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.

A notice to all Members of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation

You are hereby notified that the Annual Meeting of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation is scheduled for June 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Coburn Hall, UMass Lowell, 850 Broadway St, Lowell, MA 01854.

The Governance and Personnel Committee nominates the following individuals to fill a vacancy on the Board of Directors:

  • Heather Rielly

    The Governance and Personnel Committee also nominates the following individuals for a one-year term extension on the Board of Directors:

    • Andrea Batchelder
    • Susanne Beaton
    • Dorothy Chen-Courtin
    • Yun-Ju Choi
    • Charles Comtois
    • Stephanie Cronin
    • Karen Frederick
    • Eric Healy
    • Ben James
    • Michael King
    • Andrew Macey
    • Cherrice Lattimore
    • Patti Mason
    • Glenn Mello
    • Diana Nguyen
    • Shiela Och
    • JuanCarlos Rivera
    • Brian Stafford
    • Jay Stephens
    • Chet Szablak

    Teaching Adults to Recognize Mental-Health Challenges in Youth

    By Kathy Register

    WESTFORD, MA – Continuing its efforts to strengthen mental-health supports for local children and adolescents, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) awarded a grant to the Westford Health Department to train parents and caregivers to recognize and respond to signs and symptoms of mental-health and substance-abuse challenges in youth, ages 12 to 18.

    Under the direction of Rae Dick, Director of Westford’s Health Department, the Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) trainings program also offered sessions in Lowell, Acton and Dracut. With the help of a GLCF grant (awarded in 2022), almost 250 child-serving adults – teachers, coaches, school nurses, first-responders and parents – were trained by December 2024, Dick explained.

    “This kind of mental-health training for adults who work with adolescents is definitely needed,” said Dick. “We’re seeing younger and younger kids expressing suicidal thoughts, anxiety and depression, as well as behaviors such as eating disorders or self-harm.

    “With growing stressors like social media and online bullying, plus anxiety about high-stakes testing and school shootings, there are a lot of challenges that come with being a kid these days.”

    Jennifer Aradhya, GLCF’s Vice President of Marketing, Programs & Strategy, agrees. “The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that approximately 50 percent of all lifetime mental illnesses begin by age 14,” adding “with this grant, the Foundation supports the goal of

    enabling more lay people in our communities to see the signs of mental-health distress in our young people and respond appropriately.”

    When Westford started its YMHFA training project, explained Dick, they hired and certified a Community Health & Wellness Coordinator in Youth Mental Health First Aid. That community health worker then organized and taught the one-day, six-hour classes for teachers, coaches, parents, and others.

    According to Dick, the internationally acclaimed, evidence-based YMHFA training curriculum teaches caregivers how to assess for a crisis or non-crisis situation by using the ALGEE Action Plan. “ALGEE is Approach; Listen nonjudgmentally; Give reassurance & information; Encourage appropriate professional help; Encourage appropriate self-help and other support strategies,” she said.

    “The key is not judging, but listening and encouraging the young person to help themselves, or to get outside help.” And catching the signs of mental-health distress may not always happen at home, Dick added.

     “Maybe parents don’t recognize the signs in their teenager,” she said. “But a change in behavior could be spotted by a teacher or coach who sees that student every day and has been trained to spot it. This YMHFA training gives these child-serving adults the tools and confidence to intervene.”

    Westford offers YMHFA training sessions several times a year,” said Dick. “Each class holds between five and 30 people. Once we received the GLCF grant, we were able to expand the program to Lowell, Acton and Dracut.” 

    Dick said the four towns try to maximize enrollment for each training session they offer. For example, Dracut might schedule a YMHFA training class for its fire department personnel. Once they recruit and have an organized cohort of eight to 10 town employees, they can then open the class to employees in other towns, and/or to the public, to fill out attendance.

    “When we put out notices of this training to the public, we see interest from lots of parents, as well as others, like youth-soccer volunteers, Boys & Girls Club staff, or other after-school care program employees. It’s like any other tool in your toolbox: You need to sharpen these skills.”

    “We’ve seen hundreds of people take this Youth Mental Health First Aid training, and these folks have had a real impact in their communities,” added Dick. “It also helps to reduce the stigma of mental-health challenges.”

    To learn more, contact the GLCF at 978-970-1600 or 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 $65 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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    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.

