Greater Lowell Community Foundation Deploys $1 Million Emergency Response as Survey Reveals 64% of Nonprofit Partners Hit by Funding Cuts

Three Strategic Grant Programs Support 48 Organizations Across 21 Communities as Survey Shows Nonprofit Sector Facing Mounting Financial Pressure and Service Reductions

LOWELL, MA – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) today announced it has deployed $1 million in emergency funding to 48 nonprofit organizations across its 21 community service area in response to unprecedented funding cuts that a 2026 survey reveals are affecting 64% of the region’s nonprofit sector.

GLCF’s 2026 Federal Funding Impact Survey, released last month, found that 54% of responding nonprofits experienced direct federal funding cuts in 2025, with an additional 10% reporting indirect impacts through partner organizations. The survey of 41 organizations reveals a sector under mounting pressure: 37% report conditions have worsened since Fall 2025, nearly two-thirds express concern about long-term financial sustainability, and eight organizations report significant or severe impact on their ability to serve the community.

“The data tells a sobering story about the state of our nonprofit sector, but it also reveals the remarkable resilience and creativity of organizations working to maintain critical services for our community’s most vulnerable residents,” said Jay Linnehan, GLCF President and CEO. “Our $1 million investment, made possible through our generous funding partners, represents an immediate, strategic response to help organizations weather this transition while maintaining the safety net our communities depend on.”

The $1 Million Response: Three Strategic Programs

Between October 2025 and January 2026, GLCF launched three complementary grant programs totaling $1 million:

  • Community Connection Grants (October 2025): $100,000 distributed to 10 proven partners ($10,000 each) working to advance equity and strengthen community connections across diverse needs including youth development, cultural support, food security, education, healing services, and economic empowerment.
  • Food Insecurity Response Grants (November 2025): $200,000 to 15 food pantries and emergency feeding programs, including a $50,000 allocation to Merrimack Valley Food Bank that leverages an 8:1 purchasing multiplier to generate $400,000 in food value.
  • Resilience and Care Grants (January 2026): $700,000 to 47 organizations addressing eight priority areas including food security ($161,000), community connection/equity ($175,000), multi-service basic needs ($109,000), youth development and mental health ($80,000), health and mental health ($65,000), immigrant support and legal advocacy ($60,000), and housing and shelter ($50,000).

The initiative funded 48 unique organizations, with 15 receiving support from multiple programs, demonstrating GLCF’s commitment to sustained partnership with high-performing community anchors.

Survey Reveals Sector Under Pressure

The survey, conducted in February 2026, provides the most comprehensive assessment of funding impacts on Greater Lowell’s nonprofit sector:

  • Financial Impact: Thirteen organizations have lost between $50,000 and $500,000 or more cumulatively, with two organizations losing over $500,000.
  • Operational Strain: Increased staff workload and stress (22 organizations), increased administrative burden (16), reduced client capacity (14), staff/hour reductions (13), and eliminated programs or services (13) are the most common impacts.
  • Vulnerable Populations: Service reductions disproportionately affect low-income families (24 organizations), immigrants/undocumented individuals (19), and children/youth (19).
  • Uncertain Future: Twenty organizations (49%) say additional 2026 cuts are “possible but unclear,” while six know of planned cuts. Only two organizations have fully replaced lost funding; 14 (34%) say it’s “too early to tell.”
  • Response Strategies: Organizations are pursuing foundation grants (35), increased individual donations (35), state/local funding (22), and special events/fundraising (16). Notably, 13 organizations have had to dip into reserves, a concerning indicator of financial strain.

One organization reported receiving notice that, effective October 1, 2026, its federally funded Youth & Children Program, Health Advocacy program, and trauma-informed behavioral health services will be cut completely—core services for immigrant and refugee families that will cause immediate service interruptions and likely staff reductions.

What Organizations Need Most

When asked to identify their top support needs, 37 of 41 organizations (90%) prioritized unrestricted, multi-year funding that enables rapid response to evolving challenges and reduces administrative burden. Organizations also emphasized the need for emergency/rapid-response capacity, practical capacity-building support for financial management and donor engagement, and sector-wide collaboration opportunities.

The sector shows strong appetite for collaboration: 22 organizations (54%) are “very interested” in partnering with other nonprofits on shared challenges, and an additional 13 (32%) are “somewhat interested.” Multiple organizations requested GLCF convene similar service providers to identify collective impact strategies and shared funding opportunities.

“We are incredibly grateful that individual and foundation donors have stepped up with funding to help us address food insecurity,” one organization shared in the survey. Another emphasized: “Unrestricted, multi-year support helps our organization respond quickly to challenges and needs of the community.”

