GLCF’s Women Working Wonders (WWW) Fund awards six grants totaling $52,000

Lowell, Mass. – The Women Working Wonders (WWW) Fund, a permanently endowed fund of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, has announced the recipients of $52,000 in grants. These grants will support local nonprofit programs that empower women and girls to effect positive change in the community.

Mission of Deeds received a $10,000 grant for their Furnishing Homes Program from the Women Working Wonders Fund. From left to right, GLCF Grants Coordinator Sharon Kim, Mission of Deeds Sharon Petersen with WWWF Trustee Carrie Meikle.

“Women Working Wonders is proud to support these six organizations in their work to improve the lives of women and girls in Greater Lowell,” said Marci Barnes, Women Working Wonders Fund board president. “This competitive grant process allows us to address significant community needs through collective philanthropy.” 

Recipients of the 2022 WWW grants: 

  • Alternative House – Juntas Crecemos (Support for Spanish-speaking survivors of domestic violence) $10,000
  • Center for Hope & Healing – Self Love and Wellness Program for Women $10,000
  • Megan House Foundation – Metamorphosis (to provide financial support to residents throughout their journey of recovery and transformation) $10,000
  • Mission of Deeds – Furnishing Homes $10,000
  • UMass Foundation – UMass Lowell’s River Hawk Scholars Academy- Rising Women Leaders & Affinity Group $10,000
  • Women Accelerators – Women Accelerators Peer Circles $2,000

Women Working Wonders provides annual grants in three key areas: assist women in transition, provide leadership development, and/or contribute to the beautification of the environment.

Founded in 2004 by a small group of women coming together to form a collective giving organization that focused on women’s issues, the fund has made more than $300,000 in grants to organizations supporting women and girls in the Greater Lowell area. 

One of the 2022 grant recipients, Mission of Deeds, received funding for their Furnishing Homes Program to provide women and children in Greater Lowell with the household items they need.

“Mission of Deeds is honored to have received a grant from the Women Working Wonders Fund,” said Sharon Petersen, Director of Grants, Mission of Deeds. “One of the biggest challenges for people moving from a shelter to permanent housing is the lack of beds, furniture, and basic kitchen items. We give our clients, free of charge, everything needed for a functional, livable home, and we are so grateful for the support from the Women Working Wonders Fund.”

The Women Working Wonders Fund’s Power of the Purse 2022 event, which raises funds to support the annual grants, is scheduled for October 20. For information about WWW Fund and the upcoming event, visit: www.womenworkingwondersfund.com.

About Greater Lowell Community Foundation

Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 390 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of more than $50 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 $30 million to the Greater Lowell community. To learn more, visit: www.glcfoundation.org.

GLCF awards multi-year water resources grants

Merrimack River Watershed Council (MRWC) Board Member and water quality scientist Hamed Majidzadeh tests various water quality parameters on the Merrimack River. MWRC was one of three nonprofits that received multi-year grant funding for GLCF’s Water Resources Initiative Grant.

Lowell, MA – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) awarded $45,000 in grants to three local nonprofits for three-year $5,000/year GLCF Water Resources Initiative Grants. The GLCF Water Resources Initiative Grants for nonprofits that support water-resources projects, with a preference for organizations whose primary mission is to protect, improve and preserve the Sudbury-Assabet-Concord (SuAsCo) River, Merrimack River, or Nashua River watersheds.

“These multi-year grants fund incredible nonprofit organizations that protect our valuable area water resources. Water-related projects supported include biological conservation, habitat restoration, and clean-ups,” said GLCF President & CEO Jay Linnehan. “These grants are made possible from a 1998 grant from the Massachusetts Environmental Trust to GLCF. The Foundation was able to create an endowed fund to protect the water resources in Greater Lowell.”

