The Watertown Area Community Foundation invests in the vitality of the Watertown area by promoting philanthropy, administering charitable gifts, making grants and partnering with local nonprofits, and leading strategic investments in the community.
Watertown Area Community Foundation’s recent giving shows a strong pattern of support for community institutions and local service providers in the Watertown area. Its largest recent grant in the list went to Lake Area Technical Foundation for education, and repeated awards to Friends of the Goss Foundation show sustained support for a community project over multiple years. The foundation also funds youth programming, human services, cultural institutions, and public amenities, including grants for youth sports, zoo support, historical preservation, and community transit. Several of the largest awards go to organizations serving Watertown residents directly, such as Watertown Cares, Human Service Agency, and the City of Watertown. The grant history also shows a mix of capital and program support. Awards have gone to projects that build or improve community infrastructure, alongside support for nonprofit operations and direct services. In the recent grants list, recipients include the Watertown Pickelball Association, Lake Area Zoological Society, Watertown Community Concert Assoc, and Codington County Historial Society. The foundation’s portfolio reflects an emphasis on local organizations that shape everyday life in the greater Watertown area, from recreation and arts to food access and family services.
Education is a visible part of the foundation’s portfolio. It awarded $113,019 to Lake Area Technical Foundation for education, and later gave $19,788 to the same organization. In K-12 support, Duel High School in Clear Lake received three grants: $49,614 in 2023, $43,090 in 2024, and $49,421 in 2025. Human services and basic needs also appear regularly. The foundation gave $60,733 to Watertown Cares for welfare and $53,546 to Human Service Agency for welfare, with another $29,649 awarded to Watertown Banquet - Pach for child hunger. Youth-serving organizations are another recurring focus: Joy Ranch in Florence received $44,554 for youth programs, and the Boys and Girls Club of Watertown received $28,395 for youth programs. Cultural and civic projects are part of the mix as well. The foundation supported Lake Area Zoological Society for zoo support, Codington County Historial Society for historical preservation, and Watertown Community Concert Assoc for music.
$630K
$944K
$4.6M
$1.8M
Most grants fall between $7K and $28K, with a median of $12K.
25th Percentile
$7K
Median
$12K
75th Percentile
$28K
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Typical grants cluster in the mid five figures, with a p25 of $7,015, a median of $12,440, and a p75 of $28,474. The recent grant list also includes several larger awards above $40,000, showing room for both modest operating support and larger project grants. The data shows repeat awards to the same recipients across multiple years, including Friends of the Goss Foundation, Duel High School, Human Service Agency, Joy Ranch, and Lake Area Technical Foundation. The foundation funds individuals only through scholarships, and the active programs show that some grants are unsolicited while others are tied to named community programs.
Giving is overwhelmingly local: 91% of grants go to recipients in South Dakota, and the recipient country distribution is entirely U.S.-based. Watertown is the main hub, with grants to organizations such as Watertown Cares, the City of Watertown, Community Transit of Watertown Siss, and the Watertown Pickelball Association. Clear Lake and Florence also appear among recipient cities, while one recent grant went outside South Dakota to Atlanta, Georgia. The overall pattern is concentrated in the Watertown area rather than spread broadly across states or countries.
The foundation funds education, youth programs, health and human services, arts and culture, environment, community development, and scholarships. Recent grants include support for education, welfare, child hunger, zoo support, historical preservation, and community transit.
Yes. The recent grants list includes repeat awards to Friends of the Goss Foundation, Duel High School, Human Service Agency, Joy Ranch, and Lake Area Technical Foundation across multiple years.
Typical awards are in the mid five figures to low five figures, with a p25 of $7,015, a median of $12,440, and a p75 of $28,474. The recent list also includes larger grants above $50,000.
Yes for several active programs. The Women & Giving program, the Christmas Tree Fundraiser (Oh, Christmas Tree!), Giving Back 365 Grant, General Grants, Community Grants, Watertown Relief Fund, Artwalk, and the General Grant Program all accept unsolicited applications.
Its giving is local and heavily centered in South Dakota. Ninety-one percent of grants go to recipients in SD, with recent awards concentrated in Watertown and nearby cities such as Clear Lake and Florence.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Current and upcoming funding from Watertown Area Community Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Organizations must serve youth across the Watertown area. The program is intended for youth-serving organizations and projects benefiting local young people.
Deadline: Grant applications are typically reviewed in late March; a precise deadline is not stated.
Who can apply: Organizations within a 30-mile radius of Watertown serving those impacted by an emergency or crisis. Foundation cannot award grants to individuals.