Sustaining the Safety Net

“This survey confirms what we’ve been hearing from our partners: the nonprofit sector is navigating a challenging and uncertain landscape,” said Jennifer Aradhya, GLCF’s Vice President of Marketing, Programs & Strategy. “But it also reveals tremendous resilience and a clear appetite for collaboration. Our role is to provide the flexible funding, strategic convening, and capacity-building support that enables organizations to continue their vital work.”

All $700,000 in Resilience and Care Grants funding has been distributed. The combined impact of GLCF’s three grant programs establishes a model for community foundation response to systemic crises, balancing immediate emergency relief with strategic investments in organizational capacity and long-term community resilience. To contribute to GLCF’s Resilience and Care Fund, the foundation’s rapid response fund, visit: https://glcfoundation.info/resilience.

The executive summary of the survey report is available at https://glcfoundation.info/3ObIP0l.


About Greater Lowell Community Foundation

Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 500 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighbouring cities and towns. With financial assets of over $75 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $50 million to the Greater Lowell community.

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CAPTION 1: An Open Table volunteer loads up their refrigerated van to bring food to a mobile partner, the organization received recent grant funding through the Resilience and Care Fund.

CAPTION 2: Discovery Museum’s fully accessible Discovery Woods nature playscape brings nature exploration, gross motor play, and pure joy to kids of every ability. Pictured here is the accessible Nest Swing. Discovery Museum received recent grant funding through the Resilience and Care Fund.

CAPTION 3: St. Paul’s Soup Kitchen’s Richard forest stand next to a sampling of food distributions offered. St. Paul’s Soup Kitchen received recent grant funding through the Resilience and Care Fund.

Greater Lowell Community Foundation 2026 Discretionary Grants Cycle Closes on March 2

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) 2026 Discretionary Grants Cycle will close on Monday, March 2, 2026, offering funding opportunities to improve the quality of life for residents in its 21-community service area. GLCF’s Discretionary Grants Program supports nonprofit organizations serving the communities of Acton, Ashby, Ayer, Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dracut, Dunstable, Groton, Littleton, Lowell, Pepperell, Shirley, Tewksbury, Townsend, Tyngsboro , Westford, and Wilmington.

GLCF continues to utilize Philanthropy MA’s Common Grant Application, streamlining the application process for nonprofits.

Strategic Grant Categories

Funding in the 2026 Discretionary Grants Cycle will focus on three key areas:

  • Leclair Elder Services
  • Children’s Services
  • LGBTQ+ Services

Key Application Considerations:

  • To encourage collaboration, a nonprofit may apply as a lead applicant in one category and serve as a partner on other grant proposals.
  • Agencies with multiple service locations should submit one application that encompasses all sites.
  • Grant requests of up to $10,000 will be considered.

Application Information

Nonprofits interested in applying can review the grant guidelines at: www.glcfoundation.org/for-nonprofits/grants/. Grant proposals are due by 12:00 p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026.

For more information, please visit www.glcfoundation.org or contact maria@glcfoundation.org.

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Caption: Thanks in part to 2025 Greater Lowell Community Foundation Children’s Services grant, Lowell Youth Leadership Program was able to increase summer camp attendance by 20 percent.

Greater Lowell Community Foundation Awards $700,000 in Resilience and Care Grants to 47 Nonprofit Organizations

Anonymous donor’s Resilience and Care Fund provides critical support for urgent basic human needs across 21 Greater Lowell communities

LOWELL, MA – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) today announced $700,000 in grants to 47 nonprofit organizations through its new Resilience and Care Grants program. Made possible by an anonymous donor, this rapid-response initiative provides immediate support for organizations serving vulnerable populations during a time of significant federal and state funding cuts.

“We are deeply grateful to the extraordinary generosity that makes this program possible,” said Jay Linnehan, President and CEO of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation. “Their investment demonstrates a profound commitment to our community during one of its most challenging moments. This is philanthropy at its best – responding quickly and strategically to help our neighbors when they need it most.”

Per the donor, the grant funding addresses basic human needs, including food insecurity, housing and shelter, fuel and rental assistance, immigrant support (including legal costs), clothing, childcare, and mental and/or physical health and well-being. This GLCF grants program uses a direct award notification model – no application required – allowing funds to reach communities as quickly as possible. All grants will be distributed by month’s end, with award amounts ranging from $1,500 to $40,000.

The funder chose community foundations for this initiative specifically because of their proven ability to deploy funding quickly through trusted, long-standing community relationships—exactly the capacity GLCF has built over its 29-year history.

