A Record Year for Women & Giving

With the need greater than ever, supporters of the Watertown Area Community Foundation’s Women & Giving program set a new record for generosity in 2023.

The Women & Giving program helps women and children overcome barriers, increase opportunities, and achieve goals. In its 20th year, the program’s annual fundraising campaign raised over $118,000.

“Twenty years ago, Women & Giving was created to educate and inspire women to become leaders in philanthropy,” said Cammie Mengwasser, Executive Director of the Watertown Area Community Foundation. “That vision has certainly been realized.”

2023 supporters gifted over $68,000 for immediate granting needs and scholarships. An additional $50,000 was designated to the Women & Giving endowment fund at the Foundation, bringing the principal balance close to $225,000.

“Only earnings on the fund’s principal balance are granted,” shared Mengwasser. “Earnings on that amount can now fully sustain the Girls Rule program, a true legacy for Women & Giving and its supporters.”

Women & Giving has fully funded the Girls Rule Program at the Bramble Park Zoo since it began 15 years ago. Each year, Girls Rule helps 30 at-risk girls learn about healthy relationships, gain leadership skills, and build self-confidence.  

Women & Giving’s reach has been widespread, supporting organizations including the Beacon Center, Boys & Girls Club, Brothers & Sisters Behind Bars, East-Central CASA, and the Delta Dental Mobile, just to name a few.

“Not only was it an extraordinary year of generosity, we also had an exceptional amount of grant requests,” added Mengwasser. “The need continues to grow and we are thankful the community responds to that call.”

The Women & Giving Advisory Committee awarded $40,968 to the following organizations:

• • Boys and Girls Club of Watertown
  • Brothers & Sisters Behind Bars
  • Community Transit of Watertown/Sisseton
  • East-Central CASA
  • Friends of the Goss Opera House
  • Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership
  • Lake Area Zoological Society-Girls Rule
  • Sleep in Heavenly Peace
  • The Salvation Army
  • Toastmaster’s District 78 Club
  • Watertown Area Snow Queen
  • Watertown PACH
  • Watertown Middle School
  • Watertown Regional Library

The Foundation’s Women & Giving program also awards scholarships to non-traditional, female students attending Lake Area Technical College and Mount Marty University. Scholarships totaling $20,000 will be awarded later in the year.