Among the grantees was the Merrimack River Watershed Council, who received a grant to support their Clean Water for Greater Lowell Program. “Through a multi-year commitment from GLCF, the Merrimack River Watershed Council will continue to grow our capacity to fill gaps in water quality data, analysis, and solutions in Greater Lowell,” said Matthew Thorne, executive director of Merrimack River Watershed Council. “Although the Merrimack River, which provides public drinking water for the City of Lowell, is much cleaner than when we began our work in the 1970s, we have significant challenges with contamination issues that are as critical as ever to address.”

2022-24 Water Resources Initiative Grants

The following nonprofit organizations received three-year $5,000/year funding:

  • Merrimack River Watershed Council (Lawrence) for Clean Water for Greater Lowell Program
  • Nashua River Watershed Association, Inc. (Groton) for Citizen-Supported Water Quality Monitoring, and Expanded Bacteria Sampling
  • OARS, Inc. (Concord) for Tracking down pollution to restore clean water in the Sudbury-Assabet-Concord River Watershed

For more information on the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, 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 400 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of more than $55 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 $25 million to the Greater Lowell community. 

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NETSCOUT Awards $15K in Community Grants with Greater Lowell Community Foundation

LOWELL, Mass. – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation, a philanthropic organization comprised of over 390 funds, currently totaling over $59 million, dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns, announced that NETSCOUT SYSTEMS, INC., (NASDAQ: NTCT), a leading provider of cybersecurity, service assurance, and business analytics solutions, has awarded its Heart of Giving community program’s $15,000 grant through the Greater Lowell Community Foundation to Hidden Battles, Challenge Unlimited and The Edinburg Center.

Hidden Battles Foundation received a recent $10,000 grant funding from NETSCOUT’s Heart of Giving community program. Hidden Battles presenters Chris Hurst and Michael Petterson at the pitch presentation at NETSCOUT in Westford.

Hidden Battles, of Lowell, who received the $10,000 grant works to preserve the healthy minds of veterans, firefighters, police officers and first responders who struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder, job-related stress, traumatic brain injuries and the struggles of entering back into civilian life after discharge from the military. The organization offers treatment and counseling through confidential meetings among clients and interactive workshops.

The annual grant program builds relationships with nonprofit organizations and engages employees in learning about service opportunities in the communities of Greater Lowell. This year an additional $5,000 in grant funding was distributed to Challenge Unlimited in Andover and The Edinburg Center in Bedford.

“Connecting philanthropic businesses and individuals to the needs of their communities is at the heart of GLCF’s work. We are proud to be in the 8th year of the NETSCOUT Heart of Giving Community Grant at the Greater Lowell Community Foundation,” said Jay Linnehan, president and CEO, Greater Lowell Community Foundation. “We are grateful for NETSCOUT’s continued commitment to supporting local nonprofits and addressing needs in our community.”

“Through this unique program with GLCF, we can provide financial support to local organizations while empowering our employees to participate in the philanthropic process and build strong relationships in the community through volunteer service,” said Michael Szabados, chief operating officer at NETSCOUT. “With the prolonged impact of COVID-19 taking a huge toll on mental health, especially for caregivers and care providers, we are pleased to support the important work of all three organizations through these grants.”

“Hidden Battles Foundation would like to thank NETSCOUT for awarding us this grant that will facilitate quality, activity driven, mental health programs to veterans, first responders, nurses, and their families. We would also like to recognize GLCF for their hard work and assistance during the grant process,” said Scott Hyder Hidden Battles President and Founder. “The program funded will be focused on post-COVID PTSD and family reconnection activities based on a three-tier mental health model: individual, couple and family.”

About Greater Lowell Community Foundation

Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 400 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of more than $55 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 $25 million to the Greater Lowell community. 

