Open Ongoing

The Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation’s (GWCHF) mission is to inspire collaboration, mobilize resources and encourage innovation that measurably contributes to the wellbeing of our community.

Creating a healthier tomorrow for children and families in Dodge and Jefferson counties relies on the collective capacity of our community. For that reason, Capacity Building Grants fund leadership development and technical assistance to help local organizations further advance their missions.

View the Capacity Building Grant Request for Proposals to learn more about the grant opportunity.

Open Ongoing

Our Health Equity Grants were created to support equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) projects or initiatives focused on removing obstacles to health for populations not well served under current systems and policies. The Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation recognizes the dignity and value of every person, envisioning thriving communities where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

View the Health Equity Grants Request for Proposals to learn more about the grant opportunity.

Open Ongoing

Our Community Collaboration Grants are open ongoing and are designed to build connectedness in our community. Science teaches us social connections improve physical health and mental and emotional well-being. Community Collaboration Grants support collaborative efforts that build a sense of connectedness between people or create/enhance community spaces where individuals can be active together.

View the Community Collaboration Grants Request for Proposals to learn more about the grant opportunity and application deadlines.

• Capacity building, leadership development and technical assistance to help communities and organizations assess needs, develop strategic plans and implement policy changes that advance health
• Programs and services that improve health and social determinants of health
• Policies and settings that make it easy for individuals to make healthy choices
• Planning and feasibility studies related to our strategic priorities
• Durable equipment and supplies needed to achieve targeted results

• Institutions which discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, creed, gender or sexual orientation in policy or practice
• Fundraising events, celebrations, dinners or golf outings (See our Sponsorship Policy)
• Scholarships, fellowships or direct financial assistance to individuals
• Religious activities or political lobbying
• Medical, academic or scientific research
• Supplanting of existing salaries
• Endowments
• Activities that duplicate efforts in the community
• Retirement of previously incurred debt
• Capital "bricks and mortar" fundraising campaigns
• While GWCHF does not contribute to "bricks and mortar" fundraising campaigns, GWCHF's directed initiatives may include capital investments which promote health equity and are:
  • Within the foundation's identified strategic priorities
  • Evidenced-based for health enhancement

• Each grant cycle, the foundation will develop a formal Request for Proposals which outlines objectives, the application process and timeline, funding available and criteria for decision making. GWCHF anticipates offering one grant cycle each year. The foundation does not accept proposals outside of an open grant cycle.
• The GWCHF Board of Directors will provide final approval of all awards.
• GWCHF reserves the right to determine the amount of each grant awarded, the timing of payments and reporting requirements.

GWCHF makes an effort to minimize sponsorships so that it can use its resources to drive focused improvements in health. However, on a very limited basis, the Foundation will sponsor an educational event or conference if it:

• promotes at least one GWCHF priority area
• is collaboratively organized by multiple community partners
• is part of a larger plan to improve community health status
• provides positive public awareness and visibility to our priority areas, already has substantial community support and involvement, and will reach a large audience of community members
• is requested by an organization that is professionally managed with a proven track record of financial stewardship GWCHF will not sponsor fundraising events or purely social events.

• Advertising for project-specific personnel or program participant recruitment, or for project-related awareness and education Books, journals and membership dues specifically related to the project
• Consultants hired to perform professional services specifically related to the project
• Equipment with a unit cost of $3,000 or less, including computers and office equipment specifically needed for the project Honoraria for services, such as speaker fees, associated with a project-related conference or symposium
• Meals and meeting refreshments associated with a project-related conference or symposium, meeting requirements, site visit meals and guest meals. Alcohol is not a fundable expense.
• Office supplies maintained for general use by all staff for use on the project. Shipping is reimbursable; sales tax is not.
• Photocopying of documents for non-routine, project-specific use Postage costs
• Salaries and fringe benefits for program personnel based on the percentage of effort devoted by the employee
• Supplies and materials consumed in performance of the project agreement. Shipping is reimbursable; sales tax is not.
• Travel expenses including transportation, lodging, and meals for project-related activities.
• Indirect expenses are not funded expenses. GWCHF expects that partner organizations have the existing financial strength to carry on routine business. Therefore rent, insurance, maintenance and repair and personnel costs for support staff not involved in the project are not reimbursable.