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West Virginia American Water Proudly Recognizes American Water Charitable Foundation 2024 Water and Environment Grantees

Recipients include four nonprofit organizations across West Virginia American Water

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (May 2, 2024) The American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., recently announced four organizations were awarded a Water and Environment grant, supporting communities served by West Virginia American Water.

“This year, West Virginia's Water and the Environment initiatives bolster economic growth, boost tourism and enhance environmental education and recreational offerings,” said Rob Burton, president of West Virginia American Water.” The American Water Charitable Foundation's generous investment of $97,900 marks another significant win for communities in the Mountain 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. Below is a list of grantees throughout West Virginia.

The Nature Conservancy in West Virginia secured a $83,400 grant to support its Hungry Beech Trail Development and Watershed Conservation Project.

“Developing a trail at this preserve will allow easier access to beautiful cove forests, large boulder and cliff complexes and create a unique visitor experience,” said Mike Powell, director of land management and stewardship for The Nature Conservancy in West Virginia. “Located a short drive from Charleston, this will provide a nature experience to a wide group of residents and visitors while protecting headwater streams, ancient forests and a unique assemblage of wildlife.”

The West Virginia National Guard Foundation obtained a $5,000 grant to fund the West Virginia Mountaineer Challenge Academy South’s Science and Ecology Club Morris Creek Improvement Project.

"The goal of the club is to help cadets learn about the great natural resources in West Virginia and realize the importance of their conservation and preservation,” said Doug Huff, science teacher at West Virginia Mountaineer Challenge Academy South. “This funding will help us to achieve that goal and will provide new opportunities for our cadets as they strive to complete the Mountaineer Challenge Academy and build successful plans for their futures."

The West Virginia Highlands Conservancy received a $5,000 grant to develop its new Mountain Odyssey: Education Outings and Beyond Program.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the American Water Charitable Foundation on this initiative that will connect people with the natural wonders of the West Virginia Highlands and create a culture of environmental stewardship within local communities,” said West Virginia Highlands Conservancy Program Director Olivia Miller. “Their support will enable us to create opportunities for people in West Virginia to inspire a deeper appreciation and understanding of nature.”

The Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council secured a $4,500 grant to fund its 2024 watershed workshop.

"Collaboration is key to the work we do at our organization," said Beth Casey, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council. "We're ecstatic to continue our partnership with the American Water Charitable Foundation and West Virginia American Water."

Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation added, “The American Water Charitable Foundation is delighted to partner with eligible nonprofit organizations across West Virginia. Funding for Water and Environment grants is allocated towards projects focused on clean water, conservation, environmental education, climate variability and water-based recreation.”

Learn more about West Virginia 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, 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 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a formal way to demonstrate the company’s ongoing commitment to be a good neighbor, citizen, and contributor to the communities where American Water and its employees live, work and operate. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf.

West Virginia American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 600,000 people.


Media Contacts

Bradley Harris

Manager, External Affairs

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bradley.harris@amwater.com