$75,000 in funding distributed in 2025

LEXINGTON, Ky., Dec. 22, 2025 — The American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) entity founded by American Water (NYSE: AWK) — the largest regulated water and wastewater utility in the U.S. — and Kentucky American Water announced today that the Foundation presented more than $75,000 in State Strategic Impact grants to 27 Central Kentucky organizations in 2025.

“We’re extremely thankful for this backing from The American Water Charitable Foundation and Kentucky American Water. Eleven percent of Kentucky’s youth will face a major loss due to death before turning 18, and these young people often struggle in their personal lives and at school,” said Leila Salisbury, founder and executive director of The Kentucky Center for Grieving Children and Families. “This partnership with the Foundation creates therapeutic experiences and ongoing peer groups to support these kids and teens. With help and connection, they can achieve healthier outcomes and grow into resilient individuals ready to contribute positively to their families and communities.”

The following organizations received grant funds:  

• A Different World
• Arbor Youth Services
• Bluegrass Greensource, Inc.
• CASA of Lexington
• Central Kentucky Riding for Hope
• Central Music Academy
• Community Inspired Lexington
• Elizabeth’s Village
• Fayette Education Foundation
• Food from the Heart
• Lexarts
• Lexington Community Radio
• Lexington Fisher House Foundation
• Lexington History Museum
• Lexington Humane Society
• Lift Up Lexington (Operation Secret Santa)
• Living Arts and Science Center
• Marafiki Center
• North Middletown Elementary School
• Seedleaf
• Special Olympics of Kentucky
• The Kentucky Center for Grieving Children and Families
• The Nest
• Toy Chest Corporation
• University of Kentucky – Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History
• YMCA of Central Kentucky
• YMCA of Paris-Bourbon County

“For Kentucky American Water, giving back is central to our identity,” said Rob Burton, president of Kentucky American Water. “With support from the American Water Charitable Foundation, we’re honored to collaborate with diverse organizations across our service area — creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and ensuring every family has access to the resources they need to thrive.”

The State Strategic Impact grant is part of the 2025 Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, which focuses on three giving pillars: Water, People, and Communities. State Strategic Impact grants support high-impact projects and initiatives throughout American Water’s national footprint.

“The American Water Charitable Foundation is pleased to partner with organizations that align with Kentucky American Water’s goals and support efforts to make Central Kentucky a great place to live and work,” said Carrie Williams, president of the American Water Charitable Foundation.

Learn more about the American Water Charitable Foundation .

About American Water 
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the nation’s largest regulated water and wastewater utility. Founded in 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by delivering safe, clean, reliable, and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to over 14 million people through regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,700 skilled professionals leverage their extensive expertise and the company’s national scale to drive excellent results for customers, employees, investors, and other stakeholders.

About Kentucky American Water
Kentucky American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, supplies safe, clean, reliable, and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 527,000 customers.

For more information, visit Kentucky American Water’s  and join Kentucky American Water on , ,  and .

SOURCE American Water