Greater Lowell Community Foundation

Personal Stories

Belinda Juran and Evan Schapiro: Helping to Maintain and Grow the Merrimack Valley’s Rich Cultural Tradition

Belinda Juran and Evan Schapiro

As residents of the Merrimack Valley for the past 25 years, Belinda and Evan often took advantage of the rich and diverse cultural opportunities that the region offered. Unlike Boston, where the scene is dominated by large cultural institutions with a large donor base, the Merrimack Valley's arts scene typically consists of a more diverse group of smaller and less well-known organizations. So, Evan and Belinda were especially surprised to learn that the Merrimack Valley did not have a permanently endowed Arts Fund dedicated to the support of local cultural organizations. MORE

Peter S. Stamas: Dedicated to Education in Lowell for 17 Years

Peter Stamas

Peter’s Passion: Education and civic involvement.
As headmaster of Lowell High School for 17 years, Peter shaped the minds of Lowell’s future leaders and led by example. He believed community services was the way to better our region’s quality of life. More...

Volunteer Philanthropy in Action Awards

Our annual Volunteer Philanthropy in Action Awards honor individuals and clubs who have given their time and talents to improve the quality of life in our region. Through the award, we seek to recognize the unique importance of volunteer effort in our community.

Youth and Adult Volunteers

Each year, we select two individuals—one who is 25 years old or younger, and one who is 25 + — to receive the award. We present the awards at our annual Philanthropy Day, highlight the honorees in press materials, and provide each with a gift of $1,000 to be given to the Greater Lowell charity of their choice.

We invite you to review the selection criteria and nominate individuals you think make a difference in our community.

Selection Criteria

The selection committee looks for individuals who:

  • The nominee will be recognized for achievement in a specific significant project, or for the cumulative effect of the contribution of a substantial amount of time and effort to respond to neighborhood or community needs.;
  • The nominee’s contribution must have measurable impact, either current or long term, to demonstrate that he/she has really “made a difference” and has an ongoing commitment to the community.
  • The nominee’s creativity, cooperation with other groups and individuals, and utilization of existing resources, such as neighborhood or school networks will be considered where applicable.

The award may also be given posthumously in honor of a community member, with the monetary gift distributed according to the wishes of the honoree’s family.

The 2006 Award Nomination form is available for download here (Word document). The 2007 form will be available in January 2007. Additional letters of support are discouraged.

Youth/Young Adult Community Service Clubs

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation “Service Club Philanthropy in Action Award” honors youth/ young adult service clubs which improve the quality of life in their local communities. This award provides a unique recognition of the importance of voluntary group effort in our communities. A gift of $250 will be awarded to the service club which has made the most significant impact in the Northern Middlesex County towns served by the Greater Lowell Community Foundation.

Selection Criteria

The selection panel will use the following guidelines when evaluating the service clubs:

  • The service club will be recognized for achievement in a specific project, or for the cumulative effect of the contribution of a substantial amount of time and effort to respond to neighborhood or community needs.
  • The service club’s contribution must have measurable impact, either current or long term, to demonstrate that the group has really “made an impact” and has an ongoing commitment to the community.
  • The service club’s creativity, cooperation with other groups and individuals, and utilization of existing resources, including neighborhood or school networks will be considered where applicable.
  • Activities should be voluntary and non-sectarian in nature.

The 2006 Award Nomination form is available for download here (Word document). The 2007 form will be available in January 2007. Additional letters of support are discouraged.