Hydration Station Grant Program

The Hydration Station Grant Program is an initiative launched by New Jersey American Water in partnership with the American Water Charitable Foundation. This program reflects the organization's broader commitment to environmental stewardship and enhancing community well-being through infrastructure that supports public access to clean, safe drinking water. The foundation, registered as a 501(c)(3) private entity with the IRS, collaborates with New Jersey American Water to fund and implement programs that align with its mission of improving quality of life across its service regions. This grant program aims to provide funding of up to $2,500 to eligible organizations for the purchase of bottle filling stations. These stations enable convenient and environmentally friendly hydration options by allowing people to refill personal, reusable bottles with clean tap water. The program's main objective is to support sustainable water use and encourage healthier habits among the communities served by New Jersey American Water. Eligible applicants must fall within New Jersey American Water’s service area and must be either a registered 501(c)(3) public charity that offers public access to the filling station, or an educational institution, including K–12 public schools, colleges, or universities. The program expressly excludes individuals, government entities such as townships and municipalities, and faith-based organizations or institutions that automatically qualify for 501(c)(3) status as religious entities, such as churches, mosques, or synagogues. There may be limited exceptions granted to organizations that do not meet the public charity requirement but demonstrate a strong alignment with the program's objectives. To apply, eligible organizations must submit their applications by the deadline of July 11, 2025. All grant funds will be distributed either directly by the American Water Charitable Foundation or by New Jersey American Water, based on recommendations from company personnel. The grant supports capital acquisition—the funding is specifically allocated for the purchase of bottle filling stations and does not appear to cover installation, maintenance, or additional programming costs. Applications will be reviewed based on alignment with program goals, eligibility compliance, and community impact potential. No pre-application steps, LOIs, or Q&A periods are specified in the program materials. Applicants seeking additional guidance are directed to contact the External Affairs team via email at njaw.outreach@amwater.com. The program was introduced for the second year in a row, indicating a recurring structure, though no explicit renewal date is provided. The funding opportunity is not rolling and has a single fixed deadline. This targeted funding stream aims to make a tangible environmental impact while promoting the use of public water infrastructure to foster health-conscious and fiscally responsible community habits.

Carrying a reusable bottle and drinking tap water can save you money and create lifelong healthy and fiscal habits.