Support the Women and Children of our Area

Women & Giving was started by the Watertown Area Community Foundation in 2004. Through the years women have raised and donated thousands of dollars on a mission to help area women and children overcome barriers, increase their opportunities and achieve their goals.

Each year, the number participating has grown and, gratefully, each year the amount of money raised and granted has increased. A few of the many projects that have benefited from Women & Giving include: Roots and Shoots/Girls Rule program at the Bramble Park Zoo, the Beacon Center, the Boys & Girls Club, and the Delta Dental Care Mobile visit which provides free dental care to children who would otherwise have none. In addition, thousands of dollars are awarded in scholarships to non-traditional, female students at Lake Area Technical College and Mount Marty University in Watertown. These varied projects truly change and improve the lives of area women and children.

Because of the success of the Women & Giving program and to ensure its future, a permanent endowment fund was established at the Foundation in 2010. Donors support Women & Giving through gifts designated to both the endowment fund and for immediate granting.

Women & Giving Advisory Committee

  • Sandy Albertsen
  • Jan Brooks
  • Prudy Calvin
  • Chris Carter
  • Katherine Danforth
  • Susan Geyerman
  • Kathy Holmes
  • Nancy Linneman
  • Julie Ranum
  • Becky Weber

2023 Women & Giving Grants

The Women & Giving Advisory Committee awarded $40,968 to the following organizations:
  • Boys & Girls Club of Watertown
  • Brothers & Sisters Behind Bars
  • Community Transit of Watertown/Sisseton
  • East-Central CASA
  • Friends of the Goss Opera House
  • ICAP Delta Dental Mobile
  • LAZS Girls Rule
  • Sleep in Heavenly Peace
  • The Salvation Army
  • Toastmasters District 78 Club
  • Watertown Area Snow Queen
  • Watertown PACH
  • Watertown Middle School Girls' Night Out
  • Watertown Regional Library

2023 Women & Giving Scholarships

The following have each been awarded a $3,000 scholarship:
  • Lejean Beck, April Geffre, Amanda Sowers, and Jessica Yada, all attending Lake Area Technical College and Thelma Waldner, attending Mount Marty University in Watertown.