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Greater Lowell Community Foundation awards record $300K in community grants to local nonprofits 

From l – r: 1. Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell girls. Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell received a recent grant to fund a social emotional learning (SEL) program. SEL elements are woven into program content, facilitation, practices and nurtured through positive relationships with peers and mentors. 2. A newly seeded tray of cucumbers (“cucumbers” are written on the markers in Khmer) in Mill City’s greenhouse (the UMASS Lowell Rist Urban Agriculture Greenhouse). The crops are being grown by a local Cambodian American farmer, as part of our Merrimack Valley Growers’ Aid program. A GLCF grant will fund a Lowell Food Policy Council, a community-led group that will help to shape and advocate for equitable food access for all. 3. Mission of Deeds, a 2022 Discretionary Grant recipient, to support their Greater Lowell Beds for Kids program. Mission of Deeds executive director Bruce Murison and Sharon Petersen, director of grants; David Berube, logistics coordinator; and Brian Quinn, client service manager, get twin beds ready for children.

Lowell, MA – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) awarded $300,000 in grants to 34 local nonprofits within a framework of Children’s Services, Elder Services, Racial Equity and Inclusion, as well as Nashoba Valley Healthcare initiatives. The focus areas collectively work toward creating a better quality of life for Greater Lowell residents and supporting local nonprofits.

These grant awards are part of a competitive grant process in which nonprofit organizations apply for funds, and an independent committee reviews the proposals and selects awardees. The GLCF Discretionary Grants and Nashoba Valley Healthcare Fund are two of several competitive grant programs offered through GLCF each year. 

“As we honor our 25 years of improving the quality of life in the Greater Lowell region, GLCF awarded a record amount of grants to support the important work of our local nonprofits,” said GLCF President and CEO Jay Linnehan. “These grants were made possible by the generous contributions from our community. Through these donations and strategic investments, GLCF can provide the critical support for our community.”

Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell received a Children’s Services Grant to support their Strong, Smart, Bold Girls program.“Developing girls’ social and emotional skills is an integral part of the Girls Inc. experience,” shared Ashley Filipp, Executive Director, Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell. “The ‘Strong, Smart, Bold Girls’ is helping prepare girls to navigate challenges and opportunities they are facing through adverse societal influences.”

Mission of Deeds received a grant to purchase beds for kids in need. “When Mission of Deeds was founded in 1993, one of the major objectives of our founder, Tony Triglione, was to give beds, without charge, for children in need,” said Bruce Murison, executive director, Mission of Deeds. “Many of our first client families were in Lowell. It is heartwarming that this generous GLCF grant allows us to continue the same work in our thirtieth year as we did in our first. Mission of Deeds, and our clients, are grateful to the Foundation and its supporters.”

“With the help of the GLCF’s Discretionary Grant, Mill City Grows is thrilled to spearhead Lowell’s first Food Policy Council, a community-led group that will help shape and advocate for equitable food access for all,” said Jessica Wilson, Executive Director, Mill City Grows. “These funds will help us provide stipends for participants, support for childcare, transportation, and technology – items that are integral to ensuring equitable access to participation in the Council.” 

2022 Discretionary and Nashoba Valley Healthcare Grants


Children’s Services Grants

  • $7,500 for Adolescent Consultation Services’ Direct Mental Health Services for Court-Involved Children in Greater Lowell
  • $7,500 for Clarendon Early Education Services, Inc.: Comfort Kits For Foster Kids
  • $7,500 for Dignity Matters’ Dignity in Lowell Schools
  • $7,500 for Discovery Museum’s Especially for Me
  • $7,500 for Girls Incorporated of Greater Lowell, Inc.: Strong, Smart, Bold Girls
  • $6,250 for Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless: A Bed for Every Child
  • $7,500 for Mission of Deeds, Inc.: Beds for Kids
  • $7,500 for Seven Hills Extended Care at Groton: Seven Hills Pediatric Center Assistive Technologies Strengthening Supports for Children with Significant Challenges
  • $7,500 for Wish Project’s Basic Needs for Children

Leclair Elder Services: 

