Local Nonprofits Awarded Over $46,000 Through Giving Back 365

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Members of the Watertown Area Community Foundation’s Giving Back 365 program have distributed $46,073 in grants to 15 local nonprofit organizations, addressing a diverse array of community needs ranging from food security to youth arts.

The donor-driven program allows members to collectively invest in the community and vote on which grant requests receive funding. This ensures the awards directly reflect the priorities of Watertown residents.

The 2025 grant recipients include:

·        Beacon Center: $2,500 for plumbing repairs.

·        Boys & Girls Club of Watertown: $3,600 for safety improvements to outdoor fencing and play equipment.

·        Brothers & Sisters Behind Bars: $997 for a printer/copier.

·        Community Transit of Watertown/Sisseton: $3,650 to support transportation for case management participants.

·        Glacial Lakes for the Children – Royal Family Kids Camp: $3,650 for first-year camp supplies and curriculum.

·        Goss Opera House: $3,650 to support the Children’s Passport to the Arts program.

·        Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership: $3,247 for food-safe storage and transport for the 60’s Plus Dining program.

·        Joy Ranch of South Dakota: $3,500 for recreational equipment for the indoor multi-purpose center.

·        Rachel’s Hope: $3,650 for hygiene and cleaning supplies for families in crisis.

·        Salvation Army of Watertown: $2,379 for new commercial freezers.

·        Watertown Area PACH: $3,500 to purchase fresh fruit.

·        Watertown Area Snow Queen: $800 for the annual Girl Power event.

·        Watertown Artwalk: $3,650 for the 2026-2027 Artwalk.

·        Watertown Cares: $3,650 for the installation of heating and cooling units.

·        Watertown Hockey Association: $3,650 for the Hudl Instat program.

In 2025, total contributions to the program exceeded $64,000. In line with the program’s structure, half of the contributions were placed into an endowment to ensure long-term sustainability. The remaining funds, supplemented by over $9,250 in endowment earnings, were allocated for immediate grants.

“Grant requests this year totaled nearly $60,000, making for sometimes difficult decisions,” said Cammie Mengwasser, Executive Director of the Watertown Area Community Foundation. “Our Giving Back 365 members approached the process with care and intention, working together to prioritize requests and direct resources where they could make the greatest impact.”

Now in its 15th year, the program invites participants to contribute $365 annually—roughly a dollar a day. Membership grew by more than 7% this year, reflecting a strengthening commitment to local philanthropy.

The 2026 membership campaign is currently open. Those interested in the power of collective giving can find more information or join the program at watertowncommunityfoundation.org.