Press Releases
Grant supports student-led coastal resiliency and watershed protection efforts
CAMDEN, N.J. – JULY 1, 2026 – The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit 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 name Egg Harbor Township High School a recipient of the Foundation’s 2026 Water and Environment Grant Program.
Egg Harbor Township High School was awarded $10,000 to support a student-led coastal resiliency effort through its Oceanography and Environmental Science classes. Students will pre-condition American Beach Grass culms in the school's greenhouse facility before planting them along the Ocean City coastline to strengthen dune systems, improve stormwater management, and slow saltwater encroachment into the Great Egg Harbor Watershed. The project is developed in partnership with the American Littoral Society, which will facilitate grass procurement and transport, and Ocean City Public Works, which will identify the most effective planting locations.
"This grant gives our students the opportunity to do something that matters beyond the classroom," said [Name], [Title], Egg Harbor Township High School. "By growing and planting these grasses themselves, they are gaining firsthand experience in environmental stewardship while making a real, lasting difference along our coastline. We are grateful to the American Water Charitable Foundation for investing in both our students and the communities they are working to protect."
Beyond the environmental impact, students will document the project through photos, video, and school-produced commercials aired on Eagle News and shared across social media, extending conservation awareness to an estimated 10,000 indirect community members throughout Atlantic and Cape May Counties.
“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 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.
Learn more about New Jersey American Water's community impact, 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 18 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