  • $7,000 for Challenge Unlimited’s Touch Therapy
  • $7,000 for Clear Path for Veterans New England’s Neuro Fit Brain Retrain Supporting Older Veterans in Greater Lowell
  • $7,000 for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell’s Seniors aging successfully at home
  • $7,000 for Open Pantry of Greater Lowell’s Food Pantry
  • $6,000 for Power of Flowers’ Project Special Delivery
  • $7,000 for Virginia Thurston Healing Garden’s Addressing Transportation Barriers to Cancer Care for Elderly Greater Lowell Patients

Racial Equity and Inclusion Grants: 

  • $15,000 for Free Soil Arts Collective’s Cookie Referendum by Raysam Donkoh-Halm
  • $15,000 for Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership’s Expanding Down Payment Assistance to improve equity in homeownership opportunities in Greater Lowell
  • $10,000 for Project LEARN’s Students Making Change
  • $15,000 for Coalition for a Better Acre’s Youth-led DEI Training
  • $15,000 for Mill City Grows’ Lowell Food Policy Council
  • $15,000 for The Center for Hope and Healing’s Supporting Wellness of Young Black Women
  • $15,000 for Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell’s Advancement of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy
  • $5,000 for Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s Amplifying Voices of Khmer Theatre Artists and Serving Lowell’s Khmer Community

Nashoba Valley Healthcare Fund Grants:

  • $5,000 for Gaining Ground’s Farm Fresh Food for Nashoba Valley Residents
  • $10,000 for Clear Path for Veterans New England’s Neuro Fit/Brain Retrain Neural Mapping, an Integrated Health, and Wellness Program for Veterans
  • $5,500 for Alternative House, Inc.’s Police Partnership Expansion
  • $16,000 for Our Father’s House – Ensuring Health Wellness in Homeless Children
  • $7,500 for Doctor Franklin Perkins School’s RFK Community Alliance Behavioral Health Services in Nashoba Valley
  • $10,000 for Virginia Thurston Healing Garden’s Expanded Psychosocial Cancer Support Services for Nashoba Valley Residents
  • $5,000 for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell’s Critical home repairs for seniors
  • $9,750 for Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging’s Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, Mental Health, and Culturally Competent Meals Initiative 
  • $10,000 for Habitat for Humanity North Central Mass’ Critical Home Repair Program Supporting Economically Distressed Families from Nashoba Valley
  • $7,000 for Kids in Disability Sports’ Membership drive
  • $2,000 for Able To Serve-New England’s Hope for Women with Young Children    

For more information on the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, 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 390 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of more than $55 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 $25 million to the Greater Lowell community. 

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GLCF awards additional grants from Afghan Resettlement Fund

Aaron’s Presents youths playing in the park with Afghan refugee families. Future socialization opportunities funded by a recent GLCF Afghan Resettlement Fund grant.

Lowell, MA – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) announced it had granted an additional $12,000 to three nonprofits in Greater Lowell that are working to address the immediate needs of new refugees from Afghanistan resettling in the community.

These grants were disbursed from the GLCF Afghan Resettlement Fund, which was created last fall, to assist nonprofits who support refugees arriving from Afghanistan to Greater Lowell and ensures that those in need are welcomed and connected with housing, employment, transportation, food, acculturation, and other related support. No administrative fee was charged by GLCF, so that all donations to the fund supported local nonprofits who were optimally positioned to provide immediate assistance and support.

“Our generous donors who gave to the GLCF Afghan Resettlement Fund provided area nonprofits with the critical support needed to welcome and resettle our new Afghan neighbors,” said Jay Linnehan, GLCF’s President and CEO. “This grant funding complemented the work of local nonprofits and expanded our community’s capacity to meet the needs of Afghans who fled their homeland to come to the U.S. seeking safety.”