    LHS Class of 1980 event raises $2,350 for GLCF scholarship fund

    Lowell, Mass. – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation is pleased to announce the Lowell High School (LHS) Class of 1980 recently raised $2,350 for its GLCF Scholarship Fund at ‘Meat Bingo 2025.’ 

    According to a recent New York Times article, ‘Meat Bingo’ events have gained popularity as a fundraising tool for nonprofits. The typical call out of ‘BINGO!’ to win cash has been replaced by ‘MEAT!’  to win choice cuts of meat, themed gift baskets, gift cards and lottery scratch tickets.

    “We call ourselves the ‘Famous Class of 1980’ because we believe that is who we truly are. It’s wild how generous everyone is with donations and time,” said event committee member Laurel Sykes Millett, adding. “We want to pay it forward to help students with college expenses. All my kids went to Lowell High and received fantastic scholarships. I understand and appreciate this generosity and need.” 

    Since 2018, Marian Funaro Silk ’80, along with Millett, has coordinated these events with classmates, raising over $12,000 for the Class of 1980 scholarship fund. The class will award a $1,750 scholarship at the LHS 2025 Honors Night in May.

    The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) provides opportunities for donors to create a fund and establish a lasting charitable legacy. To learn more about these empowering opportunities at GLCF, contact Jay Linnehan or to learn more about creating your own LHS Legacy Scholarship, contact Barbara Dunsford at 978-970-1600 or info@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 almost $60 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 $35 million to the Greater Lowell community.

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    Caption: LHS Class of 1980 event organizers Marian Funaro Silk, left, with Laurel Sykes Millett.

    GLCF to Host Annual Meeting on June 10, Featuring Keynote on the Power of Building Community

    Kendra Bauer, a longtime educator at Lowell High School, will present “The Power of Building Community” at GLCF’s Annual Meeting on June 10.

    The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) will host its Annual Meeting on Tuesday, June 10, at UMass Lowell Coburn Hall. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

    The evening will begin with a reception and networking at 5 p.m., followed by the program at 6 p.m. The keynote speaker, Kendra Bauer, a longtime educator at Lowell High School, will present “The Power of Building Community.”

    A dedicated teacher for 22 years, Bauer specializes in courses on race, gender, and identity in literature, as well as Early College and Dual Enrollment programs. She is also an adjunct professor at UMass Lowell and Middlesex Community College. Beyond the classroom, she leads the Lowell High Outdoor Adventures Club and serves as faculty advisor for Students Making Change, a student-led anti-racist initiative.

    In her keynote, Bauer will share her experiences in fostering community within the classroom and beyond. From guiding students through challenging texts to leading outdoor adventures and supporting youth activism, she will explore the importance of trust, connection, and strong relationships in empowering young people and creating meaningful change.

    Join GLCF for an evening of inspiration, connection, and community impact.

    For more information about the Greater Lowell Community Foundation or to register for the Annual Meeting, visit: www.glcfoundation.org/event/am25/.

    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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    GLCF Opens Discretionary Grants Cycle on March 18

    Lowell, Mass. – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is pleased to announce that its 2025 Discretionary Grants Cycle will open on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 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.

    This year, GLCF has adopted Philanthropy MA’s Common Grant Application, streamlining the application process for nonprofits. “GLCF is committed to strengthening our nonprofit community through strategic grantmaking that addresses critical needs in Greater Lowell,” said Jay Linnehan, President and CEO, Greater Lowell Community Foundation. “By adopting Philanthropy MA’s Common Grant Application, we are making the process more accessible and efficient for our nonprofit partners, allowing them to focus more on their missions and less on paperwork. We encourage organizations to explore these funding opportunities and collaborate in ways that enhance services for our community.”

    Strategic Grant Categories

    Funding in the 2025 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 Friday, April 11, 2025.

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

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    Caption: Thanks in part to the 2024 Greater Lowell Community Foundation discretionary grant, Lowell Youth Leadership Program (LYLP) was able to increase the number of attendees from 150 Lowell youth ages 10 – 16 in 2023 to 180 in 2024. 2024 LYLP Summer campers and team.

    Fashion Event raises $4,000 for civic-minded GLCF’s LHS scholarship

    Lowell, Mass. – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation announced that $4,000 was raised at a Fall Fashion Show to benefit the Maria Olimpia Meza ‘MOM’ Scholarship Fund to support Lowell High School seniors further their education. The fund was established with GLCF in 2020 by Maria Vejar, who wanted to honor her Mother who held strong values in family, education and community service. Along with financial need, students being considered for the scholarship must be actively involved with community service.

