ENVIRONMENTAL GRANT PROGRAM
Our commitment to protecting the environment runs deep and we’re proud to support the efforts of local organizations that share our vision.
Established in 2009, our annual Environmental Grant Program offers funding for innovative, community-based environmental projects that improve, restore or protect the watersheds, surface water and groundwater supplies in our local communities.
We are pleased to offer assistance to community partners to help make a positive impact on the environment, and we encourage you to apply.
To qualify for Environmental Grant funding, a proposed project must be:
- Be located within New Jersey American Water’s service area;
- Address a source water or watershed protection in the community;
- Be completed between May and November of the grant funding year
- Be a new or innovative program for the community, or serve as a significant expansion to an existing program;
- Be carried out by a formal or informal partnership between two or more organizations;
- Provide evidence of sustainability (continued existence after the grant monies are utilized);
- Salaries and compensation for support of a project or program are ineligible for the grant.
For more information, please see our 2023 Program Brochure and Grant Application Form. If you have questions about the grant or grant process, please email njenvgrant@amwater.com.
The 2023 Environmental Grant Program is now closed.
2023 Environmental Grant Recipients
In 2023, New Jersey American Water issued five grants totaling more than $40,000 to the following organizations:
Delaware River Greenway Partnership was awarded $7,000 for an all-volunteer litter clean up and tree planting effort in Belvidere, N.J. The clean-up and tree planting effort will benefit the Pequest River - a key Delaware River tributary. The project is expected to enhance community education as well as a collaborative spirit. The vegetation will benefit associated natural amenities within the project area.
Pinelands Preservation Alliance was awarded $5,000 to plant approximately 50 trees on publicly owned and managed lands in Lumberton Township, N.J. The plantings will be located in close proximity to two rain gardens to assist in naturally retaining stormwater to help reduce flooding in the community through green infrastructure. The project will focus on outreach to the residents of Lumberton and will offer a rain garden presentation and design workshop.
Readington Township Environmental Commission was awarded $10,000 to assist in locating the exact source of existing E. Coli impacts on the South Branch of the Rockaway Creek in Readington. The Readington Township Environmental Commission will be responsible for collecting the water samples and delivering them to the laboratory, as well as record keeping. The goal of the project is to determine if the source of the E. Coli is due to malfunctioning septic systems or Bovine excretions. The project will help ensure that the South Branch of the Rockaway Creek water is free of unacceptable levels of E. Coli contamination, aside from ensuring the health and safety of recreational activities. The Rockaway Creek flows in the Lamington River, which flows into the North Branch of the Raritan, which is used as drinking water for more than 1 million people in New Jersey.
Somerset County Park Commission was awarded $10,000 for a reforestation project located within Duke Island Park to help stabilize the riparian buffer along the lower Raritan River. The project will help with replacing trees lost to Hurricane Ida and the Emerald Ash Borer while ultimately rebuilding the shaded recreation areas and creating habitat for beneficial insects and wildlife. This reforestation project will allow for water quality improvements as native plant root systems will help to filter out toxins and take up water to help alleviate flooding.
Toms River Environmental Commission was awarded $8,430 for a pollinator garden in Ortley Beach, NJ. The pollinator garden will be constructed on the sandy soil that exists between the parking lot and beach boardwalk between Coolidge Avenue and the oceanfront in Ortley Beach. The pollinator garden will include a vigorous outreach effort, hoping to inspire residents and travelers to incorporate more pollinator inclusive behavior when planting their own gardens.
To see previous grant recipients:
List of towns and map of New Jersey American Water Service areas