Recipients of recent grants from the GLCF Afghan Resettlement Fund include:  

  • Aaron’s Presents (Andover) – $2,500 to fund projects for Afghan refugee families
  • Andover Islamic Center – $6,000 for bridging the gap for new Afghan arrivals to Greater Lowell for clothing, technology, assistance with resume writing, career placement, and transportation 
  • Open Table (Maynard)- $3,500 for Afghan Groceries Program in Greater Lowell

Among the organizations funded was Aaron’s Presents, a nonprofit that provides hands-on, individualized mentoring, materials/services, and logistical help to any child in 8th grade or below who want to carry out an idea that benefits at least one other person, animal, and/or the environment. Since the winter, Aaron’s Presents have been providing visits and socialization opportunities for Afghan children. “These visits, initiated by Lowell youth who are part of Aaron’s Presents, have given our mentors and kids more than we have given to the Afghan families. We have been moved by their gracious and unhesitating welcome of these strangers into their homes, their generosity of spirit, and the ability of play, kindness, respect, and genuine goodwill to transcend language and cultural barriers,” Leah Okimoto, Executive Director, Aaron’s Presents. “This funding by GLCF will make more of these personal interactions having fun with other kids possible.”

Overall, state officials say 1,887 Afghans have relocated to Massachusetts. International Institute of New England (IINE), who received a previous round of grant funding, reports that they have settled 228 Afghans in Greater Lowell. To date, the GLCF Afghan Resettlement Fund has distributed $42,300 in grants. 

Donations to the GLCF Afghan Resettlement Fundcan be made online at www.glcfoundation.org or by mail to the GLCF Afghan Resettlement Fund c/o GLCF, 100 Merrimack Street, Suite 202, Lowell, MA 01852.

About Greater Lowell Community Foundation
Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 390 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of more than $58 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 $25 million to the Greater Lowell community. 

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GLCF awards $525K in additional COVID-19 Response Grants to Greater Lowell Nonprofits

GLCF Grant Recipients (l-r): IINE’s Women Unite group, a peer support group for Afghan women, meeting at the Lowell Community Health Center; CHH’s Driving Hope’s mobile outreach service staff connect with the Greater Lowell by supporting survivors of sexual violence; and Alternative House staff member Camila Lopez of Lowell on a hotline call with a client who needed rental assistance and transportation support.

Lowell, MA – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) awarded $525,860 in COVID-19 related grants to 13 nonprofits in Greater Lowell through funding from the Baker-Polito Administration’s Community Foundations Grant Program for COVID-19 Relief. The program is administered by the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and the Department of Housing and Community Development.

GLCF distributed funds to nonprofit organizations serving our community to alleviate hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic and address: emergency food, housing support, educational program support, essential supplies/services, and youth program support via the GLCF 2022 COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund.

“Greater Lowell nonprofits have demonstrated incredible resiliency throughout the pandemic,” said GLCF president & CEO Jay Linnehan. “Through the partnership with the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and the Department of Housing and Community Development, GLCF continued supporting nonprofit programs vital to our community through this latest round of funding.”

The 13 nonprofits receiving grants in the latest round of the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund are:

  • Alternative House (Lowell) – Provide language access to reduce health disparities. $25,000
  • Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence (ATASK) (Boston) – For Lowell Program to provide in-language information, and to create new in-language documents and FAQs to empower victims/survivors of domestic and dating violence victims. $15,000
  • Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (CMAA) of Greater Lowell– To offer continued COVID- 19 related assistance to Cambodian community in Lowell. $15,000
  • Catie’s Closet (Dracut) – Underwrite two of their signature programs: In-School Closets enabling students to “shop” for what they need onsite in the privacy of their own school. $20,000
  • Coalition for a Better Acre (Lowell) – Support full time Health Access Program at CBA Walk-In Center. $65,000
  • Community Teamwork (CTI) – Support renters and homeowners with financial assistance for rent/mortgage and utility and to address the basic needs of youth at risk of or experiencing homelessness. $95,000
  • Dignity Matters (Framingham) – Provide low-income women and girls in Greater Lowell with menstrual care. $15,000
  • International Institute of New England (Lowell) – Address housing and food insecurity for refugee and immigrant households in Lowell, and to also provide mental health support for some of their female clients. $50,000
  • Life Connection Center (Lowell)– Address transportation needs and improve hygiene stations. $50,000
  • Lowell Community Health Center – Funding to reduce health disparities and ensure health equity for low-income, immigrant and refugee populations. $95,000
  • Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) (Lowell) – Assist low-income Portuguese-speaking clients in Lowell with rent and utility payments. $25,000
  • Northeast Legal Aid (Lowell)– Address the need for housing assistance in Lowell. $25,860
  • The Center for Hope and Healing (Lowell) – Enhance their Driving Hope mobile outreach services and provide necessary basic/household needs to survivors and families. $30,000

