The $20,000 Grant Will Support Urban Forestry Initiatives in North St. Louis County
Beyond Housing announced today that it has been awarded an American Water Charitable Foundation 2024 Water and Environment grant of $20,000 for its urban forestry work.
“We’re thrilled to add the American Water Charitable Foundation to the growing list of partners who are supporting tree-related projects in the 24:1 Community,” said Chris Krehmeyer, President and CEO of Beyond Housing. “Urban forestry plays a pivotal role in fostering healthier and more vibrant neighborhoods through everything from purifying air to slowing stormwater runoff to shading homes from the hot St. Louis summer sun – not to mention adding aesthetic appeal. Planting and maintaining trees is an important component of our comprehensive approach to community development.”
Beyond Housing is currently working with municipal partners in the 24:1 Community such as Bel-Nor, Bel-Ridge, Hanley Hills, Normandy, Northwoods, Pagedale, Velda Village Hills, and Wellston on various aspects of tree management. The nonprofit offers financial assistance toward initiatives such as mitigating hazardous trees, planting new trees, and acquiring essential equipment for tree-related public works projects.
“Because we know that residents’ health and well-being are inextricably linked to their surroundings, we have studied the tree canopy and helped develop strategies to manage it effectively,” Krehmeyer said. “This grant allows us and our municipal partners to apply the data we’ve already gathered and achieve long-term results.”
The Water and Environment grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., and aims to support high-impact projects and initiatives that further American Water’s commitment to ESG, as well as inclusion, diversity and equity.
“The American Water Charitable Foundation is committed to participating and investing in organizations and programs that benefit the diverse communities served by American Water,” said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. “We take pride and are proud to further American Water’s ongoing commitment to being a good neighbor and strong partner in the community.”
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 6,500 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. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
About American Water Charitable Foundation
The American Water Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a formal way to demonstrate the company’s ongoing commitment to be a good neighbor, citizen, and contributor to the communities where American Water and its employees live, work and operate. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf.
