of giving: water, people and communities. 

Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Grant Program: $32,500

The nonprofit organization founded by Camden-based American Water, along with subsidiary New Jersey American Water, unveiled the 14 recipients of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Grant Program Nov. 21. 

These organizations and community groups were chosen for their work to advance inclusion and diversity-related initiatives in communities throughout the state: 

• Asbury Park African-American Music Project 
• Bruckner Chase Ocean Positive Inc. 
• Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey 
• Hispanic Family Center of Southern NJ Inc. 
• Independent Authors Book Experience 
• Lawnside Historical Society 
• My Brother Rocks the Spectrum Foundation 
• Piscataway Public Library Foundation 
• Shore Clubhouse A NJ Nonprofit Corp. 
• Somerset Children’s Center 
• Warren County Habitat for Humanity 
• Westfield Area YMCA 
• West Orange Public Schools/St. Cloud Elementary School 
• Youthnet Inc. 

Noting the program is now in its second year, Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water, said, “These grants not only honor the dedication of organizations committed to fostering inclusion and diversity but also enhance our collective mission to create a more equitable and welcoming community for all.”

State Strategic Impact grants: $25,000

The Foundation and NJ American Water announced Nov. 22 five nonprofits that are battling food insecurity throughout New Jersey and were the recipients of the State Strategic Impact funding: 

• Community FoodBank of New Jersey 
• The Food Bank of South Jersey 
• FulFill NJ: Food Bank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties 
• Mercer Street Friends Food Bank 
• Norwescap 

“This donation, coupled with the year-round support from New Jersey American Water for our events, enables us to enhance our efforts in providing essential assistance to nearly 675,000 individuals in our 15-county service area who are facing hunger,” said Torrina Bennett-Michael, director of external affairs at the Community FoodBank of NJ. 

Carrie Williams, president of the American Water Charitable Foundation, added, “We are thrilled to collaborate with New Jersey American Water to support local food banks across the state. This year’s initiative underscores our commitment to community welfare by directing essential funds to the areas in greatest need.” 

Bottle Filling Station Grant Program: $40,000 

The Bottle Filling Grant Program provides funding for nonprofits, school districts and community organizations to purchase new bottle filling stations, which help reduce single-use plastic waste.

“A staggering 60 million plastic bottles are thrown away every day in the U.S.,” Williams said in a Nov. 26 statement. “We’re aiming to change this in our communities by providing accessible hydration stations, eliminating the need to buy dozens of water bottles and jugs every week.” 

A total of 16 organizations across 10 counties throughout New Jersey American Water’s service territory received the grants: 

• Audubon Civic REACH
• Burlington County Saint Patrick’s Parade Committee
• Chatham Senior Center
• Delanco Youth Sports Association
• Egg Harbor Township Police Activities League
• Friends of Piscataway Public Library
• Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey Inc.
• Interfaith Neighbors Inc.
• Orca Youth Sports
• Plainfield Board of Education/Plainfield Public School District
• Plainsboro Free Public Library Foundation
• Rotary Club of Belvidere
• Roxbury Athletic Foundation
• Strathmere Improvement Association
• United Way of Greater Union County
• YM YWHA of Union County 

Sean Sutton, director of facilities and grounds for the Plainfield Public Schools, thanked the foundation and utility company for the funding, adding, “The installation of a bottle filling station at the Maxson Middle School will not only promote hydration and sustainability but also enhance equity by providing our students, faculty and community with better access to resources.”

Foundation Corporate Strategic grant: $20,000

The Urban League Affiliate of Union County was the recipient of the Foundation Corporate Strategic funding. The award will support workforce development initiatives that help close the equality gap for historically underserved groups throughout the county, the foundation announced Dec. 3.

Crystal Orr, president and CEO of Urban League of Union County, said the organization was “thrilled” to receive the funding.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to the communities we serve, many of whom rely on New Jersey American Water for essential services. With this support, we can continue to strengthen our workforce development initiatives, empowering individuals and helping more people gain meaningful employment,” Orr said. 

According to the foundation, the Urban League of Union County has served the area for 80 years. Its workforce development program was launched in 1944. 

“New Jersey American Water is proud to collaborate with the American Water Charitable Foundation to support the Urban League of Union County,” McDonough said. “This grant underscores our ongoing commitment to empower our communities through meaningful support. Together, we can help foster economic opportunities and build a brighter future for New Jersey.”