Watertown Area Community Foundation

06/03/2026

TODAY is the day! Join the celebration at the Bramble Park Zoo from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

-- Tour the new Wolf Exhibit
-- Meet the zoo's new wolf pups
-- Enjoy a dirty soda from Soda Corral

Congratulations to the Bramble Park Zoo team on this incredible project. The modernized wolf habitat exceeds Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) standards and will give us all an engaging experience and a deeper appreciation for these amazing animals.

Watertown Area Community Foundation donors supported this project with $85,000 in grant funding. It's another great example of local philanthropy at work, helping create spaces that make the Watertown area an even better place to live, learn, and explore.

5/29 🐺 PUPDATE: Then & Now!

The wolves are almost 6 weeks old already. It's hard to believe how quickly these wolf pups are growing.

The wolf pups weigh about 10 pounds this week and are hitting all of their milestones. Their paws, heads, and ears still seem large, but that's exactly what they should look like at this age. They've started drinking water, have more energy between feedings, and are learning new skills every day. They enjoy practicing their jumps... usually onto a sibling.

We're also starting to see some changes in their coloring. The darker pups are developing white markings on their feet, and both now have white rings on their tails. While they're spending more time playing and exploring, they're still very much babies. They have more energy between feedings, but when it's nap time, they crash.

Don't forget to vote in the wolf pup naming contest! We're so excited to teach them their names and can't wait to share more as they continue to grow.

Which pup has changed the most? Let us know your opinion in the comments! 🐾

06/01/2026

When donors give through the Watertown Area Community Foundation, they are investing in opportunities for local youth to learn and discover new passions.

One of those opportunities is happening this summer at The Goss Opera House.

Through grants awarded by our Youth Council and Giving Back 365 members, the Goss is able to offer programs like Passport to the Arts and the Missoula Children's Theatre residency, giving our area children hands-on experiences in the arts.

This year, the impact is even greater. Thanks to strong community support, the Goss has expanded its free theater programming by offering a second week of Missoula Children's Theatre camp, doubling the number of children who can participate.

From stepping onto a stage for the first time to exploring creativity through art, music, and performance, these programs help young people build confidence, make friends, and develop skills that will benefit them for years to come.

We love seeing donor dollars at work in ways that create meaningful experiences for local kids and families. Thank you to our Giving Back 365 members, Youth Council members, and all who support community philanthropy in the Watertown area.

Check out this recent KXLG Radio story to learn more about the Goss' summer youth arts programs.

{KXLG, Watertown, SD} The Mission of the Goss Opera House in Watertown is to create exceptional experiences for the community, whether it is in programming entertainment or private events. However,

05/28/2026

Please join us in welcoming Laura Heathcote to the Watertown Area Community Foundation as our new Community Engagement Director.

Laura brings a strong background in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and relationship building, along with a deep passion for strengthening the Watertown area. In this newly created role, she will help further the Foundation’s work in community leadership, nonprofit support, and strategic philanthropy across our region.

We are excited to welcome Laura to the Foundation team and look forward to the impact she will help create in our community.

Read more here: https://www.watertowncommunityfoundation.org/watertown-area-community-foundation-announces-laura-heathcote-as-community-engagement-director/

05/25/2026

The Watertown Area Community Foundation will be closed today as we honor Memorial Day.

05/21/2026

The watering cans are back out, and nominations are now open for the 2026 Yard of the Month Awards!

Help us recognize the beautiful yards, flower beds, front porches, and creative landscaping that make Watertown shine each summer.

Nominate a neighbor, local business, or even your own yard:
bit.ly/WatertownYardoftheMonth

Winners will be recognized throughout the summer across Watertown’s five wards, plus a business and whimsical yard category!

Learn more: https://www.watertowncommunityfoundation.org/nominations-now-open-for-2026-yard-of-the-month/

05/20/2026

Summer break has officially kicked off for the Watertown Arrows, and we’d like to take a moment to congratulate our graduating senior members of the Watertown Area Community Foundation Youth Council: Siri Bach, Leila Byer, and Whitney Martinsen.

Thank you for your leadership, service, and commitment to making a difference in our community during your time on Youth Council. We are proud of all you’ve accomplished and excited to see what comes next for each of you.

Wishing you the very best as you begin this next chapter. Good luck, graduates!
.martinsen

05/15/2026

It’s been a busy and exciting week in downtown Watertown with end-of-year class field trips and Lake Area Tech's 2026 Grad Fest Parade bringing extra energy to our community.

Mr. Clark’s art class from Watertown High School took advantage of Wednesday’s beautiful weather to explore Watertown’s Artwalk and experience local art up close.

It’s another great day to get out and enjoy Artwalk! Learn more about this season’s featured sculptures or print your own Artwalk map here: https://www.watertowncommunityfoundation.org/about-us/programs/artwalk

05/12/2026

Congratulations to Andy Patterson on 20 years of leadership with the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation!

Over the years, Andy has been a trusted partner to community foundations across South Dakota, including ours here in Watertown. His integrity, thoughtful leadership, and ability to bring people together around a common purpose have helped strengthen communities well beyond Sioux Falls.

We’re grateful for the guidance, collaboration, and example he has provided through the years, and we congratulate Andy on this well-deserved milestone.

The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation celebrates President Andy Patterson's 20-year anniversary with the organization.

05/10/2026

For 47 years, the Watertown Area Community Foundation has been investing in the vitality of the Watertown area by connecting generous people with the causes they care about most.

From strengthening local health initiatives and educational opportunities to supporting the arts, protecting our environment, and helping neighbors through human services, impact happens because people in our community continue to show up for one another.

Every gift, fund, and partnership helps build a stronger future for our area, today and for generations to come.

Learn more about how you can make a lasting impact:
watertowncommunityfoundation.org