Grants
Supporting Programs Serving the Watertown Community
The Watertown Community Foundation addresses local needs and makes positive change in the lives of the people who live and work in Watertown. Through grant making, your charitable contributions go to work to connect non-profits and people to the resources they need to deliver essential services and offer innovative initiatives. The Foundation has awarded more than $3,000,000 in grants to support institutions, programs and people throughout the Watertown community since 2003.
APPLY IN APRIL. Program grants are designed to help organizations that serve Watertown develop new or continue existing programs with an educational focus, broadly defined. Eligible organizations may apply for grants in the range of $500-$5,000. Applications posted at the beginning of April. Deadline for Applications is at the end of April.
APPLY IN APRIL. Institutional Support grants are designed to help institutions central to the Watertown community by providing funds to maintain critical programming, staff, and cover operating costs. Grants under this program impose neither restrictions on the use of funds nor any program requirements. Eligible organizations may apply for grants of up to $7,500. Applications posted April 4. Deadline for Applications April 23.
APPLY IN FEBRUARY. These youth sports grants are designed to increase participation in team sports of all kinds for Watertown youth PreK-12 by helping leagues with registration fees. Eligible organizations may apply for grants up to $2,000 per season.
APPLY IN OCTOBER. These health-related grants are designed to help organizations that serve Watertown develop new or continue existing programs with a health focus, broadly defined. Eligible organizations may apply for grants up to $2,500. Average grant size often is $1,500 – $2,500.
APPLY IN OCTOBER. School program grants are designed to enrich the learning environment for Watertown Public Schools. Eligible organizations implementing programs in collaboration with Watertown Public Schools are encouraged to apply for grants in the range of $250- $2,500.
ROLLING APPLICATIONS. WCF sponsors “Neighborhood Block Parties for Philanthropy.” WCF reimburses residents up to $200 to cover reasonable party-related expenses for their first block party ($100 per year in subsequent years) so the neighborhood can have a fun and festive event. Most block parties take place in the summer or fall, but they can be fun any time of year. WCF requests that every WCF-sponsored block party feature philanthropic support for a local charity as part of the event.
APPLY IN MAY. Starting in 2015, WCF has offered stipends to high school students living in Watertown, attending any school, to do a summer internship for at least 20 hours of voluntary work per week for at least six weeks. Grant recipients have been interns in summer education programs, doctor’s offices, veterinary clinics, theater programs, a makerspace, and non-profit organizations working to alleviate poverty among others. Students gain valuable professional experience, learn more about an area of interest, all while earning an income. Applications are due in the spring, and students are encouraged to learn more from the WPS High School guidance counselor.
GRANT REPORTING FORM
Please click on the button to fill out information related to your grant for our records. Please submit this report within 30 days of completion of the grant-related project. Institutional, Block Party and High School Internship Grants do not fill out this form.