Foundation Offers Mini Grants to Put on Watertown Strong Gatherings

Residents of Watertown,

In the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings and subsequent actions by the Watertown Police Department and other public safety agencies, the Watertown Community Foundation (WCF) urges Watertown residents to get together in neighborhood gatherings to talk about the events, express their sadness and support for the victims, and share their thanks for our first-responders as well as their appreciation for one another. 

To support residents in having these gatherings, WCF invites Watertown neighborhoods to take advantage of WCF’s 10-year old “Neighborhood Block Parties for Philanthropy” program.  Under that program, WCF reimburses residents up to $200 for their first neighborhood gathering ($100 if the neighborhood has previously had a WCF-funded block party). 

The Watertown Community Foundation requests that each gathering feature an appropriate philanthropic expression of those attending the event.  WCF always asks participants receiving block party funding to raise funds for a charity or to collect donations of food for others.  Neighborhood gatherings to reflect on recent events can do this by giving to the charity of the group's choice.  If a neighborhood needs ideas, they may want to consider:

• One Fund Boston (https://onefundboston.org/),
• Watertown’s local food pantries (http://www.ci.watertown.ma.us/index.aspx?NID=322),
• or WCF’s Fund for the Most Vulnerable.

For more information on holding a WCF-sponsored neighborhood gathering and to receive funding, go to www.watertownfoundation.org/blockparties or email mschade@watertownfoundation.org.

Additionally, the Watertown Community Foundation thanks the men and women of the Watertown Police Department, Fire Department and Department of Public Works, along with thousands of supporting emergency personnel who ended the crisis without losing more lives. Our thoughts are with all victims, families and friends grieving and suffering because of the Boston Marathon bombings and subsequent events.  

We are very proud of Watertown’s first responders and residents. 

Thank you,

Mike Schade

Executive Director