By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News

Illinois American Water recently announced the application process is now open for its 2016 Environmental Grant Program.

The program supports innovative, community-based environmental projects that improve, restore or protect the watersheds through partnerships.

The company will award grants of up to $10,000. The program is designed to support diverse types of activities, such as watershed cleanups, reforestation efforts, biodiversity projects, streamside buffer restoration projects, wellhead protection initiatives and hazardous waste collection efforts.

Grant information and application forms can be found online at www.illinoisamwater.com.  Applications may be emailed to Karen Cotton at [email protected].