“GLCF recognizes the critical work of Greater Lowell nonprofits that address urgent basic human needs in our community,” said Jennifer Aradhya, GLCF’s VP of Marketing, Programs and Strategy. “For our nonprofit partners affected by funding cuts, these grants arrive at a crucial moment. This generous grant allows us to channel resources quickly to proven organizations on the front lines serving our neighbors in need.”

Funding by Sector

The $700,000 investment is distributed across key sectors: Community Connection and Equity ($175,000, 25%), Food Security and Nutrition ($161,000, 23%), Multi-Service and Basic Needs ($109,000, 15.6%), Youth Development, Mental Health and Educational Access ($80,000, 11.4%), Health and Mental Health ($65,000, 9.3%), Immigrant Support and Legal Advocacy ($60,000, 8.6%), and Housing and Shelter ($50,000, 7.1%).

The program includes a significant investment in youth and children’s services, with $150,000 (21.4% of the total portfolio) supporting 12 organizations across clinical mental health, prevention programs, after-school enrichment, arts development, educational access, and basic needs.

Communities Served

The Resilience and Care Grants support organizations serving all 21 communities of the Greater Lowell region: Acton, Ashby, Ayer, Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dracut, Dunstable, Groton, Littleton, Lowell, Pepperell, Shirley, Tewksbury, Townsend, Tyngsboro, Westford, and Wilmington.

Complete List of Grant Recipients

Community Connection Grants ($175,000): Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell, Inc.; Coalition for a Better Acre, Inc.; Mill City Grows; The Center for Hope and Healing, Inc.; Project Citizenship; Project LEARN, Inc.; Merrimack Repertory Theatre, Inc.; Fortaleza; Women’s Money Matters; YWCA of Lowell; Latinx Community Center for Empowerment

Food Insecurity Response Grants ($160,000): Merrimack Valley Food Bank; The Open Pantry of Lowell; Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry; Dwelling House of Hope; Acton Food Pantry; People Helping People; Carlisle Council on Aging; Bedford Food Pantry; St. Paul’s Soup Kitchen; Open Table; PACH; TEO; Project Kompass; Chelmsford Food Pantry; Humane Society of Greater Lowell; Ashby Food Closet at Ashby Library; Stone Soup Café

Housing & Shelter ($50,000): Lowell Transitional Living Center; House of Hope

Health & Mental Health ($65,000): Lowell Community Health Center; Health Law Advocates

Multi-Service & Basic Needs ($109,000): Community Teamwork, Inc.; Catie’s Closet; Gaining Ground; Wish Project; Aaron’s Presents

Immigrant Support & Legal Advocacy ($60,000): International Institute of New England – Lowell; Northeast Legal Aid; Islamic Center of New England cs Andover

Youth Development, Mental Health & Educational Access ($80,000): Adolescent Consultation Services; Danny’s Place; ThinkGive; Boys and Girls Club of Greater Billerica; UTEC; Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell; Discovery Museum

How You Can Help

“While these funds have been quickly distributed to address immediate needs, there is more to do,” said Jay Linnehan, President and CEO of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation. “I encourage you to help grow our community’s resilience by adding your own contribution. Every gift, no matter the size, strengthens the safety net that catches our neighbors when they fall.”

To contribute to GLCF’s Resilience and Care Fund, visit: https://glcfoundation.info/resilience


About Greater Lowell Community Foundation

Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 500 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighbouring cities and towns. With financial assets of over $75 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $50 million to the Greater Lowell community.

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Photo 1: Gaining Ground’s abundant harvests nourish thousands of people in Greater Lowell every year. Gaining Ground, which received recent grant funding through the Resilience and Care Fund, is a nonprofit organic farm in Concord, Massachusetts, grows vegetables and fruit with the help of several thousand community volunteers and donates all of this fresh food to area meal programs and food pantries.

Photo 2: Mom and son stopped by The Wish Project to get some much needed winter clothes. The Wish Project, which supports our local community by providing donated clothing, baby essentials, and household goods to aid families in need, received recent grant funding through the Resilience and Care Fund.

 

 

Young Artists Take Center Stage: Arts Elevate Pilot Programs Celebrate Creative Breakthroughs at December Capstones

Four Greater Lowell organizations host culminating events featuring poetry, visual art, and film created by youth participants in innovative embedded artist program

Danny’s Place
Prescott Community Center
Umbrella Arts Center
Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lowell

LOWELL, MA (January 2026) — The Greater Lowell Community Foundation’s Arts Elevate initiative concluded its fall pilot season with a series of capstone events across four nonprofit organizations in December 2025, demonstrating how embedding community artists within youth-serving organizations can foster meaningful creative expression and support youth wellness. From spoken word poetry to short films inspired by cinema pioneers, young people across the Greater Lowell region shared work that reflected their identities, emotions, and growing confidence as artists.

  • Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell, Lowell – Embedded community artist Anthony Febo and collaborator Ricky, performed in the “Adobo-Fish Sauce Poetry” capstone highlighted a creative, culture-inspired poetry space where every day flavors met powerful words. The session infused flavor and personality with poetry through a mix of spoken word, storytelling, rhythm, and self-expression. Students shared vulnerable poems representing the spirit of the spoken word tradition.
  • Danny’s Place, Acton – Led by embedded community artist Shoni Hallock-Martin, an evening celebration showcased student work in handmade paper arts and sculptural creations. Students crafted their own paper and journal covers to create incredible journal creations, along with imaginative paper maché sculptures. Families gathered to celebrate the work and hear about the creative process behind each student’s projects.
  • Prescott Community Center, Groton – Led by embedded community artist Andrea Wilson, the “Me, Myself & Art” capstone was a vivid, visual celebration of self. Student artists reflected their identities and emotions through work that emphasized journaling and demonstrated progression from strict portraiture into more abstract art, reflecting continual student expression throughout the fall semester.
  • The Umbrella Arts Center, Concord – Led by embedded community artist Tom Flint, students premiered a series of short youth films inspired by some of the earliest filmmakers in cinema history, including the Lumière Brothers, Edwin S. Porter, and Buster Keaton. Students worked in tight-knit groups to co-create films that explored the intersectionality between animate and inanimate worlds.

The December capstones mark the successful completion of the fall pilot, with programming extended through spring 2026.

Save the Date: A comprehensive Arts Elevate Showcase for funders, stakeholders, and community partners will be held on May 5, 2026 at the Chelmsford Center for the Arts. The event will feature presentations from all four pilot organizations, an artist panel, and performances by youth participants. To register: https://glcfoundation.info/4bk0E6W

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$200,000 GLCF Emergency Food Grants Reach 80,000+ Residents as Organizations Report Unprecedented Demand

LOWELL, MA – One month after the Greater Lowell Community Foundation distributed $200,000 in emergency food grants to 15 organizations across its 21-community service area, impact statements reveal the unprecedented scale of food insecurity gripping the region – and the critical role these funds are playing in meeting exploding demand.

In Massachusetts, nearly 800,000 residents – including 240,000 children – face food insecurity, with working families increasingly unable to afford basic groceries despite employment. According to Feeding America’s 2024 Map the Meal Gap study, 11.2% of Massachusetts residents struggle with food access as grocery prices have risen 25% since 2020 while wages have failed to keep pace (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In Greater Lowell’s 21 communities, thousands of employed residents now earn too much to qualify for SNAP benefits yet too little to cover rent, utilities, and food – creating a modern “working poor” crisis affecting families throughout the region.

The 15 grant recipients collectively serve more than 80,000 individuals each month, distributing millions of pounds of food through pantries, meal programs, home delivery services, and school-based initiatives. Their impact statements paint a vivid picture of communities in crisis – and organizations working at maximum capacity to respond with compassion and efficiency.

Crisis-Level Demand Surge

Organizations across the region reported unprecedented increases in need:

  • Project Kompass serving Lowell’s under-resourced Jackson-Appleton-Middlesex neighborhood, reported shocking increases in working poor families unable to afford nutritious food despite full-time employment.

  • Bedford Food Bank saw demand surge 60 to 70% from the previous year, now serving 220-250 households weekly and distributing approximately 9,000 pounds of food each week.
  • PACH (Pepperell Aid from Community to Home) distributed 76,665 pounds of food in 2025 – a 23.5% increase from 2024 – serving 212 households representing 1,473 individuals.
  • People Helping People in Burlington enrolled 31 new clients since the government shutdown, putting strain on financial resources for essential staples like milk, eggs, bread, and fresh produce.
  • Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry opened its doors to federal employees impacted by the shutdown, supporting over 60 additional households.

“These grants represent more than emergency funding – they represent our community’s commitment to ensuring no family faces hunger alone,” said Jay Linnehan, President and CEO of Greater Lowell Community Foundation. “The impact statements we’ve received demonstrate both the severity of this crisis and the extraordinary dedication of our partner organizations responding with compassion and efficiency.”

