About Us

The Watertown Community Foundation is a 501 © (3) tax-exempt organization established in 1979.  The Watertown Community Foundation promotes philanthropy, receives and administers charitable gifts and invests in programs that improve the quality of life in Watertown by promoting charity, education and culture in the community. 

The Watertown Community Foundation encourages philanthropy at all levels, provides donor services and responds to the ever-changing needs and opportunities in the community.

The Watertown Community Foundation supports Arts and Culture, Education, Environment, Health and Human Services, and Youth Programs.

The Watertown Community Foundation is governed by a volunteer board who broadly represent the Watertown Community.  These board members are appointed by the:

City of Watertown
Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce
Watertown School District
Great Western Bank
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Front, from left, Jim Roby, and Dale Christensen, board chair.

Back, from left, Laurie Benson, Dr. Lesli Hanson, vice chair; and Kate Benson.

2010 Board Members:
Dale Christenson, Board Chairman
Dr. Lesli Hanson, Vice Chair
Laurie Benson
Kate Benson
Jim Roby

Executive Director:
Jan DeBerg
foundation@iw.net

Administrative Assistant:
Julianne Endres
assistant@watertowncommunityfoundation.org

Jan DeBerg, Julianne Endres

Trustees:
Greg Blow, Trustee Representative, Great Western Bank, N.A.
 Tyler DeBoer, Trustee Representative, Wells Fargo Bank

Tyler DeBoer, Greg Blow

As of December 31, 2009 our assets were over 8.9 million. We have over 50 funds that provide grants and scholarships each year to residents and organizations in Watertown.

The Watertown Community Foundation is audited annually. 

211 East Kemp Avenue, P.O. Box 116, Watertown, SD  57201-0116                  605.882.3731    Fax 605.753.5731
                                                                                             email: info@watertowncommunityfoundation.org