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West Virginia American Water Launches Second Annual Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Grant Program

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (Oct. 3, 2022) – West Virginia American Water announced today that applications are now being accepted for the company’s second annual Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (ID&E) Grant Program. Funding through this grant program is available to support inclusion, diversity and equity initiatives for nonprofit organizations and entities in company’s service areas.

“As a dedicated community partner, West Virginia American Water believes in supporting organizations that have a shared purpose for making inclusion, diversity and equity a top priority across the state,” said Bradley Harris, senior external affairs specialist at West Virginia American Water and American Water inclusion, diversity and equity executive council member. “Our work in the ID&E space is just beginning in West Virginia, and we will continue to invest in initiatives that move our state forward and make an impact on our communities.”

West Virginia American Water was among the first in the Mountain State to offer a program specifically dedicated to providing organizations funding for inclusion, diversity and equity-related events, programming and initiatives. Earlier this year, West Virginia American Water was named runner-up for an American Water People Powered Award for introducing its Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Grant Program to the American Water business. Since the program’s launch in 2021, the company has awarded 13 grants to organizations across the state totaling $15,000. West Virginia State University in Institute was one of 13 recipients of last year’s program.

“We are extremely appreciative of West Virginia American Water for their commitment to promoting inclusion and diversity through this grant program,” said West Virginia State University President Ericke S. Cage. “Through this program, the University received a grant that was used to host a community conversation on diversity, equity and inclusion that featured campus and community leaders in a thought-provoking discussion of these very important issues.”

West Virginia American Water’s 2022 Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Grant program will provide financial assistance to organizations seeking to develop and implement programs, training or community-related projects that aim to promote and foster inclusion and diversity in the community. The maximum grant amount is $2,500.

To qualify for a grant, the organization, project or event must:

  • Be located within West Virginia American Water's service area (organizations served by Jefferson Utilities are also eligible to apply)
  • Be a new, innovative community initiative or serve as significant expansion to an existing program
  • Promote inclusion, diversity and equity in the community the organization serves
  • Have 501(c)(3) designation or be a government agency (including public schools)
  • Individuals are not eligible to receive grants

Additional information and the application can be found on the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Grant Program page of the company’s website. Applications must be emailed or postmarked by Friday, November 4, 2022. Recipients will be notified by the end of November.

About West Virginia American Water

West Virginia American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 560,000 people. 

About American Water

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and diversityataw.com. Follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

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West Virginia American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 560,000 people. For more information, visit www.westvirginiaamwater.com and follow West Virginia American Water on Twitter and Facebook.