Recipients include four nonprofit organizations across Kentucky

LEXINGTON, Ky., May 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic nonprofit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., and Kentucky American Water today announced that four organizations have been awarded 2026 Water and Environment grants to support communities served throughout Kentucky.

“This generous support from the American Water Charitable Foundation allows us to further steward and preserve Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate’s historic landscape, while deepening our commitment to environmental education and sustainability,” said Jim Clark, executive director of the Henry Clay Memorial Foundation. “As a place rooted in history and community, we are proud to create opportunities for visitors of all ages to better understand the vital role water and natural resources play in our shared future.”

The Water and Environment grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, which focuses on three pillars of giving: water, people and communities.

“Delivering safe, clean and reliable water service is our responsibility, and being engaged in the communities we serve is fundamental to our mission,” said Rob Burton, president of Kentucky American Water. “Through the foundation’s Water and Environment Grant Program, we’re supporting local organizations that safeguard water resources, inspire environmental education and help build stronger communities throughout Kentucky.”

2026 Water and Environment grant recipients in Kentucky include:

• Bluegrass Community and Technical College Foundation Inc., for improvements to a rooftop garden project, a student-driven urban agriculture effort dedicated to addressing campus food insecurity across all BCTC campuses.

• FoodChain Inc., for the expansion of its classroom aquaponics program, which places small-scale aquaponics systems in classrooms, allowing students to explore water quality, conservation and sustainable food production through real-world, inquiry-based learning.

• Henry Clay Memorial Foundation, to support the creation of a comprehensive public education system for Ashland’s pollinator garden, transforming it into a permanent learning resource focused on pollinators, native plants and environmental stewardship.

• Josephine Sculpture Park Inc., for pond restoration, invasive species removal, habitat management and educational signage throughout the park.