Press Releases
Grant supports rain garden installation and environmental education programming for Public School No. 25 in Paterson
CAMDEN, N.J. – AUG. 25 2026 – The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic nonprofit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., and New Jersey American Water, in support of their ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, are proud to recognize Great Swamp Watershed Association as a recipient of the Foundation’s 2026 Water and Environment Grant Program.
Great Swamp Watershed Association was awarded the $11,900 grant to install green infrastructure and provide hands-on environmental education for approximately 120 fourth- and fifth-grade students at Public School No. 25 in Paterson, New Jersey. Through classroom lessons, school-ground activities and field-based learning, students will explore stormwater management, water quality, groundwater recharge and flood resilience before selecting plants and installing the rain garden.
“The American Water Charitable Foundation’s investment in this project will enable us to work with the students at P.S. 25 to install green infrastructure at their school while directly engaging them in hands-on environmental education,” said William S. Kibler, Executive Director, Great Swamp Watershed Association. “Students will actively participate in the planning, planting, and long-term stewardship of the rain garden, gaining practical knowledge about stormwater management, water quality, and environmental responsibility as they help create a lasting community asset.”
The rain garden will help manage stormwater in Paterson, where extensive impervious surfaces and combined sewer overflows contribute to flooding and water-quality challenges. Once installed, the rain garden is expected to redirect and infiltrate approximately 25,000 gallons of roof runoff annually while supporting groundwater recharge, native plants and pollinator habitat. The project is expected to directly benefit approximately 820 students and community members and provide an ongoing outdoor environmental education resource at the school.
“Providing safe and reliable water is what we do, but giving back to the communities we serve is part of who we are,” said Mark McDonough, President of New Jersey American Water. “Through the Foundation’s Water and Environment Grant Program, we're proud to invest in local organizations that protect our water resources, educate future stewards and strengthen communities across New Jersey.”
The Water and Environment grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, focusing on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. In 2026, the American Water Charitable Foundation awarded over $179,000 in Water and Environment grants to ten nonprofit organizations across New Jersey American Water’s service area.
“The American Water Charitable Foundation is delighted to support eligible nonprofit organizations making a meaningful impact across New Jersey,” said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. “Funding for Water and Environment grants support projects focused on clean water, conservation, environmental education, climate variability, and water-based recreation.”
Learn more about the American Water Charitable Foundation, here.
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 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 19 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 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 over $25 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 and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf.
About New Jersey American Water
New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 3 million people. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow New Jersey American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.
New Jersey American Water Media Contact:
Damarah Brown
Sr. External Affairs Specialist
New Jersey American Water
Damarah.Brown@amwater.com
American Water Charitable Foundation Media Contact:
awcfmedia@amwater.com