    A single mother of four children, Maria Olimpia Meza came to the United States in 1975 from Ecuador where she worked as a top female postmaster. “My Mother left a very prestigious position to come to the United States. She gave up her success in Ecuador so her daughters could fulfill their own success here,” said Maria Vejar.

    Vejar made good on her Mother’s wish. The first in her family to graduate college, she earned a Doctorate in Urban Leadership in Education from Cambridge College. The final 26 years of her long career in education was as a teacher and House Dean at Lowell High School (LHS). Many in downtown Lowell know of Maria Vejar for her infectious personality and for her passion for giving back to the Lowell community.

    After teaching, Vejar opened Galeria De Los Andes Boutique in downtown Lowell and became actively involved in the Downtown Business Association. She hosted a 2024 Fall Fashion Show to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the boutique and to increase funds for the MOM scholarship. The show featured 30 community leaders wearing styles from their own culture, along with current fashions from the boutique. The event raised $4,000 to help support LHS seniors who are active in serving the local community. The annual LHS Awards Nights is held each May.

    The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) provides opportunities for donors to create a fund and establish a lasting charitable legacy. To learn more about these empowering opportunities at GLCF, contact Jay Linnehan or to learn more about creating your own LHS Legacy Scholarship, contact Barbara Dunsford at 978-970-1600 or info@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 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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    Caption One: Maria Vejar, right, arrives in the United State in 1975 from Ecuador with her Mother, Maria Olimpia Meza, the inspiration for the ‘Mom’ Scholarship for Lowell High Seniors.

    Caption Two: Maria Vejar hosted a 2024 Fall Fashion Show to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of her downtown Lowell  boutique and to increase funds for the MOM scholarship. The show featured 30 community leaders wearing styles from their own culture, along with current fashions from the boutique. Community leaders Vanna Howard and Bopha Boutselis on the runway.

    Greater Lowell Community Foundation to Host LGBTQ+ Fund Brunch on June 7

    Lowell, MA – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is proud to announce the upcoming LGBTQ+ Fund Brunch, which will take place on Saturday, June 7, at 10 a.m. at Cobblestones in Lowell. This annual event aims to raise vital funds for the GLCF’s endowed LGBTQ+ Fund, which supports nonprofits working to improve the quality of life for the LGBTQ+ community in Greater Lowell.

    The brunch will feature delicious food, lively music by DJ Mocha, and an opportunity to connect with others in the community to celebrate PRIDE and show support for the local LGBTQ+ population. All proceeds from the event will directly benefit the LGBTQ+ Fund, ensuring that resources and services remain available for individuals in need.

    The LGBTQ+ Fund, which was established in June 2023, is an endowed fund designed to provide annual financial support to nonprofit organizations in Greater Lowell. These organizations offer essential services and programs for the LGBTQ+ community, including legal assistance, healthcare, educational resources, advocacy, and other high-demand services.

    “We are thrilled to host this brunch to not only raise funds but to also unite the Greater Lowell community in support of our LGBTQ+ neighbors,” said Jay Linnehan, President and CEO, Greater Lowell Community Foundation. “The LGBTQ+ Fund is a crucial resource in ensuring that the services the community needs are available for years to come. We encourage everyone to join us for a meaningful and fun celebration.”

    The first grants from the LGBTQ+ Fund will be distributed this year, marking a significant step forward in providing much-needed support to local LGBTQ+ organizations. The grant cycle opens on March 18.

    To support this event or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please visit the GLCF webpage at https://glcfoundation.info/LGBTQ25.

    For additional information on the Greater Lowell Community Foundation and grant opportunities, please visit www.glcfoundation.org or call 978-970-1600.

    About the 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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    Caption: 2024 GLCF LGBTQ+ fund benefit brunch inside Cobblestones Restaurant in Lowell on June 15, 2024. Front row, from left: Fatima Al-Muntafik and Triana Wilson from History UnErased, UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen, History UnErased founder Deb Fowler, GLCF Vice President Jennifer Aradhya, Susu Wong, Elisia Saab, Mark Saab, and Alana Saab. Back row, from left: Chris Marino and Danny Roberts from History UnErased, and GLCF President Jay Linnehan.