Working Families Priced Out of Grocery Stores

Tracy, volunteer coordinator of the Open Pantry of Greater Lowell, understands the issue of food insecurity isn’t just a problem for “poor” people. “Anyone can find themselves here at the pantry in need of food. Anyone. Nobody should be embarrassed. We are here to help, no matter your circumstances.”

Merrimack Valley Food Bank’s Operation Nourish program delivers food weekly to every Lowell public school. School personnel report that entire families are now seeking help through school food pantries. “There has been an uptick in pantry use and phone calls from parents asking for food,” reported Lowell public school personnel. “Parents often start their phone calls by apologizing for their circumstances, either a layoff, or cost of living increases that price out groceries. One parent called in and pleaded, ‘We have nothing. Anything, and I mean anything, would help.’”

Jennifer Aradhya, GLCF’s Vice President of Marketing, Programs & Strategy, emphasized the Foundation’s ongoing commitment: “The impact statements we’ve received confirm what we knew – this crisis demands sustained response. Every organization is working at maximum capacity with unprecedented compassion and efficiency. Our role is to ensure they have the resources to continue this essential work to help anyone in need, including these hardworking families in our community.”

About Greater Lowell Community Foundation
Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 450 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of over $70 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $40 million to the Greater Lowell community.

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CAPTION 1: Loaves & Fishes in Devens provides groceries for a record number of families this holiday season.

CAPTION 2: Dave Aldrich (Project Kompass Board Chair & Founder), volunteer Dan Keenan, and OPS Manager Kathy Moriarty, working tirelessly to fulfill food requests, manage deliveries, and keep Project Kompass’ shelves stocked.

Greater Lowell Community Foundation Announces $200,000 Emergency Response to Food Insecurity Crisis

LOWELL, MA – Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) today announced a $200,000 emergency grant program to address acute food insecurity across its 21-community service area as Massachusetts families face an unprecedented convergence of threats to food security.

The emergency funding responds to multiple simultaneous crises: the federal government shutdown threatening SNAP benefits for over 1.1 million Massachusetts residents, dramatic cuts to food bank funding, and new eligibility restrictions projected to eliminate benefits for approximately 150,000 state residents. With winter approaching—when heating costs compete with food budgets—the need for immediate action has never been more urgent.

“Families in our communities are facing impossible choices between heating their homes and putting food on the table,” said Jay Linnehan, President and CEO of Greater Lowell Community Foundation. “This emergency funding represents an immediate, comprehensive response to ensure no family in our region goes hungry during this crisis.”

The $200,000 initiative includes a $100,000 grant from an anonymous donor, demonstrating unprecedented philanthropic collaboration in response to community need. Grants will be distributed immediately to 14 organizations serving all 21 communities in GLCF’s service area.

“Thanks to GLCF, this generous grant means the world to the Merrimack Valley Food Bank and will make a real difference in our fight against hunger, especially during such a critical time,” said Debbie Callery, Executive Director, Merrimack Valley Food Bank. “Because of this funding, we can get more food to the people in our community who need it most.” 

Strategic Distribution Framework:

The program employs a three-tier approach ensuring both regional efficiency and community-specific support:

  • Regional Support ($50,000): Merrimack Valley Food Bank receives the largest allocation, leveraging its 8:1 purchasing power multiplier to convert the investment into $400,000 in food value through wholesale purchasing, donated goods pipelines, and federal commodity programs.
  • Multi-Community Organizations ($74,000): Five organizations serving multiple communities receive substantial support, including The Open Pantry of Lowell ($32,000), Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry ($20,000), Dwelling House of Hope ($10,000), St. Paul’s Soup Kitchen ($10,000), and Humane Society of Greater Lowell ($2,000).
  • Community-Specific Programs ($76,000): Nine town-based organizations ensure comprehensive coverage across GLCF’s entire service area, with grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 based on community size and organizational capacity.

The emergency grants will enable immediate expansion of services including extended pantry hours, increased food distribution, emergency meal programs, and enhanced support for vulnerable populations including seniors, families with children, and individuals with disabilities.

“This is not business as usual—this is an emergency response to an emergency situation,” explained Jennifer Aradhya, GLCF’s Vice President of Marketing, Programs & Strategy.  “By working with established community partners who can deploy resources immediately, we’re ensuring help reaches families who need it most, right now.”

The initiative builds on GLCF’s longstanding commitment to addressing food insecurity in the Merrimack Valley region, where poverty rates range from 16% in Lowell to lower rates in surrounding communities, but where all residents face the same federal policy changes threatening food security.

