We’re excited to announce that we have been awarded a $14,800 program grant from The Maplewood Foundation. We are one of ten nonprofits that received a grant in the 2024/2025 grant cycle. We will be honored by The Maplewood Foundation at “Celebrate Maplewood” on January 10, 2025, at the Maplewood Country Club. Learn more about the event and purchase your tickets:  https://givebutter.com/celebratemaplewood 

 November 21, 2024 | American Water (NYSE: AWK) 

CAMDEN, N.J. – November 21, 2024 – The American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., and New Jersey American Water announced today the recipients of its 2024 Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Grant Program. This year, the Foundation awarded $32,500 to 14 distinguished organizations and community groups for the purpose of advancing inclusion and diversity related initiatives in communities throughout New Jersey.

“In its second year, the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Grant Program continues to make a significant impact by recognizing and supporting the incredible efforts of our 2024 recipients,” said Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water. “These grants not only honor the dedication of organizations committed to fostering inclusion and diversity but also enhance our collective mission to create a more equitable and welcoming community for all. By investing in these initiatives, we strengthen our ability to serve our customers and communities across New Jersey.”

This year’s grants will be used in various ways to develop and implement programs, training or community-related projects that aim to promote and foster inclusion and diversity in their community.

The 2024 Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Grant recipients include:

• Asbury Park African-American Music Project
• Bruckner Chase Ocean Positive, Inc.
• West Orange Public Schools/St. Cloud Elementary School 
• Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey
• Hispanic Family Center of Southern NJ, Inc.  
• Independent Authors Book Experience
• Lawnside Historical Society
• My Brother Rocks the Spectrum Foundation
• Piscataway Public Library Foundation
• Shore Clubhouse A NJ Nonprofit Corp
• Somerset Children's Center
• Warren County Habitat for Humanity
• Westfield Area YMCA
• Youthnet Inc.

Carrie Williams, President of the American Water Charitable Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm for the program, stating, "We are proud to support these incredible organizations that are making a significant impact in their communities. Through these grants, we aim to promote inclusion, diversity, and equity, ensuring that residents have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive."

Funding for the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Grant Program is provided by the American Water Charitable Foundation, as part of its State Strategic Grant Program, focused on high-impact projects and initiatives throughout American Water’s national footprint.  State Strategic grants are part of the Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, focused on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities.

For more information about New Jersey American Water and the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity grant program, please visit www.newjerseyamwater.com.

About American Water Charitable Foundation
The American Water Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a formal way to demonstrate the company’s ongoing commitment to be a good neighbor, citizen, and contributor to the communities where American Water and its employees live, work and operate. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf.

The South Mountain YMCA celebrated 25 years of the iconic Duck Race on Memorial Day, raising a net total of $31,784 for local children and families through duck sponsorships, ticket and T-shirt sales, prize and individual donations. 

The event began with participants in duck-themed attire marching in the town’s Memorial Day Parade before releasing 1,000 rubber ducks down the river in six heats. 

“The Duck Race stands out as a highlight in the Y’s annual calendar, showcasing the strength of our community while raising essential funds to help local families and youth access the support and services they need to flourish,” said James Goodger, District Executive Director at the South Mountain YMCA. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated Y staff team, the Board of Managers, our generous sponsors, prize donors, the countless volunteers, township officials, and all friends of the Y. Together, we made a significant impact on many lives in just one day.”

The annual Duck Race brings staff, volunteers, township leaders, businesses and community organizations together for a fun family experience and great cause. Proceeds go toward the Y’s financial assistance program, which helps make Y programs like child care, sports and enrichment, and summer camp affordable for families with extenuating circumstances. In 2023 alone, the South Mountain Y awarded over $386,000 in direct financial assistance, with 1 in 10 children in summer camps and 1 in 8 children in child care programs receiving assistance. 

This year’s Ellie & Charlie Gianni Community Impact Grant recipient is the Maplewood-based nonprofit YouthNet, which received $5,000 of Duck Race proceeds. This organization was selected for a number of qualifying factors including alignment with the Y’s mission and demonstrated community impact. 

This award will help YouthNet establish a new mental health initiative that aims to arm young people with the skills to face challenges like academic stress, peer pressure, interpersonal conflict, and identity development. YouthNet is active in the SOMA community, supporting teens through after school clubs and partnerships with local businesses and organizations.

“YouthNet is so honored to be the recipient of this grant. The funding will allow us to bring additional programming to the middle school community and help get our mental initiative off the ground,” said Diane Malloy, Executive Director of YouthNet.

For more information about the Duck Race, visit www.metroymcas.org/south-mountain-ymca/duck-race/.

ABOUT THE Y

Established in 1885, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges invests in its diverse communities to promote wellness, safety and quality of life for children, adults and seniors. Its seven branches in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, New Milford, Hardyston, Stillwater and Wayne are committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility through an array of programs. Some 35,000 people belong to the Metro Y, which awards more than $2 million annually in direct and indirect financial assistance.

The Nathan Cummings Foundation

Pursuing Justice for People and the Planet

Vision

We envision a future where all people, in body and spirit, breathe freely, care for each other and flourish in just, regenerative, and loving communities.

Mission

We are a multigenerational family foundation, rooted in the Jewish tradition of social justice, working to create a more just, vibrant, sustainable, and democratic society. We partner with social movements, organizations, and individuals who have creative and catalytic solutions to climate change and inequality.

Values

Justice + Equity Interdependence Learning + Listening Courageous Transformation Integrity