2026 Grant Recipients

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

Total Awarded: $XX,XXX

Program: Essential Needs Bridge Program
Grant: $5,000
Program Description: Provides one-time emergency assistance to residents facing immediate financial hardship. Support covers groceries, transportation, pharmacy purchases, and other essential expenses to help individuals maintain stability during urgent situations.
Program: Emergency Essential Needs for Watertown Immigrant and Refugee Families
Grant: $6,500
Program Description: Delivers rapid-response financial support to immigrant and refugee families in Watertown experiencing urgent hardship. Assistance covers essential needs—including rent, food, health care, and transportation—to stabilize families quickly and prevent short-term challenges from becoming long-term crises.

FOOD SECURITY

Program: Watertown Farmers' Market SNAP Match Program
Grant: $3,000
Program Description: Supports the City of Watertown’s SNAP Match program, which matches SNAP benefits dollar-for-dollar at the Watertown Farmers’ Market. The program increases purchasing power for low-income residents, enabling access to fresh, local produce while supporting regional farmers.
Program: Springwell's Nutrition Program for Watertown Older Adults
Grant: $10,000
Program Description: Supports the City of Watertown’s SNAP Match program, which matches SNAP benefits dollar-for-dollar at the Watertown Farmers’ Market. The program increases purchasing power for low-income residents, enabling access to fresh, local produce while supporting regional farmers.
Program: Healthy Snacks for After School Drop-In Program
Grant: $5,000
Program Description: Helps fund free, nutritious snacks for youth participating in the Boys & Girls Club after-school drop-in program. Support ensures consistent access to fresh produce and minimally processed foods throughout the school year and during vacation weeks.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS

Program: Mental Health First Aid Trainings & Emergency Assistance Gift Cards
Grant: $9,021.74
Program Description: Offers Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid trainings that equip community members to recognize and respond effectively to signs of mental illness and emotional distress. The program also provides emergency financial assistance to families facing immediate hardship, ensuring timely support when it is needed most.

HOUSING SERVICES/SUPPORT

Program: 2026 Essential Needs Grant
Grant: $5,000
Program Description: Provides small, rapid-response financial assistance to Watertown residents experiencing temporary hardship. Funds help cover housing costs, utilities, food, medical expenses, and other essential needs to stabilize households quickly.
Program: Housing Search Workshops
Grant: $10,000
Program Description: Delivers hands-on housing search workshops that help residents navigate apartment applications and affordable housing opportunities. Participants receive individualized guidance, access to technology, and referrals to additional stabilization resources to support long-term housing success.
Program: Stabilization Assistance Program- Home Hygiene closet & Social Work Intern Stipend
Grant: $9,000
Program Description: Expands access to free cleaning supplies and personal hygiene products for public housing residents. Funding also supports a social work intern who strengthens resident services and provides case management support. The program promotes health, dignity, and housing stability for vulnerable tenants.

APPLY March 2-23, 2026

APPLY Sept. 9-30, 2026

Fostering Intercultural Communication and Understanding

Increasing Access to Programs and Services

Strengthening Community Connections