Organizations receiving emergency funding include regional anchors and community-specific programs across all 21 GLCF communities: Acton, Ashby, Bedford, Billerica, Boxborough, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunstable, Groton, Littleton, Lowell, Pepperell, Shirley, Tewksbury, Townsend, Tyngsborough, Westford, and Wilmington.

About Greater Lowell Community Foundation
Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 450 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of over $70 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $40 million to the Greater Lowell community.

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CAPTION: Sam Speciale, of Lowell, unloading fresh produce at the Merrimack Valley Food Bank (MVFB). MVFB was the recipient of a recent food insecurity grant to support Greater Lowell.

GLCF Awards $100,000 in Community Connection Grants to Ten Local Nonprofits

LOWELL, MA – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is proud to announce the recipients of its Community Connection Grant program, awarding $10,000 to each of ten exceptional nonprofit organizations serving the Greater Lowell community. The $100,000 in total funding will support organizations working to advance equity and strengthen community connections during a critical time for the nonprofit sector.

The Community Connection Grant program builds upon the strong foundation established through GLCF’s Discretionary Grant Cycle, recognizing organizations that have proven their commitment to community impact and partnership excellence. Recipients were selected by a community committee and approved by the GLCF board based on their 501(c)3 status in good standing, demonstrated impact in improving lives in Greater Lowell, and track record of meeting all grant requirements as past grant recipients.

“At a time when federal funding cuts threaten vital services for our most vulnerable community members, local support has never been more important,” said Jennifer Aradhya, VP of Marketing, Programs and Strategy at GLCF. “These ten organizations are on the front lines every day, serving those who need it most. We are honored to provide this flexible funding to support their critical work and strengthen the connections that make our community resilient.”

The 2025 Community Connection Grant recipients are:

  • Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell, Inc.
  • Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association of Greater Lowell, Inc. (CMAA)
  • Coalition for a Better Acre, Inc.
  • Latinx Community Center for Empowerment – LCCE
  • Merrimack Repertory Theatre, Inc. (MRT)
  • Mill City Grows
  • Project LEARN, Inc.
  • The Center for Hope and Healing, Inc.
  • Women’s Money Matters
  • YWCA of Lowell

These organizations represent a diverse spectrum of community needs, from youth development and cultural support to food security, education, healing services, and economic empowerment. Their collective work touches thousands of Greater Lowell residents annually.

Among the 10 grant recipients, Project Learn in Lowell received a grant to advance equity and strengthen community connections. “We’re thrilled to with the opportunity to receive this GLCF Community Connections grant. It will help us increase access to career-readiness programming for Lowell students, and better enable our team to connect students with local employers for experiential learning opportunities, such as paid internships and externships, work-based credentials, mentoring and career speaker panels.”

The $10,000 grants provide flexible funding that organizations can use to advance equity and strengthen community connections according to their unique missions and the needs of those they serve. Grant funds will be disbursed in Fall 2025.

About Greater Lowell Community Foundation
Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 450 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of over $70 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $40 million to the Greater Lowell community.

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CAPTION: Project Learn received a Community Connection to advance equity and strengthen community connections. During the 2025 Summer Applied Externships at Project LEARN, Lowell High students Anastasia Orphanos, Alayshia Than-Ngeth Phlo, Nayara Agricourt, Brendan Mtiziwa, and Steven Soeung, partnered with Rise Social Relations to gain real-world experience in how small businesses meet client needs – bridging classroom learning with career exploration.

Greater Lowell Community Foundation announces more than $250K in grants to local nonprofits at Annual Meeting

Lowell, MA – On Tuesday, June 10, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation hosted its annual meeting at UMass Lowell’s Coburn Hall with nearly 200 community members. A record number of grant funding was awarded to 26 nonprofits serving Greater Lowell within funding focus areas: Children’s Services, Elder Services, and LGBTQ+ Services.

These grant awards are part of a competitive grant process in which nonprofit organizations apply for funds, and independent committees review the proposals and select awardees. The GLCF Discretionary Grants is one of several competitive grant programs offered through the foundation each year. 

“With the largest discretionary grant distribution in our history, we’re affirming our commitment to addressing critical local needs,” said GLCF President and CEO Jay Linnehan. “These investments are a direct result of generous donors and thoughtful stewardship, and they help ensure that vital services reach those who need them most.”

A highlight of the Annual Meeting was a keynote address by Kendra Bauer, a longtime educator at Lowell High School, who presented “The Power of Building Community.” Bauer, who has taught for 22 years, specializes in courses on race, gender, and identity in literature and leads the Early College and Dual Enrollment programs.

In her keynote, Bauer shared personal insights into how building community through trust, connection, and relationships has empowered students and driven meaningful change. She invited three Lowell High School students to share their own powerful experiences, which were a standout moment of the evening.

