Water and Environment Grant Program (Illinois American Water)
Eligibility
Illinois K-12 schools, nonprofits, and community organizations in Illinois American Water service areas are eligible. Programs must focus on water conservation, water science, water quality, or environmental education related to water resources. Organizations must serve communities within the Illinois American Water service territory.
Program Goals
The American Water Charitable Foundation and Illinois American Water provide annual water and environmental education grants to schools and nonprofits in Illinois American Water service communities. The program funds hands-on water science programs, conservation education, watershed investigations, and community water awareness projects. It is part of American Water's commitment to environmental stewardship and community education.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Applications are submitted online through the American Water Charitable Foundation portal. The 2026 cycle launched February 10 and closed March 6, 2026. The next cycle is expected to open in early 2027. Monitor Illinois American Water and the American Water Charitable Foundation website for the 2027 cycle announcement.
Cycle Notes
The Water and Environment Grant runs on an annual cycle, typically opening in February and closing within 3-4 weeks. The 2026 cycle closed March 6. The next 2027 cycle is expected to open in early February 2027. Monitor the Illinois American Water website for announcements.
Grant Award Amount
Grants award up to $5,000 per project for water science equipment, curriculum, materials, and program costs tied to the approved water and environmental education project.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- CHARGE Climate Sensor Kit — water quality and environmental monitoring for Illinois water education grants
- micro:bit Starter Kit — data collection for student water science investigations
- Smart Hydroponics Kit — water efficiency and plant science aligned to water conservation education
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Illinois American Water grants?
Illinois K-12 schools and nonprofits in Illinois American Water service communities are eligible. Programs must focus on water conservation, water science, or environmental water education.
How much funding is available through Illinois American Water?
Grants award up to $5,000 per project.
Can Illinois American Water grant funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes. Illinois American Water grant funds can support hands-on STEM materials, physical computing kits, and coding curriculum when they align to the program's stated goals. Document alignment to program objectives before purchasing.
How do Illinois schools apply for Illinois American Water grants?
Monitor the Illinois American Water website and American Water Charitable Foundation portal for the 2027 cycle opening, expected in early February 2027. Apply within the short application window.
How can Forward Education help with Illinois American Water grant funding?
Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for Illinois schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes this grant funds. Contact us before submitting your application.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents — Illinois standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing — classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support — documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence — ready-to-use program outlines
Explore more Illinois funding resources
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