Women & Giving Grants $46,090 to 14 Local Nonprofits Serving Watertown Women and Children

Women & Giving supports local nonprofits with $46,090 in grants to aid Watertown women and children, partnering with Beacon Center for domestic violence awareness.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown Area Community Foundation's Women & Giving program has granted $46,090 to 14 local nonprofit organizations this year. The funds are earmarked to help women and children in the community overcome barriers and achieve their goals.

The grants support a diverse range of critical services, from essential safety and transit assistance to educational and leadership programs:

·         Safety and Crisis Support: Beacon Center (supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault) and Rachel’s Hope (providing hygiene essentials for women and children in crisis).

·         Essential Needs: Watertown PACH (weekly food costs), Watertown Cares (support for individuals facing homelessness), and the Watertown School District (hygiene kits for students and families).

·         Youth Development and Education: Boys & Girls Club of Watertown (snacks for Project Learn), Lake Area Zoological Society (Girls Rule program), Watertown Middle School (Girls Night Out program), and Our Little Village Learning Center (staff training and development).

·         Transportation & Mobility: Community Transit of Watertown/Sisseton (rides for women and children) and Brothers & Sisters Behind Bars (vehicle for client transport).

·         Community and Wellness: Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership (Delta Dental Care Mobile), Joy Ranch of South Dakota (a five-person pedal boat), and Watertown Area Snow Queen (leadership classes).

Cammie Mengwasser, Executive Director of the Foundation, noted the challenging times, stating, "Our nonprofits are doing incredible work through challenging times, and it’s a privilege for Women & Giving donors to walk beside them."

In total, Women & Giving supporters gifted $68,545 this year for immediate grants and scholarships. An additional $22,510 was invested in the Women & Giving endowment fund, ensuring long-term support for women and children.

https://www.facebook.com/WACF365 (link to WACF Facebook page)

https://www.facebook.com/beaconcentersd (link to Beacon Center Facebook page)