The foundation also presented Representative Vanna Howard with the 2025 Bankers’ Volunteer Award for Lifetime Achievement in recognition of her lifelong dedication to volunteering. This honor celebrates her unwavering spirit of selflessness and commitment to local causes that have enriched the Greater Lowell community.

2025 Discretionary Grant Awards

Children’s Services:

  • Aaron’s Presents: Deepening Mentorship for AP Youth in Lowell[NR4]  – $10,000
  • City of Lowell Recreation Office: FY 26 Swim Lessons – $10,000
  • Cocotree Kids: Cocotree Kids Underwear Distribution – $10,000
  • Dignity Matters, Inc.: Dignity for Greater Lowell Teens and Young Women – $10,000
  • Lowell Community Health Center: Children’s Vision Screener Project – $10,000
  • Lowell Youth Leadership Program Inc.: LYLP 2025 Summer Program – $10,000
  • Mission of Deeds, Inc.: Beds Program – $5,000
  • North Star Family Services, Inc.: Bonnie’s Place, family homeless shelter – $5,000
  • PAL of Massachusetts: Shop with a Cop – $10,000
  • Project Home Again: A Good Night’s Sleep, Bed Bundles for Kids – $10,000
  • Refuge Art School Inc.: Refuge Access Fund: $10,000
  • Sibling Connections: Expansion of Weekend Retreats – $10,000

Leclair Elder Services:

  • Lowell Association for the Blind: Easy Healthy Cooking for the Blind – $10,000
  • Merrimack Valley Food Bank: Mobile Pantry – $10,000
  • The Nature Connection: Nature Connects: Outreach Programs & Memory Cafés for Elders – $10,000
  • Open Table: Support for Senior Hunger Relief Programs – $10,000
  • Project Citizenship: Citizenship Services for Immigrants Aged 55+ in Greater Lowell – $10,000
  • Ramps for Neighbors, a program of the Parish of All Saints, dba as All Saints Episcopal Church: Ramps for Neighbors – $10,000

LGBTQ+ Services:

  • BAGLY Inc[NR5]  dba Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition: Regional Expansion of MTPC’s Programs and Services to the Greater Lowell Area – $10,000
  • Danny’s Place Youth Services: Mosaic, Empowering LGBTQ+ Youth Through Expression and Belonging – $10,000
  • Greater Boston PFLAG: Affirming Families, LGBTQ+ Support & Education Expansion – $10,000
  • Greater Lowell Health Alliance (GLHA): The Pride Playbook, Prioritizing Mental Health in Every Step – $10,000
  • History UnErased, Inc.: “The Past Is Always Present” – $10,000
  • MA LGBT Business Network: Building a Welcoming and Inclusive Workplace for LGBTQ+ Communities: An Educational Series – $10,000
  • Merrimack Repertory Theatre, Inc. (MRT): Amplifying LGBTQ+ Theatre Artists and Stories: KWEEN by Vichet Chum – $10,000
  • Pathway To Better Health: Expand Chroma Sessions – $10,000

2025 Discretionary Grant Total: $250,000

“These grants demonstrate how strategic philanthropy, driven by community input, can tackle pressing challenges,” said Jennifer Aradhya, GLCF’s VP of Marketing, Programs and Strategy. “We are honored to fund organizations that are creating inclusive, supportive, and lasting impact across Greater Lowell.”

Applications are currently being accepted through June 16 via the Women Working Wonders Fund for programs/projects that impact the lives of women and girls while advancing an organization’s mission. For more information, visit www.glcfoundation.org.

About Greater Lowell Community Foundation

Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 450 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of over $70 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $40 million to the Greater Lowell community.

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CAPTION for Photo 1: Grant recipients gathered at GLCF’s Annual Meeting on June 10. Funding of $250,000 in competitive grants were awarded to 26 local nonprofits.

CAPTION for Photo 2: GLCF presented Representative Vanna Howard with the 2025 Bankers’ Volunteer Award for Lifetime Achievement in recognition of her lifelong dedication to volunteering. This honor celebrates her unwavering spirit of selflessness and commitment to local causes that have enriched the Greater Lowell community.

CAPTION for Photo 3:  A highlight of the Annual Meeting was a keynote address by Kendra Bauer, a longtime educator at Lowell High School, who presented “The Power of Building Community.” Bauer invited three Lowell High School students to share their own powerful experiences, which were a standout moment of the evening. From left, GLCF Board Chair Chet Szablak, LHS students Jolette Buhendwa, Rachel Ngene and Abygail Karame, LHS teacher Kendra Bauer with GLCF President and CEO Jay Linnehan.

