Watertown Community Foundation Awards Inaugural Education and Youth Development Grants
$48,000 in Total Grants Awarded to Support Watertown Youth
Watertown, MA: May 15, 2026 – The Watertown Community Foundation has awarded $39,475 in the inaugural Education and Youth Development grant cycle. This new grant program creates access to opportunities for Watertown youth that foster skill-building, creativity, leadership, confidence and resilience, while creating pathways for all young people to thrive.
The Watertown Public Schools (WPS) was the largest grant recipient, receiving $22,575 to support six programs and provide student internship support. One of the grants, totaling $5,000, was awarded to the WPS Student Opportunity Fund, which covers the cost of student activities, field trips, and clubs for families who need support. This grant increases the district’s Student Opportunity Fund by approximately 25% for the 2026–2027 school year—a year that will see the reinstatement of athletics and activity fees at the middle and high school levels. An additional $9,000 was awarded to partner organizations, including Wayside Youth and Family Support Network and parent-teacher organizations of the Lowell Elementary School and Watertown High School, to directly support Watertown Public School students.
“These funds will go a long way to support families and programs that we truly need. I appreciate the work of the Watertown Community Foundation in funding these programs,” said Watertown Public Schools Superintendent Dede Galdston when she learned of the awards.
Other Education and Youth Grant recipients include the Mosesian Center for the Arts for youth arts tuition assistance; the Watertown Boys & Girls Club for nutrition education and yoga; and the Watertown Free Public Library for internship stipend support.
An additional $8,500 in Youth Sports Leagues Grants has been awarded to four Watertown youth sports leagues so any child who wants to play ball can participate, regardless of ability to pay. Grantees include Watertown’s Challenger Baseball Program, Youth Baseball and Softball Program, Youth Basketball Program, and Youth Football and Cheer Program. Launched in 2020 with support from The Bilezikian Family Foundation, NESN, and Arsenal Yards, the Watertown Community Foundation has awarded more than $48,000 since the beginning of the grant program to provide financial assistance for more than 400 student athletes. This is the final year of the Youth Sports League Grant Program. Future support for youth sports will be incorporated into the Education and Youth Development Grants program.
“We know that as rising prices add new pressure on families, folks in Watertown may struggle to cover costs associated with school and youth experiences” said Lauren Coughlin Unsworth, Watertown Community Foundation board co-president. “These grants make sure that kids in Watertown continue to have access to great opportunities, regardless of costs. The Watertown Community Foundation is honored to provide this support which makes it possible for all students to participate fully alongside their peers in the life of their school and community.”
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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.