Essential Needs Grants

FOCUS

Essential Needs Grants support organizations and community groups that provide critical services to help meet the basic needs of Watertown's most vulnerable residents. These grants invest in programs that address food insecurity, housing assistance, emergency assistance, mental health, health and wellness.

Applications for Essential Needs Grants for 2025 was by invitation only and is now closed.

The Essential Needs Grant Program has been launched with funding made possible by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Fund for the Most Vulnerable, and the Watertown Community Foundation Fund. Funds have been expended to increase access to health and human services and expand support and stabilization for vulnerable populations in Watertown. 

All grants funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts must be encumbered for disbursement by June 30, 2025. 

WHO CAN APPLY

Eligible applicants must be one of the following: 

  • A public entity. 

  • A non-profit organization with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. 

  • An organization that is sponsored by a Watertown-based 501(c)(3) organization. 

  • For 2025 only, eligible applicants must be invited to apply.

Eligible applicants must be based in Watertown and serving the city's residents.  

If not based in Watertown, applicants are eligible if they can demonstrate: 

  • a partnership/collaboration with a Watertown nonprofit

    AND 

  • how funds will primarily serve Watertown residents, and can detail the number of Watertown residents to be served/reached. 

Applicants are ineligible if: 

  • They hold only a 501(c)4 tax status. 

  • They are applying to fund a program that will be run with the approval of and in collaboration with Watertown Public Schools. Such programs are eligible to apply for Watertown Community Foundation School Program Grant funding in the fall. 

Projects must align with one or more of the following focus areas: 

  • Programs that provide direct access to food, including but not limited to food pantries, meal programs, food delivery, or nutritional education to communities at risk of food insecurity.

  • Initiatives focused on providing stable and affordable housing solutions, including eviction prevention, short-term housing assistance, or long-term housing stability programs.

  • Support for organizations that serve individuals or families facing urgent crises, including natural disasters, personal emergencies, or unforeseen circumstances. This can include direct financial assistance, emergency shelter, transportation support, or crisis intervention services.

  • Programs that address mental health challenges, including crisis counseling, mental health support services, therapy, or community-based mental health programs aimed at prevention, early intervention, and substance use disorder recovery.escription

Funding: 

  • Grant awards are up to $20,000, depending on the scope and scale of the proposed project. 

  • Funds are expected to be expended by December 31st, 2027. 

Eligible Costs:   

  • Direct programmatic costs, including service delivery, participant fees, scholarships, fee reduction or cost to fully cover program cost participation, presenter fees, room rental fees, purchase of materials, supplies, and equipment necessary for delivering services. 

  • Costs associated with community outreach, education, and awareness-raising activities related to the program focus areas. 

Funding Exclusions:  

  • Grants will not fund general operating costs unrelated to the scope of the project. 

  • Political or lobbying activities. 

  • Capital campaigns or construction costs. 

LEARN ABOUT OUR OTHER GRANTS:

Essential Needs Community Engagement Education & Youth Development