New Jersey American Water Presents $33,000 Grant from the American Water Charitable Foundation to The Watershed Institute

Sean Quinn, Source Water Protection Manager for New Jersey American Water (right) was proud to present a check for $33,000 to Jim Waltman, Executive Director of The Watershed Institute (left).

CAMDEN - In support of their ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, New Jersey American Water and the American Water Charitable Foundation are proud to name The Watershed Institute a recipient of the Foundation’s 2025 Water and Environment Grant Program. Based in Pennington, the organization received $33,000 to expand its StreamWatch Schools program, which empowers students to take an active role in monitoring the health of local waterways.

"The Watershed Institute is thrilled to receive a Water and Environment grant from the American Water Charitable Foundation,” said Jim Waltman, Executive Director of The Watershed Institute. “This support will enable us to scale our StreamWatch Schools program, engaging students across the state in water quality testing, connecting them with local waterways, building STEM skills, and laying the foundation for a lifelong appreciation of the ways in which we can work together to keep our waterways clean, safe and healthy."

With this funding, The Watershed Institute plans to broaden the program’s reach, providing more educators and classrooms with the resources and training needed to participate. This grant reflects New Jersey American Water’s continued investment in community-based environmental efforts that promote sustainability and protect natural resources throughout the state.

“At New Jersey American Water, we believe that protecting our water sources starts with empowering the communities we serve,” said Mark McDonough, president, New Jersey American Water, and member, board of trustees, American Water Charitable Foundation. “These grantees exemplify the passion and innovation needed to address local water and environmental challenges head-on. We are proud to see their work supported through the American Water Charitable Foundation’s grant program and look forward to the lasting impact these projects will have across our state.”  

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 2025, the American Water Charitable Foundation awarded over $209,000 to nine nonprofit organizations across New Jersey American Water’s service area. More information about the company’s environmental impact can be found online at https://www.amwater.com/njaw/News-Community/environmental-grant-program.

“The American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to support projects and programs focused on clean water, conservation, environmental education and water-based recreation across American Water's national footprint,” said Carrie Williams, president, American Water Charitable Foundation. "The Water and Environment Grant Program allows us to continue focusing on our core passion of water while engaging community members in learning how every drop counts."