Christmas Tree Fundraiser Shines a Light on Watertown’s Nonprofits Once Again
January 6, 2026
The Watertown Area Community Foundation’s annual Christmas Tree Fundraiser once again brought the community together in the spirit of creativity and support for local nonprofits. Hosted at the Watertown Regional Library throughout December, the festive fundraiser raised thousands of dollars to support organizations making a difference across the Watertown area. Altogether, $20,080 was awarded to participating nonprofits through community giving and Foundation matching grants.
Through the month of December, community members were invited to cast $1 votes for their favorite decorated trees displayed throughout the Watertown Regional Library, with every dollar going directly back to the participating nonprofit. In addition, each organization received a $300 matching grant from the Foundation, and the top-earning organization received an additional $500 unrestricted grant.
This year, Northern Prairie Arts took the top spot, raising an incredible $9,324, which includes donor contributions, the Foundation’s match, and the $500 winning grant. Their strong community support highlights the value Watertown places on the arts and providing creative experiences for community members.
Second place went to Watertown Cares, which raised $1,181, demonstrating the community’s ongoing commitment to supporting individuals facing homelessness and hardship.
In total, fifteen organizations participated in this year’s event and benefited from both community generosity and the Foundation’s matching grant:
Beacon Center; Boy Scout Troop 209; Codington County 4-H; Community Transit of Watertown/Sisseton; East-Central CASA; Human Service Agency C.A.R.E.; Joy Ranch of South Dakota; Lake Area Zoological Society; Northern Prairie Arts; Rachel’s Hope; Special Olympics Watertown Area; Town Players Community Theater; Watertown Area Snow Queen; Watertown Cares; and the Watertown Regional Library
“The Christmas Tree Fundraiser continues to be such a good reminder of how generous and engaged our community is,” said Cammie Mengwasser, Executive Director of the Watertown Area Community Foundation. “Every organization that participates benefits not only from the essential unrestricted funds raised, but also from the awareness this event brings to their essential work throughout Watertown and the surrounding area. We’re grateful to the nonprofits, the library, and every donor who helped make this year’s fundraiser a success.”
The Watertown Area Community Foundation extends sincere thanks to the participating nonprofit organizations, the Watertown Regional Library, and the many community members who showed up, offered their support, and helped make this effort successful. Their steady generosity and commitment to caring for one another continue to strengthen our community in meaningful ways.
>>> Northern Prairie Arts took first place in the Watertown Area Community Foundation’s Annual Christmas Tree Fundraiser. Their tree, inspired by a Barn Quilts Workshop they hosted in 2025, featured quilt designs created by participants and was topped with a 3D-printed star. Northern Prairie Arts continues to bring local artists and community members together to learn, create, and explore the arts.