Watertown Area Community Foundation announces more Relief Fund grant recipients

April 2, 2020

WATERTOWN, S.D.–The Watertown Area Community Foundation’s newly established Watertown Relief Fund has seen a lot of action.

The WACF Board established the fund last week to support emergency needs of nonprofit organizations, and charitable groups in their increasing efforts to serve others during COVID-19.

The first grant of $10,000 went to Watertown Community Cares for its ongoing effort during the pandemic to distribute 500 boxes of food weekly.

Since the announcement, more nonprofits and charitable groups have applied for funds to help with their ramped-up services during COVID-19. The following grants have just been awarded:

***$3,500 to the Salvation Army to purchase food, boxes and to-go containers. The Salvation Army is now preparing more than 100 to-go meals daily due to COVID-19.

***$3,500 to the Human Service Agency to support the purchase of gowns, masks, thermometers, laptop computers and Zoom licenses to assist with client care during COVID-19 crisis.

***$4,000 to Divine Providence of South Dakota in its efforts to provide financial assistance for child care for health care workers and 1st responders during COVID 19.


***$5,605 to LATI Foundation to support the purchase of two new 3D printers to help meet the need for masks for our health care providers.

“As you can see, word is getting out that we are working together to help ease the pain COVID-19 is bringing to our community,” said Jan DeBerg, WACF executive director. “Just as much as I encourage nonprofits and charitable groups to apply for Watertown Relief Fund grants, I also encourage those who can to donate to the fund as we hope to award more incoming grants,” she said. “Currently, due to the grants awarded, the fund balance is low. We appreciate any and all support to the fund.”

To apply for a Watertown Relief Fund grant or to donate, please go to: watertowncommunityfoundation.org or use PO Box 116.