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Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FRIENDS OF THE GOSS FOUNDATION | WATERTOWN, SD | $104,059 | 2025 | COMMUNITY |
| WATERTOWN CARES | WATERTOWN, SD | $60,733 | 2025 | WELFARE |
| HUMAN SERVICE AGENCY | WATERTOWN, SD | $53,546 | 2025 | WELFARE |
| CITY OF WATERTOWN | WATERTOWN, SD | $50,000 | 2025 | COMMUNITY |
| DUEL HIGH SCHOOL | CLEAR LAKE, SD | $49,421 | 2025 | EDUCATION |
| JOY RANCH | FLORENCE, SD | $44,554 | 2025 | YOUTH PROGRAMS |
| CODINGTON COUNTY HISTORIAL SOCIETY | Watertown, SD | $32,500 | 2025 | HISTORICAL PRESERVATION |
| EAST CENTRAL CASA | WATERTOWN, SD | $25,999 | 2025 | CHILD WELFARE |
| COMMUNITY TRANSIT OF WATERTOWN SISS | WATERTOWN, SD | $23,582 | 2025 | COMMUNITY TRANSIT |
| LAKE AREA ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY | WATERTOWN, SD | $20,179 | 2025 | ZOO SUPPORT |
| BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF WATERTOWN | WATERTOWN, SD | $17,237 | 2025 | YOUTH PROGRAMS |
| FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH | Watertown, SD | $16,200 | 2025 | CULTURAL |
| THE SALVATION ARMY | WATERTOWN, SD | $15,651 | 2025 | WELFARE |
| WATERTOWN COMMUNITY CONCERT ASSOC | WATERTOWN, SD | $15,546 | 2025 | MUSIC |
| LAKE AREA TECHNICAL FOUNDATION | WATERTOWN, SD | $15,000 | 2025 | EDUCATION |
| WATERTOWN PICKELBALL ASSOCIATION | WATERTOWN, SD | $14,000 | 2025 | COMMUNITY PICKLEBALL COURTS |
| BUILD IT NOW | Watertown, SD | $13,013 | 2025 | YOUTH SPORTS |
| WATERTOWN BANQUET PACH | WATERTOWN, SD | $11,774 | 2025 | CHILD HUNGER |
| SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE | POCATELLO, ID | $10,452 | 2025 | CHILD WELFARE |
| CATTAIL CROSSING GOLF COURSE | WATERTOWN, SD | $10,000 | 2025 | RECREATION |
| MELETTE MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION | WATERTOWN, SD | $7,790 | 2025 | EDUCATION |
| THE AMERICAN FRIENDS OF ST JUDE | RAPID CITY, SD | $7,500 | 2025 | WELFARE |
| WATERTOWN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL | WATERTOWN, SD | $6,000 | 2025 | EDUCATION |
| BEACON CENTER | WATERTOWN, SD | $5,715 | 2025 | WELFARE |
| FRIENDS OF THE GOSS FOUNDATION | WATERTOWN, SD | $102,955 | 2024 | COMMUNITY |
| WATERTOWN PICKELBALL ASSOCIATION | WATERTOWN, SD | $56,700 | 2024 | COMMUNITY PICKLEBALL COURTS |
| LAKE AREA ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY | WATERTOWN, SD | $49,163 | 2024 | ZOO SUPPORT |
| WATERTOWN HOCKEY ASSOCIATION | WATERTOWN, SD | $44,250 | 2024 | YOUTH SPORTS |
| DUEL HIGH SCHOOL | CLEAR LAKE, SD | $43,090 | 2024 | EDUCATION |
| WATERTOWN COMMUNITY CONCERT ASSOC | WATERTOWN, SD | $35,000 | 2024 | MUSIC |
| HUMAN SERVICE AGENCY | WATERTOWN, SD | $34,732 | 2024 | WELFARE |
| WATERTOWN BANQUET - PACH | WATERTOWN, SD | $29,649 | 2024 | CHILD HUNGER |
| FALLOUT SHELTER MINISTRIES | WATERTOWN, SD | $28,500 | 2024 | WELFARE |
| BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF WATERTOWN | WATERTOWN, SD | $28,395 | 2024 | YOUTH PROGRAMS |
| JENKINS LIVING CENTER | WATERTOWN, SD | $25,633 | 2024 | SENIOR SERVICES |
| JOY RANCH | FLORENCE, SD | $25,360 | 2024 | YOUTH PROGRAMS |
