The Essential Foundation (F/K/A Aqua Charitable Trust)
Accepts applications
The Essential Foundation (F/K/A Aqua Charitable Trust) is a private foundation in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. In tax year 2025 it gave $6.0 million in 1 grant; the typical grant was $6.0 million and the largest $6.0 million. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$6.0 million
- Number of grants1
- Typical grant$6.0 million
- Largest grant$6.0 million
- Assets$44.2 million
- New grantees100%
Giving in 2025 was up from $4.5 million the year before.
100% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $4.9 million | 1 | $50.5 million |
| 2024 | $4.5 million | 1 | $48.7 million |
| 2025 | $6.0 million | 1 | $44.2 million |
How to apply
| Contact | The Essential Foundation 762 West Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (610) 645-1184 |
| What to submit | We are no longer accepting paper applications. All grant requests should be made using the application form at www.essential.co/essential-foundation. Organization requesting grant: 1. Name and address 2. Website 3. Tax id 4. Mission 5. Contact information: name, title, telephone number, email address 6. Grant request amount 7. Total project cost 8. Summary description of project 9. List of other organizations who are partnering with this project 10. Which state(s) served by essential utilities will your project take place? 11. Specific geographical areas to be served 12. Which giving areas best fit project 13. Project description 14. Project impact - expected project outcomes 15. If project is selected, how will essential's support be recognized? 16. Will project provide any volunteer opportunities for essential employees? 17. How did you hear about essential foundation? |
| Restrictions | Funding, when granted, are to be used for projects that benefit communities served by aqua and peoples companies, and these are listed locations available for the applicant to select on the website. |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Pennsylvania.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $6.0 million |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| See Attached Detail List of 2025 Donation Payments | The purpose of each donation is on the list - see attached. | $6.0 million |
Officers and trustees
- See Attached
Questions people ask
Does The Essential Foundation (F/K/A Aqua Charitable Trust) accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does The Essential Foundation (F/K/A Aqua Charitable Trust) give?
$6.0 million in tax year 2025, across 1 grant, with a typical grant of $6.0 million.
Who runs The Essential Foundation (F/K/A Aqua Charitable Trust)?
Its 2025 filing lists See Attached (See Attached).