Local Information and Statistics Grants

The American Water Charitable Foundation’s Water and Environment grant program is a targeted funding opportunity designed to support innovative, community-based projects that align directly with the Foundation’s core mission of environmental stewardship and water sustainability within American Water’s service areas. The program seeks to fund new, non-operational initiatives focused on three key aspects: improving, restoring, or protecting watersheds, surface water, and groundwater; promoting water conservation practices; and enhancing equitable access to water-based recreation for underserved communities. Eligibility is restricted to 501(c)(3) public charities, K-12 public schools, colleges, and universities located within the company’s operational footprint, ensuring a direct local impact. The grant program’s priorities and focuses center on addressing local environmental and community needs. Key focus areas include scientific investigation and monitoring of pollutants, the development and implementation of green infrastructure, and environmental education. For example, grants were awarded to support analytical costs for increasing upstream pollution monitoring, to fund new sampling sites for pollutant testing in rivers, and to install bioswales to reduce runoff and recharge local aquifers. The target beneficiaries are the local communities within American Water’s service regions, with a specific focus on projects that improve equitable access for underserved populations. The expected outcomes are strongly tied to measurable, on-the-ground results that contribute to improved water quality and conservation. Grantees are expected to deliver tangible outcomes such as eliminating pollution sources, providing communities with actionable data for improving local water quality, reducing runoff, and supporting remediation efforts based on new scientific findings. To ensure efficiency, all projects are required to be completed within 12 months of the grant being awarded. This emphasis on clear, time-bound deliverables ensures that the Foundation’s investment translates quickly into demonstrable environmental and community benefits. The Foundation's strategic priorities and implicit theory of change rest on the principle that local, community-driven investment is the most effective pathway to sustainable water resource management and protection. By funding specific, measurable activities—such as water quality monitoring, targeted infrastructure installation, and educational programming—the Foundation aims to achieve intermediate outcomes like reduced contamination and increased environmental awareness. This approach is rooted in the belief that empowering local organizations to gather data, implement physical solutions, and cultivate environmental stewardship will lead to the long-term impact of protected and enhanced water supplies across the communities served by American Water.

The Town of Flower Mound's Community Support program offers annual funding to non-profit organizations. This program aims to support activities, programs, and services that directly benefit Flower Mound residents. The Town's mission, though not explicitly detailed as a "foundation mission," aligns with fostering community well-being by empowering local organizations to address social services and cultural arts needs within its jurisdiction. This grant mechanism serves as a strategic priority to leverage community partnerships for local development and resident support, embodying a theory of change that by funding local initiatives, the overall quality of life for its citizens will improve. Target beneficiaries of this grant are the residents of Flower Mound, who will receive direct services through the funded organizations. The impact goals include enhancing social services and cultural arts offerings within the community. The program prioritizes organizations that can demonstrate a clear benefit to the Town, aiming to improve various aspects of community life. For example, social service programs could lead to improved access to essential resources, while cultural arts initiatives could enrich community engagement and appreciation for the arts. The program focuses on organizations that are 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities, have been in operation for at least three years, and meet specific financial criteria, including not relying on the Town's funding for more than 25% of their operating budget and generally having no more than six months of operating expenses in reserve. These requirements ensure that funding goes to stable and well-managed organizations capable of delivering sustained impact. Exceptions for reserve requirements are considered with a clear explanation, demonstrating the Town's flexibility while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Expected outcomes and measurable results are tied to the information required in the application. Applicants must specify the funding amount requested, anticipated benefits to the Town, and statistics on service levels (both actual and as a percentage of total services). They also need to describe the intended use of funds, provide an organizational overview, detail goals from the most recent fiscal year, set goals and objectives for the proposed year, and explain any funding request increases. These requirements ensure accountability and allow the Town to assess the tangible benefits and reach of the funded programs, demonstrating a commitment to data-driven decision-making and measurable impact.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community organizations in Worcester County, Maryland, for initiatives designed to prevent youth from starting to use cannabis products.