New Jersey American Water and the American Water Charitable Foundation have announced the recipients of the 2025 Community Advancement Grant Program, offered through the Foundation’s State Strategic Impact Grant Program.
This year, the Foundation awarded $25,000 to 10 reputable organizations to help expand access to opportunities and promote progress for individuals with limited access to programs or services throughout New Jersey.
The grants will be used to develop and implement programs, training or community-related projects.
Recipients include:
- A Hand to Hold, Inc. – Expand Pathways to Success and Youth Hygiene Pantry Initiative programs
- Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Warren County – Increase community access to programs and services
- Feeding Hands, Inc. – Expand healthy cooking programs for kids in the kitchen
- HABcore, Inc. -Expand services that support affordable housing
- Hairy’s Dog House – Expand outreach programs for children in hospitals
- JPELITE Enterprise – Expand Initiative for Young Engineers Promotion Program
- Dignity, Inc. (MEND) – Expanding the Mobile Market Program to the Community
- New Jersey Blind Citizens Association, Inc. – Improve quality of life for visually impaired people
- Tara’s Happy Boxes – Expand wellness services for children
- VET4U, LLC – Increase Outreach Program for Homeless Veterans
Ayanna Baker, Executive Director of A Hand to Hold Inc., said, “We are truly honored to receive this grant from the American Water Charitable Foundation and New Jersey American Water. This support comes at an important time for our organization and will directly strengthen our impact, enabling us to reach more youth and families in Camden.”
“We want to use these funds to expand our enrichment programs, provide needed resources, and continue to create safe spaces where young people feel seen, supported, and valued.”
“The Community Advancement Grant Program continues to strengthen communities across New Jersey by supporting organizations committed to meaningful impact,” said Mark McDonough, New Jersey American Water and American Water Charitable Foundation board member.
“These grants honor the extraordinary efforts of our 2025 recipients and reaffirm our shared dedication to expanding opportunity, deepening community connections, and building a brighter, more resilient future for all.”
Funding for the Community Advancement Grant Program is provided by the American Water Charitable Foundation as part of its State Strategic Impact Grant Program, which focuses on high-impact projects and initiatives across American Water’s national footprint.
The state Strategic Impact Grant is part of the Foundation’s Community Flow Grant program, which focuses on three pillars of giving: water, people and community.
<a href=