Alternative House in Lowell received funding from the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund. “With this funding, Alternative House will be able to support survivors of domestic violence through the many additional obstacles they may be facing at this point in their lives,” said Maria Crooker-Capone, Executive Director, Alternative House. “Access to transportation, food, backup childcare, cleaning supplies, and housing has become more difficult since the pandemic and these funds will allow us to provide increased access to all those things for our program participants.”

“The funding helps us immediately respond to the urgent needs of our immigrant and refugee clients so they can avoid homelessness and hunger, as we support them on their path towards self-sufficiency,” shared IINE’s Lowell Managing Director, Caroline Hanson Rowe. International Institute of New England (IINE) received a grant to address housing and food insecurity for refugee and immigrant households in Lowell.

The Center for Hope and Healing’s Driving Hope mobile outreach service was also supported. “These grant funds allow us to support survivors of sexual violence in our Greater Lowell community, who are still disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic even after these two years,” said Isa Woldeguiorguis, executive director at The Center for Hope and Healing. “With the support from GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, last year Driving Hope conducted 393 visits, served more than 150 families, and distributed emergency relief to survivors and their families in the Greater Lowell communities. Driving Hope program will continue to increase safety, reduce isolation, and increase access to resources to children and youth, male survivors, LGBQ/T folks, refugees and immigrants, people with disabilities, people of color, and people with limited English proficiency.”

Since 2020, through grants from the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, the foundation has supported more than 135 local nonprofit organizations with grants totaling over $5.1 million. 

Donations to the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund can be made online at www.glcfoundation.org or by mail to the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund c/o GLCF, 100 Merrimack Street, Suite 202, Lowell, MA 01852. 

About Greater Lowell Community Foundation
Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 390 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of more than $55 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 $25 million to the Greater Lowell community. 

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GLCF awards more than $30K in Grants from Afghan Resettlement Fund

The Andover Islamic Center received a $5,000 grant to support Afghan refugee needs in Lowell. New arrivals from Afghanistan receiving a tutorial on their new devices from Andover Islamic Center volunteer.

Lowell, MA – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) yesterday announced it had granted $30,300 to five nonprofits in Greater Lowell that are working to address the immediate needs of new refugees from Afghanistan resettling in the community.

These grants were disbursed from the GLCF Afghan Resettlement Fund, which was created last fall. The fund assists nonprofits who support refugees arriving from Afghanistan to Greater Lowell and ensures that those in need are welcomed and connected with housing, employment, transportation, food, acculturation, and other related support.

“As Afghan refugees and evacuees continue to arrive in our community, the GLCF Afghan Resettlement Fund is supporting area nonprofits providing the critical support needed to welcome and resettle this population,” said Jay Linnehan, GLCF’s President and CEO. “This work is ongoing, and we are so grateful to our generous donors who support these important resettlement efforts.”

Recipients of grants from the GLCF Afghan Resettlement Fund include:

  • Andover Islamic Center – $5,000 for Afghan refugee clothing, technology, assistance with resume writing, career placement, and transportation in Lowell
  • International Institute of New England (Lowell) – $10,000 for Afghan Resettlement
  • Mill City Grows – $5,000 for ROOT Kitchen to cook, prep and pack traditional Afghan meals.
  • Open Table, Inc. (Maynard) – $8,000 for Afghan Meal Program with IINE (Lowell)
  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security – $2,300 for filing fees for humanitarian parole

Donations to the GLCF Afghan Resettlement Fundcan be made online at www.glcfoundation.org or by mail to the GLCF Afghan Resettlement Fund c/o GLCF, 100 Merrimack Street, Suite 202, Lowell, MA 01852.

