Iowa American Water Announces Launch of 2026 American Water Charitable Foundation Water and Environment Grant Program

DAVENPORT, Iowa, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Iowa American Water is thrilled to announce the launch of the American Water Charitable Foundation 2026 Water and Environment Grant Program. The Foundation invites community partners to apply for grants that promote clean water, conservation, environmental education, climate variability and water-based recreation projects.

"River Action and the community have long benefitted from a collaboration with Iowa American Water that addresses water quality and education," said Kathy Wine, Executive Director of River Action, Inc. "The American Water Charitable Foundation Water and Environment Grant helped provide funding for CoCoRaSH rain gauges and training for our high school and college students who attended the Next Gen Summit in October 2025. These students will become a network of volunteers reporting rain observations using their gauges, which will get reported to organizations like the National Weather Service to assess the data."

In 2025, the American Water Charitable Foundation awarded a combined total of $1.7 million to 80 organizations in 12 states, supporting organizations located in communities served by American Water, including five from Iowa-based organizations:

• Clinton Substance Abuse Council
• Bettendorf Public Library Foundation
• Nahant Marsh Education Center
• River Action, Inc.
• Vince Jetter Community Center

"As a provider of safe, clean water and wastewater service for customers in Iowa, a commitment to the well-being of the environment and our watersheds is at the heart of all we do. We understand that as a company, we play an important role in protecting, restoring and enhancing these shared resources. We also know we can't do it alone," said Iowa American Water President Brad Nielsen. "We're thankful for the many dedicated community partners we're able to collaborate with as they work to address environmental concerns, offer educational resources and ensure the health and vitality of our watersheds for generations to come. We encourage them to take advantage of this opportunity and apply for a Water and Environment Grant." 

The Foundation supports three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. Since 2012, the American Water Charitable Foundation has invested over $25 million in funding through grants and matching gifts that positively benefit the communities where American Water and its employees live and work. 

"The American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to work collaboratively with Iowa American Water and launch the 2026 Water and Environment Grant Program, supporting impactful initiatives and programs across the nation," said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. "Our charitable focus to Keep Communities Flowing empowers communities to understand the importance of water education and conservation, while also encouraging local organizations to engage in protecting this vital resource." 

Applications will be accepted through March 6, 2026. Learn more about the American Water Charitable Foundation, grant eligibility and how to apply 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, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,500 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 (NYSE: AWK), 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 Iowa American Water
Iowa 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 227,000 people.

For more information, visit iowaamwater.com and follow Iowa American Water on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

SOURCE American Water