GLCF tackles food insecurity in latest COVID-19 Emergency Response Grants


From left, Chelmsford Community Exchange’s Keith and Linda Downie; Jay Linnehan, GLCF’s President and CEO with Frank Miethe and Dave Eberiel. Chelmsford Community Exchange received a GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund grant to address food insecurity in Greater Lowell.

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) announced it deployed a new round of COVID-19 related grants, providing an additional $150,000 to 13 area nonprofits addressing an unprecedented spike in demand for food amid the coronavirus crisis. These grants were part of the tenth round of distributions from the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, established in March of this year.

Massachusetts’ food insecurity rate has worsened since 2018, the hunger rate in the state has increased 59 percent, according to a recent report released by Feeding America at the end of October. Middlesex County has the third-highest percent change in child food insecurity in the country, with a 143 percent increase in 2020 versus 2018. The Greater Lowell Community Foundation serves northern Middlesex County. Massachusetts has seen the highest percent increase of residents facing food insecurity of all states with an increase of 59 percent since 2018, representing more than 1 million people who are now struggling to get enough to eat. 

Open Pantry of Greater Lowell volunteer coordinator Deb Martell restocks the pantry shelves.

The 13 nonprofits receiving these grants serve more than 67,000 food insecure individuals in all 20 GLCF communities via food pantries, elder services and a food bank. These grants were made possible by a $75,000 anonymous donor match that partnered with the GLCF to distribute funding to area nonprofits battling hunger in Greater Lowell.  

“With the recent data, it is just heartbreaking to think of the food insecurity challenges Greater Lowell is facing during this pandemic,” said GLCF president & CEO Jay Linnehan. “The need faced by many is serious, and through the COVID Emergency Response Fund, GLCF is determined to do as much as we can to support the most vulnerable.”

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

  • Billerica Community Pantry, Inc.
  • Chelmsford Community Exchange
  • Dwelling House of Hope
  • Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, Inc. 
  • End 68 Hours of Hunger/Dracut
  • Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, Inc. (Ayer, Dunstable, Groton, Littleton, and Shirley)
  • Merrimack Valley Food Bank, Inc.
  • Minuteman Senior Services
  • Open Pantry of Greater Lowell, Inc.
  • People Helping People, Inc. (Burlington)
  • Pepperell Aid from Community to Home (PACH Outreach)
  • Stone Soup Kitchen – Living Water Fellowship (Ayer)
  • Westford Food Pantry
GLCF’s President and CEO Jay Linnehan with Amy Pessia, executive director of the Merrimack Valley Food Bank, a recent recipient of a GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund grant.

“When the pandemic became a reality, our excellent managers and team members immediately adjusted the way we distribute food at the Merrimack Valley Food Bank so we would remain healthy and continue our mission.,” said Amy Pessia, Merrimack Valley Food Bank’s Executive Director. “We are fortunate that our community partners and supporters like the Greater Lowell Community Foundation quickly stepped up alongside us during this extraordinary time. Greater Lowell Community Foundation realizes that financial contributions strengthen the nonprofit agencies who are providing relief to families in the region.”

Since March, through grants from its GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund and the Massachusetts COVID Relief Fund, the foundation has supported 113 local nonprofit organizations with 207 grants totaling over 2.8 million. 

“At the end of July 2020, the Chelmsford Community Exchange was feeding about 800 clients a month. Our numbers are now 1000 a month,” said Chelmsford Community Exchange volunteer David T. Eberiel. “Given the current pandemic numbers, we are projecting our numbers to increase at least for the short term. This grant from GLCF will assist us in meeting this projected demand.”

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. 

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Grant Applications sought by December 7 for Greater Lowell Community Foundation Discretionary Grants

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation 2019 Discretionary Grant recipient Mill City Grow provides food justice education to thousands of Lowell residents and distributes free produce CSAs at Lowell’s Lincoln School. Pictured: MCG School Gardens Coordinator Macayla Cote.

Lowell, MA – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation will open its 2020 Discretionary Grant Cycle on November 2 and is seeking requests for proposals from nonprofit organizations. The Foundation will award $140,000 through the Discretionary Grant Cycle. Funding areas for 2020 include children’s services, elder services, water resources, as well as racial equity and inclusion.

