Essential Utilities gives back to the communities it serves through corporate philanthropy and employee volunteerism throughout the Aqua and Peoples service areas. The Essential Foundation was established to support the work of nonprofit organizations that enhance the quality of life of the customers, families, businesses, and communities throughout Essential's 10-state footprint. The Essential Foundation seeks to engage in collaborations that result in measurable success for the communities we serve and support the mission, vision, and values of Essential Utilities.

Primary areas of giving include environmental initiatives, direct human services, emergency services, community economic growth, education, and employee support, including our matching gift program. A particular focus is given to projects that help a diverse customer base and further goals of equity and inclusion.

The Essential Foundation aims to ensure no funding is directed to any organization with a written policy or an actual practice of discrimination against any person for their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, medical condition, physical or mental disability, covered-veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The Essential Foundation requires grantees to comply with applicable local, federal and state laws relating to nondiscrimination. Violation of this Policy is grounds for the Essential Foundation to request the return of grants funds.

How to Apply

Nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations are eligible to apply for funding for projects that benefit communities served by Aqua or Peoples. Note that the review process can take up to 90 days due to the high volume of requests received. Please be sure to plan your projects accordingly.

Please submit all grant requests using the application form below.

Out of our strong commitment to protecting natural resources, we are no longer accepting paper applications and do not respond to general appeals. To lighten our environmental footprint, we kindly ask that we be removed from all mailing distribution lists.

Please reach out to us at TheEssentialFoundation@essential.co with any questions.