June 15, 2022
For Immediate Release
WATERTOWN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2022 INSTITUTIONAL AND PROGRAM SPRING GRANTS
The Watertown Community Foundation (WCF) has awarded grants totaling $127,000 to initiatives in two categories.
One: WCF’s Program Grants are award grants designed to help organizations that serve Watertown develop new or continue existing programs with an educational focus (broadly defined). These are programs that operate outside of the Watertown’s public schools.
Two: WCF’s Institutional Grants are designed to help institutions central to the Watertown community by providing funds to maintain critical programming and retain paid staff. Grants under this program impose neither restrictions on the use of funds nor any program requirements.
Eligible organizations apply for a maximum of $5000 for program grants and a maximum of $7500 for Institutional grants. The grants are funded by the Foundation’s Watertown Arsenal Education Fund.
WCF Grants Chairwoman Mary Ann Mulligan explains, " WCF continues to receive record numbers of applications and this year was no exception. The depth and breadth of our community-based organizations is remarkable. We are happy to have the resources to support the diversity and creativity of these initiatives.”
WCF grantees agree.
“Thank you so, so much for your generosity. On behalf of our students, teachers and volunteers, thank you!”-Project Literacy
“We are so grateful for the work of the Watertown Community Foundation that keeps our community strong, and for your partnership in helping Springwell to achieve our mission on behalf of the residents that both organizations care about so much.”-Springwell
Institutional Grants
Project Literacy-Free adult literacy classes in person and virtual options for all beginner students, day and evening classes as well as weekend opportunities.
Wayside Youth & Family Support Network-In support of operating needs to continue to enhance our community youth wellness initiatives focused on mental health, substance use prevention, and racial and gender equity.
Watertown Boys and Girls Club-In support of staff and programs in several ways as we continue to recover from the pandemic including rebuilding programs and regaining our membership
Headliners in Education- In support of operational expenses and student journalism programs including the annual Headliners of Summer nationwide virtual newsroom.
Springwell, Inc.-In support of Springwell’s operating and programming needs to provide older adults and their caregivers with the information, services, and supports that help them to meet the challenges that come with aging.
Hatch Makerspace via Watertown Free Public Library-In support of operational needs and consistent workshops throughout the year.
Watertown Housing Authority-In support of programming and staffing needs of the newly constructed Learning Center located at the family development of Lexington Gardens.
ParentChild+ -In support of early learning and parent visits and provide more families with toddlers and preschool-aged children with services.
The Dorothy and Charles Mosesian Center for the Arts-In support of enhanced programming, increased access to performing and visual arts.
Metro West Collaborative Development-In support of operations with on-going planning, training, and evaluation activities.
New Repertory Theatre-In support of the advancement of our IDEAA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, Accountability) goals and allow us to remain fiercely focused on reshaping the theatrical landscape to become more equitable, and as multicultural as the communities we serve.
Armenian Museum of America-In support of operations and expanded in-person programming hours.
Watertown Community Gardens (WCG)- In support of basic operating expenses including managing over 90 community garden plots, maintaining a website for resources and information, producing a newsletter and conducting some educational programming as we seek to diversify our activities to promote gardening in Watertown.
Program Grants
Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice, and the Environment-Watertown Race Reels
Asperger/Autism Network, Inc (AANE) -Social Events for Autistic Adults
Operation American Soldier-Shipping "Cheerboxes" to our deployed troops
Interhelp, Inc.-Microaggression Interventions Training
Historical Society of Watertown-Rendezvous with Rachel Revere , Meet John Adams and Brilliant Beacons
Watertown Families Together / Church of the Good Shepherd-BETTER TOGETHER
Pigsgusset Initiative, a working group of Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment -Watertown welcomes Indigenous Peoples Day: Solidarity with Indigenous People.
City of Watertown: Commander's Mansion-Community Events at the Commander’s Mansion
Watertown Free Public Library-Watertown Pride Extravaganza!
Watertown Veteran’s Services-Watertown Memorial Day Parade
Perkins School for the Blind-The Watertown Newspaper Accessibility Project
Enhance Asian Community on Health, Inc.-Post COVID19 Community Recovery Initiatives
Wayside Youth & Family Support Network-Watertown Youth Coalition Peer Leaders Unite for Mental Wellness
World in Watertown / Unity Breakfast-2023 Unity Breakfast
Watertown Arts Market-Watertown Arts Market 2022
Kingian Response Team-Kingian Nonviolence Training
Charles River Conservancy-Conservancy Volunteers (CV) program
Friends of Mount Auburn Cemetery-2022 Citizen Science Naturalist Program
Yard Art-Yard Art 2023
For questions, please contact Jan Singer at jan.singer@watertownfoundation.org.
________
About Watertown Community Foundation
The Watertown Community Foundation, a public, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, works to build and sustain a vibrant, close-knit community in Watertown – now, and for future generations. To accomplish this, WCF raises funds from individuals, families, businesses, and foundations; awards grants to nonprofits and community projects; and builds networks of donors, grantees, program participants, and stakeholders.
WCF Board of Directors:
David Siegel and Lauren Unsworth, Co-Presidents; Albrik Avanessian; Emily Barclay; Jennifer Davis; Eleanor Donato; Eileen Hsu-Balzer; Heather Leary; Mary Ann Mulligan; Antonia O’Hara; Anthony Paolillo; Maria Panaggio-Phillips; Christine Parker; Lora Sabin; Robert Shay; Felicia Sullivan: Curtis Teixeira; Elaina Themistos; Donna Tuccinardi; Darshna Varia; and Kathryn White.