Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Watertown Foundation?
Fifty people living in Watertown and Oakville started the Watertown Foundation 1925. United by a desire to make a positive impact on the quality of life in our community, they established a community foundation. A community foundation
is a tax-exempt, non-profit institution created to grow
the charitable gifts of its members for the common good
of the community they share.
What does a community foundation do?
Community foundations have two important responsibilities. The first is to assess the needs of the community regularly. The second is to identify, combine and invest the charitable gifts of its members to benefit the community.
Does every community have a community foundation?
No. There are fewer than 700 community foundations in the
U.S. The Watertown Foundation is the only one created to
support the diverse nonprofit organizations that enhance and enrich the Watertown and Oakville community.
Who are the members of the Watertown Foundation?
The foundation’s members are local residents and
others who want to make a positive impact in Watertown
and Oakville through charity.
How does the foundation award grants?
Each year, members of the Watertown Foundation consider
grant requests from tax-exempt organizations that offer
services or respond to needs in the community.
The foundation uses the investments earned on its
endowment to fund grants and scholarships.
How does the foundation govern and manage its funds?
Professionally accredited and licensed investors manage
the Watertown Foundation’s funds with oversight from a
volunteer 15-member Board of Trustees. A part-time
consultant administers the foundation.
Are contributions to the Watertown
Foundation tax deductible?
Yes. Donations to the Watertown Foundation, a public charity, receive the maximum tax benefit allowable by law.
The Watertown Foundation will celebrate 100 years
of charitable giving to Watertown and Oakville in a few short years. The Watertown Foundation and its members invite you to join our milestone journey
to a century of community service.
The Watertown Foundation is the only community foundation dedicated solely to the Watertown and Oakville community.
A group of residents established the Watertown Foundation in 1925 to enhance the quality of life in our community through
local charity. By combining their gifts and working together to invest their contributions and assess the community’s needs,
our charter members began an extraordinary legacy.
Today, many of your neighbors continue to support the foundation’s exceptional tradition of community giving. This invitation to membership is your opportunity to join them.
On our way to …
100 years of community service
Each year, the Watertown Foundation awards grants to address needs and opportunities that touch the lives of thousands of people in our community.
A stronger community
The Watertown Foundation supports recreation and athletic organizations that make our community strong.
A more caring community
The Watertown Foundation supports faith-based
organizations that make Watertown and Oakville
a community of caring individuals.
A community rich in culture
The Watertown Foundation supports organizations that color
the fabric of our community with music, dance, theater and art.
A community of promise
The Watertown Foundation funds scholarships and educational enrichment programs for our children.
A community with lasting heritage
The Watertown Foundation supports efforts to honor our community’s heritage, including land and historic preservation.
A more compassionate community
The Watertown Foundation supports health initiatives, social services and other opportunities to help children, families, the elderly and neighbors with special needs.
