New Jersey American Water is now accepting applications for its 2012 Environment Grant Program. Up to $10,000 could be awarded to candidates who demonstrate innovative programs that address water source or watershed protection needs. The deadline for applications is March 10; all applications must be postmarked by March 9, 2012.

Organizations engaging in activities that improve a community's water supply or improve, restore or protect watersheds will be considered for funding. Such projects may include wildlife habitat improvement, storm water management, wellhead protection initiatives, watershed cleanups, or reforestation efforts.

To be eligible, organizations:

  • Must be located within New Jersey American Water's service area
  • Must complete the project between January and December 2012
  • Must establish a new or innovative program or a significant expansion to an existing program
  • May be a partnership between two or more organizations
  • Must provide evidence of sustainability
  • Salaries and compensation requests are ineligible

Eligible candidates will be notified in early April. Grant recipients will be announced later this year after eligible applicants have submitted a written review on the results and impact of their project.

Grants are awarded on a competitive basis and will be selected based on various criteria such as project goals, impact, innovation, design, collaboration, sustainability, and community engagement among other requirements. Since it began 2009, New Jersey American Water's Environmental Grant Program has provided more than $55,000 in funding.

For more information on New Jersey American Water's 2012 Environmental Grant Program, contact Gary Matthews at 732-302-3141 or gary.matthews@amwater.com.

Visit http://www.amwater.com/njaw/ensuring-water-quality/environmental-grants-program.html to access the 2012 program brochure or to download an application.

New Jersey American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest publicly traded water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.5 million people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in more than 30 states, as well as parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

New Jersey American Water
Richard G. Barnes, 856-782-2371
richard.barnes@amwater.com