This year, GLCF will award multiple grants of up to $15,000 that focus on racial equity and inclusion.

The grant funding should focus on one or more of the following goals:

  • Increase understanding of our community’s challenges with racial equity and race relations;
  • Provide access to stories and diverse perspectives on the lived experience of racial inequity in Greater Lowell;
  • Strengthen relationships among Greater Lowell residents, particularly across racial and ethnic groups;
  • Increase awareness of resources and best practices related to advancing racial equity

Additionally, GLCF will award a total of $5,000 in mini-grants to support Racial Equity and Inclusion in Greater Lowell. Individual grants will not exceed $1,000.

“Our community is fortunate to have a network of exceptional nonprofits that provide tremendous services,” said Jay Linnehan, Greater Lowell Community Foundation President and CEO. “Our generous donors have allowed us to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve with these grants, especially as we navigate this pandemic. Together, we do so much more.”

Nonprofit organizations serving the communities of 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.

Optional online information sessions will be offered and will provide an overview of the application process and GLCF’s four funding priorities for 2020. There will also be an opportunity to talk with our staff to discuss your funding proposal and ask any questions. Register in advance on the GLCF webpage.

  • Monday, Nov. 16 at 3 p.m.
  • Friday, Nov. 20 at 9 a.m.

Grant applications must be submitted by noon on December 7, 2020. Grant recipients will be announced in January. Application information is available on the website: www.glcfoundation.org/grants.

If you have questions about the grant cycle and application process, contact GLCF at 978-970-1600 or email jennifer@glcfoundation.org.

To learn more about the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, or to establish a fund or make a donation, visit www.glcfoundation.org.

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Grant Applications sought by November 30 for Nashoba Valley Healthcare Fund

Cultivate Care Farms in Bolton, a 2019 Nashoba Valley Healthcare Fund Grant Recipient, provides innovative Farm-Based therapy to individuals and families. Pictured: Cultivate Care Farm’s director Megan Moran with therapy cow Nora.

Photo Credit: Monica Justesen Photography

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) and the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts (CFNCM) opened its 2020 Nashoba Valley Healthcare Fund Cycle on October 28, 2020. The foundations are seeking requests for proposals from nonprofit organizations supporting the advancement of community health of residents in thirteen communities: Ashby, Ayer, Bolton, Dunstable, Groton, Harvard, Lancaster, Littleton, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Shirley, Townsend, and Westford.

“This continues to be an impactful grant opportunity for our nonprofit community,” said Jay Linnehan, GLCF president and CEO. “The grants address the changing health needs of the communities we serve – making them stronger, healthier and more vibrant.”  

Grant awards will range from $5,000 to $20,000; however, larger scale collaborative projects with requests exceeding $20,000 will be considered if the funding request is justified by the impact of the project. Only one submission per applicant will be considered.  Funding awards are made on a year to year basis.

Grant applications must be submitted by noon on November 30, 2020. Grant recipients will be announced in February. Application information is available on the GLCF website: www.glcfoundation.org/NVHCF.

“This year, we are especially interested in funding proposals that address systemic issues such as racism, addiction, food insecurity, obesity, mental health and other specific issues determined by community needs,” said Stephen Adams, CFNCM president.

Priority will be given to, but not limited to, proposals pertaining to:

  • Racism as a public health crisis
  • Prevention of health problems
  • Access to healthcare
  • Addiction
  • Elder health
  • Youth and adolescent health
  • Mental health
  • Health care service provision

Proposals should address efforts to build capacity (if applicable) and include a plan for sustainability of service or replacement funding to allow continuous service after the grant period. Collaboration with other organizations is encouraged. 

