Watertown Area Community Foundation Achieves Highest National Mark for Philanthropic Excellence
- Steve Jurrens
- Nov 10, 2025
- 1 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown Area Community Foundation (WACF) has once again earned accreditation from the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, affirming its status as a leader in philanthropic excellence, accountability, and public trust.
The reaccreditation confirms that the WACF meets the nation’s highest operational quality benchmarks. The process, administered by the Community Foundations National Standards Board with support from the Council on Foundations, requires adherence to 26 rigorous standards focused on integrity, financial stewardship, and governance.
“This represents the Watertown Area Community Foundation's commitment to rigorous best practices that exceed federal and state law requirements,” said Cammie Mengwasser, Executive Director of the Foundation. “It tells our donors and community partners they can trust the Foundation to administer their gifts wisely and use them to make a lasting difference right here in Watertown.”
The WACF has maintained its accreditation since 2004, continuing a legacy that began as South Dakota’s first community foundation.
Mengwasser added that while the accreditation process is demanding, the Foundation welcomes the challenge. “It ensures we’re operating with the highest level of accountability and ultimately allows us to serve our community better,” she stated.
By retaining this distinction, the Watertown Area Community Foundation remains among a distinguished group of organizations nationwide recognized for its commitment to maximizing philanthropic impact while upholding the highest standards of financial integrity.
