Education and Youth Development Grant Cycle Opens March 2
The Watertown Community Foundation will accept applications until March 23.
Watertown, MA: February 27, 2026 –
Starting March 2, the Watertown Community Foundation will launch the inaugural grant cycle for its Education and Youth Development Grant Program. It will fund programs that contribute to the overall well-being of Watertown’s youth—academically, socially, emotionally and physically. The Foundation seeks to fund initiatives and create access to opportunities that foster skill-building, creativity, leadership, confidence and resilience, while creating pathways for all young people to thrive. Eligible non-profits and public entities that serve Watertown’s youth are invited to apply from March 2 - March 23, 2026. For more information, visit here.
After a community informed strategic planning process in 2024, the Watertown Community Foundation realigned its grant program in 2025 to focus on three key areas: Essential Needs to support Watertown’s most vulnerable residents; Community Engagement to increase access and engagement to community life and programs in Watertown; and Education and Youth Development to provide a unified, comprehensive approach to support Watertown’s young people.
“During our strategic planning, we realized our support for Watertown’s youth included programs at Watertown Public Schools and so much more—such as supporting kids who play youth league sports, underwriting programs at Watertown’s Boys and Girls Club, or offering paid stipends for high school interns. We’ve brought together all these opportunities and others in this new grant portfolio,” says Lauren Coughlin Unsworth, Co-President, Watertown Community Foundation.
The Watertown Community Foundation will continue to offer Block Party Grants to support neighborhood gatherings in Watertown. A new block party grant application will be posted on the Foundation’s website in April, in time for Porchfest block parties in May.
Announcing a New Grant Application Schedule
As part of the new grant strategy, the Watertown Community Foundation has adjusted application dates for their major grant portfolios. In general, applicants can expect to apply for Essential Needs grants in January, Education and Youth Development grants in March, and Community Engagement grants in September of any given year. “With advice and input from past and current grantees, we’ve made this change to better fit the timing of many of our community programs. We recognize that not all program requests neatly fit into this schedule, and we will continue to work with organizations to consider off-cycle requests,” said Tia Tilson, Executive Director, Watertown Community Foundation.
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About Watertown Community Foundation
The Watertown Community Foundation advances and supports positive change for the people who live and work in Watertown through the transformative power of community giving. We envision a welcoming community where people of all backgrounds can thrive, connect, and contribute to the strength and resilience of our city. Started with funds from the sale of the Watertown Arsenal property in 2003 and powered by generous donations from Watertown residents and businesses, the Foundation has awarded more than $3,000,000 in grants. We are committed to convening local stakeholders, creating cross-sector collaborations, and breaking down barriers to bring people together to turn philanthropy into action. For more info, visit our website and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
WCF Board of Directors: Lauren Coughlin Unsworth and Mary Ann Mulligan, Co-Presidents; Albrik Avanessian; Emily Barclay; Eileen Hsü-Balzer; Nathalie Highland; Heather Leary; Kathryn Madden; Christina Murphy; Anthony Paolillo; Dwayne Parmley; Leah Pennino; Robert Shay; and David Siegel.