All proposals will be reviewed and considered for funding based on their ability to:

  • Clearly demonstrate the impact of the grant on the community
  • Meet well-defined and documented community needs
  • Provide strategic and achievable goals that can be measured and reported within and or at the conclusion of the grant period
  • Provide a clear project budget (statement of sources and uses of funds)
  • Provide evidence of suitable measurement tools to adequately track outcomes, evaluations of change and/or return on investment

Proposals for the following will not be considered:

  • Continuation of funding from a prior grant from this fund
  • Multi-year grants
  • Loans, capital campaigns, attempts to influence legislation and support where the Community Foundations may become the predominant long-term source of revenue
  • Projects that do not directly benefit the geographic service area of the Fund

If you have questions about the grant cycle and application process, contact GLCF at 978-970-1600 or email jennifer@glcfoundation.org.

GLCF awards latest COVID-19 Emergency Response Grants to support remote learning

Malika Kallon participates in Educational Support for Distance Learners at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell, a recent recipient of a GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund grant to support remote learning. She is working on her Lowell Public Schools issued Chromebook connected to Club Wi-Fi.

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) announced it deployed a new round of COVID-19 related grants, providing an additional $17,000 to area nonprofits.  The grants were part of the ninth round of distributions from the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to assist area nonprofits serving vulnerable populations during the coronavirus pandemic.

“COVID-19 has shown that within Greater Lowell, there are significant gaps among families who have sufficient supports for remote learning, resulting in a scramble to bridge the digital divide for students ill-equipped to transition to remote learning,” said GLCF president & CEO Jay Linnehan. “GLCF has directed COVID-19 grants to nonprofits who have stepped up to help remote learners with funding for devices, headsets, staffing and other necessary supplies to support our local learners.”

“The Wish Project is receiving requests for headsets every day. We received requests for over 100 in one day alone.  Many of the people that we serve live in small apartments and may have more than one child and other family members in the home,” shared Alyce Moore, The Wish Project executive director. “These headsets are super important to help filter out normal family noises, so that the child can stay focused on their schoolwork.”

The five nonprofits receiving grants in the latest round of the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to support remote learning are:

  • Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell for remote learning support
  • Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell for remote learning technology and implementation
  • Greater Lowell Family YMCA for school age remote learning   
  • The Wish Project for “Backpack Attack” headset purchase support
  • YWCA of Lowell for PrimeTime Remote Learning Support Services

“We know that remote learning is increasing the educational equity gap for families with less resources and whose parents have to go into work,” stated Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell Executive Director Joe Hungler. “This funding from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation helps provide a safe space with proper technology, nutritious meals, and adults to guide and encourage them so that these students have an equal opportunity to reach their full potential.”

Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell, a recent recipient of a GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund grant, pivoted their fall after-school program to a full day program. This allowed the organization to better accommodate members requiring access and support for remote learning.

Since March, through grants from its GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund and the Massachusetts COVID Relief Fund, the foundation has supported 112 local nonprofit organizations with 192 grants totaling over 2.7 million. Grants have been distributed to all 20 GLCF communities served: Ashby, Ayer, Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dracut, Dunstable, Groton, Lowell, Littleton, Pepperell, Shirley, Tewksbury, Townsend, Tyngsboro, Westford and Wilmington. 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.

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Women Working Wonders Fund (WWWF) Presents Power of the Purse Plus Online Auction

A 2020 Women Working Wonders Fund grant to Lowell General Hospital’s Cancer Center will be used toward the purchase of breast boards,  devices used to provide a comfortable prone position for women undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer, which can also ensure a more accurate dose of targeted radiation.

Lowell, MA – The Women Working Wonders (WWW) Fund, a permanently endowed fund of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, will host their annual Power of the Purse Plus fundraising event as an Online Auction and Raffle from October 10 to 16, 2020. This reimagined and socially distant Power of the Purse Plus fundraiser is where handbags and accessories take center stage.

“Local women have suffered huge setbacks in their financial wellbeing, their jobs and careers, their health, as well as their ability to access childcare and education for their children,” said Susan West Levine, Women Working Wonders Fund board president. “This year, more than ever, Women Working Wonders stands firm in our commitment to improve the lives of girls and women in Greater Lowell.”

