$75,000 in funding awarded in 2025

LEXINGTON, Ky., Dec. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., and Kentucky American Water, announced today that the Foundation awarded over $75,000 State Strategic Impact grants to 27 organizations across Central Kentucky in 2025.

“We are deeply grateful for this support from The American Water Charitable Foundation and Kentucky American Water. Eleven percent of our young people in Kentucky will experience a significant death loss before the age of 18, and these youth will often struggle in their personal and school lives,” 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 children and teens. With help and connection, they can experience healthier outcomes and become 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

“At Kentucky American Water, giving back is at the heart of who we are,” said Rob Burton, president of Kentucky American Water. “With the support of the American Water Charitable Foundation, we’re honored to work alongside diverse organizations across our footprint—creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and ensuring that 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, focusing on three pillars of giving: 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 and support the organizations working 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 here.

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

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

For more information, visit Kentucky American Water’s website and join Kentucky American Water on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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