West Virginia American Water
West Virginia American Water serves one in three West Virginians , making it the largest water service provider in the state . The American Water Charitable Foundation , established in 2010 , issues funding for initiatives related to clean water , conservation , education and community sustainability and has invested more than $ 7.2 million through grants and matching gifts .
In 2020 , the foundation awarded $ 11,900 to Friends of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve ; $ 25,000 to 10 nonprofit organizations to support COVID-19 relief efforts around the state ; and $ 22,720 to 29 additional nonprofits , including employee donations .
The company also partnered with the National Recreation and Park Association to provide Charleston and Huntington with grants totaling $ 400,000 to construct splash pads , giving it the opportunity to educate the community about the environment and water stewardship .
“ This will help families build an appreciation for the environment , enjoy the wonders of water and be reminded of how we all play a role in caring for this critical natural resource ,” says Laura Martin , director of communications and external affairs at American Water ’ s Mid-Atlantic Division and a member of the American Water Charitable Foundation board of trustees . “ American Water has long believed in the importance of being a good neighbor and good steward of the environment . We believe in supporting and enhancing the communities where we live , work and operate .”
The company contributes more than $ 300,000 each year to community events , activities and organizations . In 2020 , it contributed $ 28,000 to 30 fire department and emergency management agencies ; $ 10,000 to four environmental organizations ; $ 29,150 to fund 22 bottle filling stations for public facilities , schools and community centers ; and $ 197,850 to other charitable contributions and community partnerships .
Ninety-four percent of its employees participate in charitable giving and community service projects . These efforts are supported through the Employee Volunteer and Matching Gift Program , which matches volunteer time and monetary donations on a one-to-one basis up to $ 1,000 per employee each year . The foundation has matched more than $ 1.7 million to public charities , including more than 42,000 hours of volunteer time .
“ West Virginia American Water is very much a local company that has a heart for charitable giving and community support ,” says Megan Hannah , the company ’ s external affairs manager . “ Our employees live and play in the communities we serve , and it ’ s important for us to give back to those communities through our dollars and volunteerism .” •
With the generosity of the community , we ’ ve grown with the college , its students , and our community .
For nearly six decades , we ’ ve helped WVU Parkersburg expand its facilities and provided life-changing opportunities for its students through scholarships and the Student Emergency Fund .