This year’s Power of the Purse Plus features exclusive Tory Burch and Louis Vuitton Raffles. Tory Burch raffle tickets are $20 each with a $10 special on National Handbag Day (Oct. 10), with 500 available.  Louis Vuitton raffle tickets are $50, there are 250 available. Additionally, there will be over 50 auction items available. Raffle tickets may be purchased online through the Women Working Wonders website.

Proceeds from the Power of the Purse Plus event support local programs that empower women and girls to effect positive change in the community. Women Working Wonders provides annual grants in three key areas: assisting women in transition, providing leadership development, and contributing to the beautification of the environment.

The 2020 WWW Grant Recipients include:

  • Community Teamwork, Inc. for Support for Minority Women Childcare Service Providers – $10,000
  • Dignity Matters Inc. for Period Protection to Support Greater Lowell Providers – $10,000
  • Lowell General Hospital for Cancer Center / Cancer Services Breast Boards for Radiation Therapy Treatment Providers – $10,000
  • South Sudanese Enrichment for Families for Women’s Financial Literacy Programming: Whole Family Health and Stability – $3,825 
  • Women Accelerators for The Accelerating Women Leadership Program – $9,885
Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lowell member Kemigisa shows off one of her F.L.Y. projects (Forever Loving Yourself). The F.L.Y. program was a 2019 Women Working Wonders Fund grant recipient.

“The grant from the Women Working Wonders Fund allowed us to offer programming to teens to build skills that are often overlooked in school,” said Joe Hungler, executive director, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lowell, a 2019 Women Working Wonders Fund grant recipient. “The F.L.Y. (Forever Loving Yourself) program developed the leadership skills necessary for young women to make strong decisions regarding personal wellness, relationships, and effective communication.”

“We know that a purse is more than a mere accessory or fashion statement,” said Carolyn Gregoire, Women Working Wonders Fund board vice president . “The purse is a symbol of power, of a collective philanthropic dedication to improve the lives of girls and women, and thus improving our community.  Times are tough, but so are we.”

“We are very grateful for the support of the Women’s Working Wonders Fund to make sure women coping with breast cancer can get the best possible cancer care, close to home,” said Elisa Shanahan, Director of Operations for the Cancer Center, a 2020 Women Working Wonders Fund grant recipient. “The breast boards that were funded are one more tool we have to surround our patients with support and treat the whole person, not just the patient.”

For more information, visit womenworkingwondersfund.com or contact womenworkingwondersfund@gmail.com.

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GLCF annual Celebrate Giving event highlights strong community connection during pandemic

On Thursday, October 1, 2020 the Greater Lowell Community Foundation hosted its annual Celebrate Givingevent virtually.

The event featured First Lady of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Lauren Schadt Baker, co-founder of the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund, as its keynote speaker and was hosted by Christa Brown, founder of Free Soil Arts Collective.

Throughout the spring and early summer, Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund provided support for populations most impacted by COVID-19 such as essential frontline workers, seniors, children and youth, the food insecure, and vulnerable populations including the homeless, immigrants, undocumented, and those with disabilities.

First Lady Lauren Baker

With funding from the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund, GLCF was able to distribute 70 grants to 48 Greater Lowell nonprofits totaling $2,161,030. “I’ve been so inspired by the work that GLCF has done over the past several months,” Baker shared. “It’s incredible and so many people have benefited from your work and your deep roots and connections in your community so thank you for letting me share this celebration with you.”

Trinity president John Chemaly

Trinity E.M.S., Inc. received the 2020 GLCF Business Philanthropy Partner Award for their exemplary work on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. “What the community foundation has done during COVID for the community is just give and give and give and so many people have been beneficiaries of GLCF’s generosity, and Trinity is happy to be part of that,” said Trinity president John Chemaly, as he accepted the award.

Levenia Furusa, executive director of Dwelling House of Hope

The inaugural GLCF  Community Connector Award was given to Levenia Furusa, executive director of Dwelling House of Hope. Community members nominated individuals and organizations for this award who had stood out in their support of individuals and/or their community through one or more extraordinary acts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furusa shared her thoughts on receiving the GLCF 2020 Community Connector Award “I want to thank GLCF for recognizing our work here at Dwelling House of Hope. Even in times of the pandemic, they stepped up and made sure that the community was taken care of.” 