About Greater Lowell Community Foundation
Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 390 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of more than $58 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 $25 million to the Greater Lowell community. 

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Women Working Wonders Fund Awards $10,000 in Mini-Grants to Nonprofits Impacting Women and Girls

The Wish Project received a 2022 Women Working Wonders Mini-grant to support the purchase of new bras and underwear for clients. Pictured, Wish Project staff member Brandy Dailey sorting underwear.

Lowell, MA – The Women Working Wonders (WWW) Fund, a permanently endowed fund of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, has announced the recipients of $10,000 in mini-grants. These grants will support local nonprofit programs that empower women and girls to effect positive change in the community.

“As we have worked hard to continue to grow our endowment, we have the privilege to increase grant support to our community beyond our annual grant cycle each summer,” said Carolyn Gregoire, Women Working Wonders Fund board president. “COVID-19 has increased the needs of the community, and WWWF is responding by providing $10,000 in mini-grants to help area nonprofits during this challenging time.”

Recipients of 2022 WWW mini-grants include:

  • Coalition for A Better Acre (Lowell) – $1,000 for the Acre Dance Group
  • Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell – $2,000 for Mental Health First Aid Training for Staff
  • Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust – $1,000 for Women in Stewardship
  • The Megan’s House Foundation (Lowell) – $1,000 for Travel Subsidies
  • Whistler House Museum of Art (Lowell) – $2,000 for Building Repairs
  • The Wish Project (North Chelmsford) – $1,000 for new bras and underwear
  • Women Accelerators (Lowell Chapter)- $2,000 for Accelerating Women Leadership Program

“We are thrilled to receive a 2022 Women Working Wonders Fund Mini-grant. This timely grant will be used to support our Accelerating Women Leadership program, which will be starting in March,” said Susu Wong, co-founder of Women Accelerators. “This program is designed to equip female leaders with the specific strategies, mindsets, and behaviors they will need to confidently lead themselves and others as they advance within their organizations.”

WWWF provides annual grants in three key areas: assist women in transition, provide leadership development as well as contribute to the beautification of the environment. Established in 2004, the fund has granted nearly $300,000 to nonprofits supporting women and girls in the Greater Lowell area.

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 About Greater Lowell Community Foundation — Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 390 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of more than $55 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 $25 million to the Greater Lowell community.

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GLCF Seeks Request for Proposals for 2022 Discretionary Grant Cycles and Nashoba Valley Healthcare Fund

Catie’s Closet, Inc. received a past Discretionary Children’s Grant to support their Lowell program. Pictured, Catie’s Closet volunteers with special request bags packed with urgently needed items for children.

Lowell, MA – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation will open its 2022 Nashoba Valley Healthcare Fund and Discretionary Grant Cycles on February 2 and is seeking requests for proposals from nonprofit organizations. The Foundation will award $160,000 through the Discretionary Grant Cycle. Funding areas for 2022 include children’s services, elder services, and racial equity/inclusion.

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 are invited to apply.

Additionally, GLCF will open its 2022 Nashoba Valley Healthcare Fund Cycle on Feb. 2. The foundation seeks requests for proposals from nonprofit organizations supporting the advancement of community health of residents in the following GLCF communities: Ashby, Ayer, Dunstable, Groton, Littleton, Pepperell, Shirley, Townsend, and Westford. The Foundation will award $80,000 through this grant program.

Nashoba Valley Healthcare Fund Cycle grant awards will range from $5,000 up to $20,000; however, larger scale collaborative projects that are more than $20,000 will be considered if the funding request is justified by the impact of the project. Of particular interest are proposals that address systemic issues like (but not limited to) addiction/substance abuse, domestic violence, food insecurity, mental health, suicide screening and prevention, obesity, racial equity and inclusion and other specific issues as indicated by community needs.

