Program: Support Services for Autistic Individuals

Grant: $2,500

Program Description: Support for AANE’s accessible programming that fosters connection, understanding, and mental well-being for Autistic individuals and their families. Groups provide safe, peer-led spaces for connection and mutual support. Designed to remove common barriers to participation, these programs offer vital support in a judgment-free environment where participants feel seen, understood, and empowered.

Program: Volunteer Park Stewardship Program

Grant: $3,000

Program Description: Funding for the Charles River Conservancy’s volunteer stewardship activities in Watertown, which engage community members in maintaining and improving the city’s parks and paths along the Charles River. Through hands-on projects like invasive plant removal, tree care, litter cleanup, and infrastructure maintenance, the program supports ecological health and ensures these vital green spaces remain welcoming, accessible, and sustainable.

Program: Meet Your Watershed and Watertown Community Engagement

Grant: $620

Program Description: Support for CRWA’s 60th Anniversary “Meet Your Watershed” series, which includes education and outreach efforts in Watertown such as a Full Moon Walk, a stormwater-focused community event, water quality monitoring, invasive plant removal, and the annual Herring Festival and Count. These programs engage residents of all ages with the river, fostering environmental awareness and stewardship.

Program: 2026 Watertown Porchfest

Grant: $3,000

Program Description: Support for Watertown Porchfest 2026, a free, citywide celebration of local music and performance taking place on porches, patios, and lawns throughout Watertown. This Watertown Cultural District initiative fosters community connection and artistic expression by inviting residents to host and perform in informal neighborhood settings.

Program: Watertown and the American Revolution in 1775

 Grant: $1,804

Program Description: Funding of a three-part series of historical presentations in Watertown featuring dynamic portrayals of Revolutionary-era figures including Mercy Otis Warren, Abigail Adams, and Dr. Benjamin Church. Through engaging performances and scholarly talks by experienced historians and reenactors, the programing brings to life the stories of individuals who shaped early American history.

Program: River of Light Celebration and Parade

Grant: $2,000

Program Description: Support for River of Light 2026, a vibrant winter light festival that brings Watertown residents together through lantern-making workshops and a festive illuminated parade. This collaborative, citywide initiative fosters creativity, cultural exchange, and community spirit, culminating in a joyful public event featuring handmade lanterns, live music, and multicultural displays.

Program: Watertown Arts Market

Grant: $2,000

Program Description: Support for the Watertown Arts Market, a free public event that showcases the city’s vibrant community of working artists and cultural organizations. Hosted by the Watertown Business Coalition in partnership with the City of Watertown, the market features artist demonstrations, live performances, art-making opportunities, and local food, creating a festive and inclusive celebration of creativity.

Program: Building Our City's Collective Capacity for Constructive Conversation

Grant: $2,000

Program Description: Support for Watertown Community Conversations’ ongoing work to strengthen civic engagement and social cohesion through facilitated dialogue. This grant will help expand small-group dialogue projects, train community leaders in dialogue facilitation, and pilot innovative approaches such as public “dialogue pop-ups” at local events.

Program: Food gardens for low-income families at Lexington Gardens

Grant: $5,000

Program Description: Funding for a pilot community garden at Lexington Gardens, developed in partnership between Watertown Community Gardens and the Watertown Housing Authority. The project will establish 4–5 raised beds for residents to grow food, supported by in-kind contributions from both organizations, including tools, planting guidance, and ongoing volunteer support. This initial effort aims to promote healthy eating, community connection, and long-term garden sustainability, with hopes of expanding the program in future seasons.

Program: Project Literacy Parent Class

Grant: $2,611

Program Description: Funding of Project Literacy’s 9-week summer ESOL course designed specifically for Watertown parents of school-aged children. Combining beginner-level English instruction with seminars on local resources—such as childcare, health, immigrant rights, and family activities—the program promotes language development and community connection. Free childcare and peer translation support will be provided.

Program: 2026 Watertown Unity Breakfast

Grant: $3,000

Program Description: Support for the 2026 Watertown Unity Breakfast, an annual community event honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through celebration, reflection, and dialogue. The program features speakers, performances, youth essay contests, and community conversations focused on civil rights, social justice, and equity, with accessibility supports such as childcare, CART, and ASL interpretation.