Around Town

Up to $35K in Grants Available from the Watertown Community Foundation for Health & Schools

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:

On October 11, the Watertown Community Foundation (WCF) will open the 2023 application processes for two grant programs: Healthy Watertown and School Programs.

WCF’s Heathy Watertown Grants will support new or existing programs that keep Watertown’s residents and families healthy. Up to $15,000 will be distributed in 2023 to eligible organizations. Programs supported by these grants in the past have included: food pantries in Watertown; nutrition and meal programs for school-age children and seniors; programs and services fostering healthy aging; mental health first aid training for first responders; programs providing services and supports for individuals and families struggling with substance use disorders; and health-related programs for infants and their families. You can learn more about how to apply for Healthy Watertown Grants here. The application deadline for this grant program is November 1, 2023.

Entertainment

Watertown’s Got Talent is Back, Applications Due Soon!

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:

Do you have what it takes to be crowned Watertown’s Top Talent? Announcing Watertown’s Got Talent is BACK for a second year!! In partnership with Arsenal Yards, please save-the-date for a fun-filled evening of talent, entertainment & more! When: Tuesday, October 24, 2023Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.Where: The River Green at Arsenal Yards

All application are due to hello@arsenalyards.com by Sunday, October 1st. Ticket details, coming soon!

Around Town

Watertown Community Foundation to Celebrate 20 Years of Community Giving

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:

Since 2003 The Watertown Community Foundation has put funds to work in Watertown to address local needs to make positive change. Started with funds from the sale of the Arsenal property and grown by local giving and grants, a small group of Founders envisioned a community fund dedicated to sustaining a vibrant community. Twenty years later, the Foundation has given more than $3,000,000 in grants to improve the lives of the people who live and work in Watertown. “During 20 years of grant giving, the Foundation has built on a practice of giving to meet need at the street level. We started with Block Party grants to bring neighbors and neighborhoodstogether.

Around Town

How Many People Face Hunger Discussed During Episode of Watertown Cable Show

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Inside Watertown co-hosts Bob Airasian, left, and Charlie Breitrose were joined by Tias Tilson (second from right) and Stephanie Venizelos. (Screenshot from WCA-TV video)

The number of residents facing food insecurity spiked during the COVID-19 shutdown, but even though the Pandemic has waned many people still are in danger of going hungry. The latest episode of Watertown Cable Access TV’s Inside Watertown focuses on hunger and food insecurity in Watertown. Guests Tia Tilson, Executive Director of the Watertown Community Foundation, and Stephanie Venizelos, Community Wellness Program Manager (including Live Well Watertown) joined co-hosts Bob Airasian and Charlie Breitrose. Tilson and Venizelos spoke about about how many people are using resources in the City such as the food pantries and the state’s food assistance programs, as well as ways that people can help out.

Around Town

25 Groups Serving Watertown Receive Grants from Community Foundation

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:

The Watertown Community Foundation awarded $135,000 in institutional and program grants at their spring grants celebration last night to support 25 organizations serving the Watertown community. “We received so many great proposals, nearly $200,000 in funding requests this year from over 25 Watertown community-based organizations, including the City of Watertown. It’s exciting to see how our non-profits are responding to the diverse needs of the Watertown community with programs and services that are innovative and positively impact and enrich the lives of our neighbors and residents,” said Mary Ann Mulligan, WCF Co-President and Grants Committee Chair. Spring grant awards fall into two separate categories: institutional and program support. Eleven non-profits central to Watertown received $69,000 in institutional grants to support their organization’s mission, staffing and operating costs.

Around Town

Watertown Community Foundation Awards $729K in Grants to Help Residents Meet Basic Needs

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:

The Watertown Community Foundation (WCF) has awarded $729,229 to three local non-profits serving low-income populations in Watertown to meet ongoing basic needs in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to funding from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development (EOHED) Community Foundations Grant Program for COVID-19 Relief and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Community Block Grant Program, these grants are providing Watertown families rental assistance, paying for utilities, transportation, and technology needs, and supporting food assistance. WCF has partnered with EOHED and DHCD since 2020 to direct $1.6 million in state funds to local non-profits supporting families most effected by the pandemic and who continue to struggle as a result. Of this, WCF has distributed $505,381 for rental assistance and $916,952 for food assistance. “Because of the urgency of putting these funds to work as quickly as possible during the COVID- 19 crisis, Massachusetts chose to partner with the state’s 14 community foundations which knew where need was most urgent and distribute these funds immediately to organizations responding on the front lines. Without the Watertown Community Foundation, Watertown wouldn’t have received these vital funds to support our most vulnerable populations,” said Lauren Coughlin Unsworth, co-president of the Watertown Community Foundation.

Around Town

Community Foundation Hosting Food Drives to Help Watertown’s Food Pantries

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:

Our Watertown food pantries need your donations! On May 13 and May 20 Watertown’s food pantries are collecting nonperishable food items such as pasta, beans, tea/coffee, and canned goods to replenish stocks for those in need. The Watertown Community Fridge welcomes donations daily at the Belmont Watertown United Methodist Church, 80 Mt. Auburn St. Check out WATERTOWN HELPS OUT volunteer opportunities in May.