| GROVE PARK RENEWAL | ATLANTA, GA | $25,000 | 2024 | COMMUNITY |
| LAKE AREA TECHNICAL FOUNDATION | WATERTOWN, SD | $19,788 | 2024 | EDUCATION |
| WATERTOWN CARES | WATERTOWN, SD | $15,000 | 2024 | WELFARE |
| PRAIRIE LAKES HEALTH CARE FOUNDATIO | WATERTOWN, SD | $14,667 | 2024 | HEALTH CARE |
| FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH | WATERTOWN, SD | $14,658 | 2024 | CULTURAL |
| WATERTOWN TOWN PLAYERS | WATERTOWN, SD | $14,052 | 2024 | MUSIC |
| EAST CENTRAL CASA | WATERTOWN, SD | $10,576 | 2024 | CHILD WELFARE |
| SD NEWS WATCH | SIOUX FALLS, SD | $10,000 | 2024 | COMMUNITY |
| CITY OF WATERTOWN | WATERTOWN, SD | $8,800 | 2024 | COMMUNITY |
| SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE | POCATELLO, ID | $7,900 | 2024 | CHILD WELFARE |
| BROTHERS AND SISTERS BEHIND BARS | WATERTOWN, SD | $7,500 | 2024 | WELFARE |
| WATERTOWN AREA UNITED WAY | WATERTOWN, SD | $7,177 | 2024 | COMMUNITY |
| ST JUDES CHILDRENS RESEARCH HOSPITA | MEMPHIS, TN | $7,140 | 2024 | HEALTH CARE |
| DIVINE PROVIDENCE OF SOUTH DAKOTA | WATERTOWN, SD | $6,973 | 2024 | WELFARE |
FRIENDS OF THE GOSS FOUNDATION
$104,059COMMUNITY
WATERTOWN CARES
$60,733WELFARE
CITY OF WATERTOWN
$50,000COMMUNITY
DUEL HIGH SCHOOL
$49,421EDUCATION
JOY RANCH
$44,554YOUTH PROGRAMS
CODINGTON COUNTY HISTORIAL SOCIETY
$32,500HISTORICAL PRESERVATION
EAST CENTRAL CASA
$25,999CHILD WELFARE
COMMUNITY TRANSIT OF WATERTOWN SISS
$23,582COMMUNITY TRANSIT
LAKE AREA ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
$20,179ZOO SUPPORT
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF WATERTOWN
$17,237YOUTH PROGRAMS
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
$16,200CULTURAL
THE SALVATION ARMY
$15,651WELFARE
WATERTOWN COMMUNITY CONCERT ASSOC
$15,546MUSIC
WATERTOWN PICKELBALL ASSOCIATION
$14,000COMMUNITY PICKLEBALL COURTS
BUILD IT NOW
$13,013YOUTH SPORTS
WATERTOWN BANQUET PACH
$11,774CHILD HUNGER
CATTAIL CROSSING GOLF COURSE
$10,000RECREATION
MELETTE MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION
$7,790EDUCATION
WATERTOWN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
$6,000EDUCATION
BEACON CENTER
$5,715WELFARE
FRIENDS OF THE GOSS FOUNDATION
$102,955COMMUNITY
WATERTOWN PICKELBALL ASSOCIATION
$56,700COMMUNITY PICKLEBALL COURTS
LAKE AREA ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
$49,163ZOO SUPPORT
WATERTOWN HOCKEY ASSOCIATION
$44,250YOUTH SPORTS
DUEL HIGH SCHOOL
$43,090EDUCATION
WATERTOWN COMMUNITY CONCERT ASSOC
$35,000MUSIC
WATERTOWN BANQUET - PACH
$29,649CHILD HUNGER
FALLOUT SHELTER MINISTRIES
$28,500WELFARE
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF WATERTOWN
$28,395YOUTH PROGRAMS
JENKINS LIVING CENTER
$25,633SENIOR SERVICES
JOY RANCH
$25,360YOUTH PROGRAMS
GROVE PARK RENEWAL
$25,000COMMUNITY
WATERTOWN CARES
$15,000WELFARE
PRAIRIE LAKES HEALTH CARE FOUNDATIO
$14,667HEALTH CARE
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
$14,658CULTURAL
WATERTOWN TOWN PLAYERS
$14,052MUSIC
EAST CENTRAL CASA
$10,576CHILD WELFARE
SD NEWS WATCH
$10,000COMMUNITY
CITY OF WATERTOWN
$8,800COMMUNITY
BROTHERS AND SISTERS BEHIND BARS
$7,500WELFARE
WATERTOWN AREA UNITED WAY
$7,177COMMUNITY
DIVINE PROVIDENCE OF SOUTH DAKOTA
$6,973WELFARE