Greater Lowell Community Foundation Awards $80,000 in LGBTQ+ Grants at Annual Brunch

Lowell, MA – On Saturday, June 7, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) hosted its annual LGBTQ+ Fund Brunch at Cobblestones in Lowell, celebrating the second year of the foundation’s LGBTQ+ Fund and awarding $80,000 in new grants to eight local nonprofits. The event brought together 150 supporters and was presented by the Saab Family Foundation and GLCF.

The brunch featured music, meaningful conversations, and a joyful atmosphere that celebrated Pride Month and reaffirmed GLCF’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“GLCF’s LGBTQ+ Fund is building a future where all members of our community can live with dignity and opportunity,” said GLCF President and CEO Jay Linnehan. “We are proud to support these organizations doing vital work in Greater Lowell.”

Jennifer Aradhya, GLCF’s Vice President of Marketing, Programs, and Strategy, added, “The generosity of our community has allowed us to launch and grow this fund, and we’re excited to see these dollars going directly to nonprofits that are creating safe, affirming, and empowering spaces for LGBTQ+ people.”

Eight organizations received $10,000 grants each:

  • BAGLY Inc dba Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition: Regional Expansion of MTPC’s Programs and Services to the Greater Lowell Area
  • Danny’s Place Youth Services: Mosaic, Empowering LGBTQ+ Youth Through Expression and Belonging
  • Greater Boston PFLAG: Affirming Families, LGBTQ+ Support & Education Expansion
  • Greater Lowell Health Alliance (GLHA): The Pride Playbook, Prioritizing Mental Health in Every Step
  • History UnErased, Inc.: The Past Is Always Present
  • MA LGBT Business Network: Building a Welcoming and Inclusive Workplace for LGBTQ+ Communities: An Educational Series
  • Merrimack Repertory Theatre, Inc. (MRT): Amplifying LGBTQ+ Theatre Artists and Stories: KWEEN by Vichet Chum
  • Pathway To Better Health: Expand Chroma Sessions

GLCF established the endowed LGBTQ+ Fund in 2023 with cofounders Julie Chen, Chancellor of UMass Lowell, and her spouse, Susu Wong, owner of Tomo360 to support nonprofit organizations that serve and strengthen the LGBTQ+ community across Greater Lowell. Recognizing the importance of sustained support during the fund’s early years, GLCF’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted to supplement annual grantmaking in 2025 and 2026 as the endowment grows.

For more information about the LGBTQ Fund or to donate, please visit: https://glcfoundation.info/3Bd8Dzn

About Greater Lowell Community Foundation

Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 450 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of over $70 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $40 million to the Greater Lowell community.

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CAPTION: Grant recipients gathered at GLCF’s LGBTQ Brunch on June 7. From left, GLCF’s VP of Marketing, Programs and Strategy Jennifer Aradhya, MRT’s Courtney Sale, MA LGBT Business Network’s Alex Eberhardt, History Unerased’s Debra Fowler, GLHA’s Ella Harris, PFLAG’s Jenessa Kornacki, Pathway To Better Health’s Jessica Wisocky and GLCF’s VP of Philanthropy Howard Amidon.

Women Working Wonders Fund Seeks Request for Proposals for 2025 Grant Cycle

Lowell, Mass. – The Women Working Wonders Fund (WWWF), a permanently endowed fund of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, requests proposals for this year’s grant cycle that opens on May 12. The Women Working Wonders Fund will award four (4) grants of up to $15,000 each to programs/projects that impact the lives of women and girls while advancing an organization’s mission.

WWWF provides annual grants in three key areas: assisting women in transition, providing leadership development for women and girls, and contributing to the beautification of the environment benefitting women and girls. Started in 2004 by a group of 72 women who each gave $500, the WWW Fund has now grown to more than $1.5 million. Since its inception, WWWF has distributed grants totaling over $500,000, creating positive change in countless lives in Greater Lowell.

To apply for the Women Working Wonders Fund grant, visit www.glcfoundation.org. The deadline to apply is Monday, June 16, 2025, at noon. For more information on the Women Working Wonders Fund, visit womenworkingwondersfund.com.

About Greater Lowell Community Foundation

Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 450 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of nearly $70 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $40 million to the Greater Lowell community.

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Photo: GLCF25_WWWF_ironstone.jpg

Caption: Ironstone Farm’s Challenge Unlimitedreceived a 2023 grant for their Equine Assisted Therapeutic Programs for Female First Responders.