The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:
The Watertown Community Foundation has launched a matching gift campaign to raise $25,000 in community donations and unlock up to $25,000 in matching funds. Through June 26, 2026, all gifts to support the work of the Watertown Community Foundation will be matched dollar for dollar — thanks to WCF’s Board of Directors.
“With rising prices, we can see that people are struggling,” said Lauren Coughlin Unsworth, Board Co-President, Watertown Community Foundation. “When you give by June 26, your gift will go twice as far to help. Thanks to the leadership and generosity of our Board of Directors, we were able to offer this matching fund to respond to need at a critical time.”
The Watertown Community Foundation uses gifts from community members to fund grants to nonprofits and programs that serve people who live and work in Watertown and has awarded a total of $136,000 so far in 2026. In March, the Foundation awarded $80,000 in Emergency Assistance and Essential Needs Grants to local non-profits to fund rental assistance and housing stabilization, emergency assistance to alleviate financial hardship, and food assistance. In May, the Foundation awarded $48,000 to support Education and Youth Development Grants, including Youth League Sports Grants. An additional $8,000 in off-cycle grants for Community Engagement initiatives were awarded to provide bridge funding for summer-run programs until the Community Engagement Grants cycle opens in September.
“As a resident and longtime local business owner, I care deeply about this community,” said Jan Taylor, an early contributor to the Watertown Community Foundation matching campaign. “When crisis happens, the Foundation pivots quickly to support critical needs for food and housing, all while bringing people together as a community. My gift helps provide the funding and flexibility to respond to urgent needs and support our nonprofits. I hope others will join me to unlock these matching funds.”
In addition to the grant funds distributed so far in 2026, when federal benefit programs were cut last year, gifts from the Watertown community made it possible for the Foundation to quickly plan an emergency community food drive and provide emergency grants for rental assistance.
“Community giving and participation are the heartbeat that powers our work,” said Tia Tilson, Executive Director, Watertown Community Foundation. “The leadership of the Board in establishing this matching opportunity underscores a shared commitment to Watertown. Contributions from individuals and businesses are essential to our ability to support the full ecosystem of nonprofits serving our community. No single organization can meet every need—but together, we can make a meaningful difference.”
About The 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 about our mission, board of directors, and impact, visit our website and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.