NEW JERSEY — NORWESCAP, which serves residents in Warren, Sussex and Hunterdon counties, is among four New Jersey nonprofit organizations sharing a combined $25,000 in grants from the American Water Charitable Foundation to support housing stability, financial security and access to essential community resources.
New Jersey American Water and the foundation announced the funding through the 2026 Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, which supports organizations addressing critical needs in communities across the state.
The State Strategic Impact grants will benefit NORWESCAP, HomeFront, Interfaith Neighbors and Isles Inc., which provide housing assistance, financial support and other services to individuals and families.
“New Jersey American Water has been a longtime partner of Interfaith Neighbors, and we are grateful for the many ways the company has supported our work and engaged with the communities we serve,” said Heather Triarsi, Chief Executive Officer, Interfaith Neighbors. “This grant from the American Water Charitable Foundation will help us expand programs that provide individuals and families with resources and opportunities to build greater financial stability.”
Kimberly Schalek Downes, vice president of business development, government and external affairs at New Jersey American Water, said the grants build on the company’s existing relationships with nonprofit organizations.
“These grants strengthen relationships with organizations that are making a meaningful difference in communities across New Jersey,” said Kimberly Schalek Downes, vice president of business development, government and external affairs at New Jersey American Water. “We have seen that work firsthand, from partnering with Interfaith Neighbors on community initiatives to employees volunteering at HomeFront’s FreeStore. These Foundation grants build on those relationships while helping each organization advance programs that directly serve individuals and families.”
The four organizations receiving funding are:
- NORWESCAP — Serving Warren, Sussex and Hunterdon counties, the organization connects residents with financial assistance, housing resources and community support services.
- HomeFront — Serving Central New Jersey, the organization provides emergency shelter, permanent housing, rental assistance, food and basic necessities, educational and employment support, wellness resources and programs for children.
- Interfaith Neighbors — Based in Monmouth County, the organization helps individuals and families achieve greater economic stability through rental, mortgage and security deposit assistance, affordable housing and career preparation programs.
- Isles Inc. — Operating in Mercer County and through statewide programs, the organization supports healthy homes, neighborhood revitalization and financial empowerment initiatives.
Sarah Steward, chief executive officer of HomeFront, said the foundation’s support will help the organization continue providing services to families facing housing and financial challenges.
“At HomeFront, we work every day to help families in Central New Jersey meet immediate needs while building a path toward lasting stability: providing safe, secure housing; basic necessities; education and job training support; personal wellness resources; and support for children. We are grateful to the American Water Charitable Foundation for supporting our work and to New Jersey American Water employees for lending a hand at our FreeStore. Their help stocking and organizing clothing and household essentials supports the important day-to-day work to make these items available at no cost to families who need them,” said Sarah Steward, Chief Executive Officer of HomeFront.
The grants were awarded through the foundation’s 2026 Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, which focuses on three areas of giving: Water, People and Communities.
The State Strategic Impact grants are designed to support organizations and initiatives addressing significant community needs throughout American Water’s national service area.
“The American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to support organizations working to address critical community needs,” said Carrie Williams, president of the American Water Charitable Foundation. “These grants will help expand access to housing support, financial resources and essential community services that strengthen families and communities throughout New Jersey.”
The American Water Charitable Foundation is a philanthropic nonprofit organization established by American Water to support charitable initiatives and community programs.
Additional information about the foundation’s charitable activities and community partnerships is available in New Jersey American Water’s 2025 Community Impact Report.
More information about the foundation and its grant programs is available at www.amwater.com/awcf.
