Missouri American Water awards grants to 1939 Club, other nonprofits

By Cameron Montemayor

A trio of St. Joseph nonprofit organizations received a welcomed boost Tuesday afternoon.

Missouri American Water, in collaboration with the American Water Charitable Foundation, awarded three grants totaling $20,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank, United Way of Greater St. Joseph and the 1939 Club on Tuesday.

Special check presentations were held with the nonprofit groups on Tuesday to mark the occasions. The 1939 Club, which was launched early this year to maintain and enhance Phil Welch Stadium, received $5,000 to help purchase a new scoreboard.

“Missouri American Water helped close the gap for us on this, and we’re excited to see it in place here in 2025,” Mustangs owner Ky Turner said. “We’re really excited and just so appreciative of the gift from Missouri American Water and from everyone who’s given to us.”

Second Harvest Food Bank received $5,000 to purchase resources to support food insecure individuals in the community while United Way received the largest contribution, $10,000, for their Housing Stability program.

The State Strategic Impact grants awarded on Tuesday are part of the 2024 Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, which supports initiatives and projects focused on water, people and communities.