The Watertown Community Foundation (WCF) is offering the Youth Sports Leagues Grant for the 2025 grant cycle. This grant aims to reduce financial barriers to participation in youth sports by providing funding for participation fees and equipment for student-athletes who may not otherwise be able to afford to play. The foundation is committed to ensuring all Watertown residents have access to youth sports programs by supporting local organizations that offer these opportunities.

Eligible organizations must be either public entities, nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, or organizations affiliated with a 501(c)(3). Additionally, organizations must either be based in Watertown and serve the city’s residents or, if located outside of Watertown, must document an existing partnership with an organization that directly serves Watertown residents. The grant may be used for programs that take place at any time during 2025.

Examples of eligible programs include baseball, softball, football, cheerleading, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, and hockey. Grant applications opened on February 3, 2025, and the deadline for submission is February 24, 2025. All applications must be submitted online through the foundation’s grant portal, accessible via the "APPLY" button on the foundation’s website. Applicants will receive email confirmation upon submission.

Previous grant recipients must complete a grant report for their most recent award before being considered for new funding. Final grantee reports for 2025 funding are due in December 2025. Organizations should submit their reports within 30 days of completing their funded projects.

All applicants will be notified of their grant decisions by the end of March 2025. Questions about the grant application process can be directed to the Watertown Community Foundation via email at info@watertownfoundation.org.