Grant applications for both grant opportunities must be submitted by noon on March 4, 2022. Grant recipients will be announced in May. More information is available on the foundation’s website: www.glcfoundation.org.

For more information about the grant process, contact Sharon, GLCF Grants Coordinator with any questions at sharon@glcfoundation.org.

 About Greater Lowell Community Foundation — Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 390 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of more than $55 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 $25 million to the Greater Lowell community.

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GLCF awards $56K in additional grants to Greater Lowell nonprofits

From left to right, GLCF’s President and CEO Jay Linnehan, Open Pantry of Greater Lowell Executive Director Maureen Peirce and GLCF’s Jennifer Aradhya, VP of Marketing, Programs and Strategy, at Open Pantry of Greater Lowell. The pantry received a GLCF Community Needs Fund grant to address food insecurity in Greater Lowell

LOWELL – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) announced it deployed a new round of COVID-19 related grants, providing an additional $56,650 to 15 nonprofits in Greater Lowell serving vulnerable populations. These grants were part of the latest round of distributions from the GLCF’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund and Community Needs Fund.

“Greater Lowell nonprofits have demonstrated remarkable creativity and resiliency throughout the pandemic,” said GLCF president & CEO Jay Linnehan. “Through the generosity of our donors, we continue to support nonprofit programs that are so vital to our community through this latest round of funding.”

The 6 nonprofits receiving grants in the latest round of the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to address needs are:

  • $10,000 to The Phoenix for Community Recovery Support Program in Lowell
  • $10,000 to Budget Buddies for BB Signature Financial Empowerment Program
  • $10,000 to Troubled Waters (Lowell) for Avoiding Isolation during COVID
  • $6,900 to Dwelling House of Hope for Family Hygiene Day (PPE) And COVID-19 Educational
  • $10,000 to Whistler House Museum of Art (Lowell) for COVID Safe Support
  • $1,750 to Leaving the Streets for Holiday Assistance Food Baskets Program
The Phoenix, a recipient of a recent GLCF grant, gather for Recovery Dharma Meditation with staff, volunteers, and team members from their Lowell chapter.

Among the grants funded was The Phoenix for Community Recovery Support Program in Lowell. “We know that community support and meaningful relationships are key factors in helping folks thrive in recovery,” said Sydney Durand, Regional Director, The Phoenix. “While the isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated an already devastating addiction and mental health crisis, The Phoenix was able to adapt programs to ensure that many more individuals and families affected by addiction could access a safe, sober network. The Phoenix is so grateful to the Greater Lowell Community Foundation for its support and continued partnership to keep the community connected to free recovery support.”

Since March of 2019, through grants from the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund and the Massachusetts COVID Relief Fund, the foundation has supported more than 130 local nonprofit organizations with grants totaling over $4.9 million. 

From left to right, Westford Food Pantry’s president Tim Baker with GLCF’s Grants and Advancement Coordinator Sharon Kim, GLCF Board Member Andrew Macey and GLCF President + CEO Jay Linnehan at the Westford Food Pantry, a recent recipient of a GLCF Community Needs Fund grant to address food insecurity in Greater Lowell.

The 9 nonprofits receiving $1,000 grants from the GLCF Community Needs Fund to support Thanksgiving food insecurity initiatives for vulnerable populations in Greater Lowell are:

  • Billerica Community Pantry, Inc.
  • Chelmsford Community Exchange
  • Elliott Church (Lowell)
  • End 68 Hours of Hunger/Dracut
  • Open Pantry of Greater Lowell
  • People Helping People, Inc. (Burlington)
  • Pepperell Aid from Community to Home (PACH Outreach)
  • Stone Soup Kitchen – Living Water Fellowship (Ayer)
  • Westford Food Pantry

About Greater Lowell Community Foundation
Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 390 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of more than $55 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 $25 million to the Greater Lowell community. 

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