To learn more about the Greater Lowell Community Foundation visit www.glcfoundation.org. A video of the Celebrate Giving event is available on the GLCF homepage.

Since March, through grants from its GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund and the Massachusetts COVID Relief Fund, the foundation has supported 105 local nonprofit organizations with 185 grants totaling over $2.7 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.

GLCF Awards 8th Round of COVID-19 Emergency Response Grants to 15 Community Organizations

PLUS Company’s client, Janine L. taking vocational training classes via computer.  The recent GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund grant will help us provide laptops and tablets to clients who do not have access to the technology necessary to take virtual classes.

LOWELL – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) announced it deployed a new round of COVID-19 related grants, providing an additional $67,000 to area nonprofits.  The grants were part of the eighth round of distributions to assist area nonprofits serving vulnerable populations during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Meeting unmet needs of the Greater Lowell community at this most vulnerable time is of paramount importance to GLCF and our Board,” said GLCF President & CEO Jay Linnehan. “We are so grateful to all of the individuals, families, and businesses who have generously supported our COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, as the needs in our community remain considerable.”

The 15 nonprofits receiving grants in the latest round of the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund are:

  • Aaron’s Presents for Continued COVID-19 Relief for Aaron’s Presents Members
  • Billerica Adventure Series for support of a book for children dealing with COVID-19
  • Eliot Church for continued support of day programming for the homeless
  • Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell for technology support
  • Into Action Recovery for their sober home support
  • Living Water Fellowship (Ayer) for Stone Soup Kitchen
  • Lowell Community Health Center for telephonic Behavioral Health Screen for Refugee Patients
  • Massachusetts Military Support Foundation for Food4Vets Program
  • The Phoenix (Boston) for support of the building resilient addiction recovery community in Lowell
  • PLUS Company (Tewksbury) for PPE and Online Learning Initiative
  • Provision Ministry for supplies
  • Refuge Lowell for PPE support for Refuge Students
  • Seven Hills Foundation for technology support for Greater Lowell disabled youth
  • Troubled Waters for Recovery Coach Training
  • Westford Rotary for clothing and school supplies for Foster Care Children

“Receiving a grant from the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund is instrumental in allowing The PLUS Company to continue to serve adults with disabilities,” said PLUS Company Executive Director Kim Shottes. “With these funds, PLUS will be able to invest in the technology necessary to teach our clients virtually, so that they can continue to gain skills that will assist with daily living, social skills, and employment opportunities.” 

Since March, through grants from its GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund and the Massachusetts COVID Relief Fund, the foundation has supported 105 local nonprofit organizations with 185 grants totaling over $2.7 million. Grants have been distributed to all 20 GLCF communities served: Ashby, Ayer, Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dracut, Dunstable, Groton, Lowell, Littleton, Pepperell, Shirley, Tewksbury, Townsend, Tyngsboro, Westford and Wilmington.

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

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF), founded in 1997, is a philanthropic organization comprised of over 350 funds, currently totaling over $40MM, which is dedicated to improving the quality of life in 20 neighboring cities and towns. The Community Foundation 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 its staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled GLCF to award more than $20 million to the Greater Lowell community.

Lowell High School Class of 1969 adds $10K to its scholarship to honor 50th Anniversary

The LHS Class of ’69 – 2019 Reunion Committee celebrates their fundraising achievement (photo taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic): Front row: Deb Tierney Hayden of Hampton, NH; Eileen Gallagher Emerson of Lowell; Steve Hartigan of Tilton, NH; Bob Johnson of Weare, NH. Back row: Mike Hayden of Hampton, NH; Brenda Price of Lowell; Barbara Dunsford of Portsmouth, NH; Carol Stack Fine of Lowell; Bill Nickels of Lowell; Gail DeLaHaye of Amesbury; Ann Gallagher of Chelmsford; Ruthelyn Morgan Rivanis of Lowell

Lowell, MA – The Lowell High School Class of 1969 announced that it had raised $10,000 for its LHS Class of 1969 Scholarship Fund bringing their scholarship total to nearly $18,000.  Administered by the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, this scholarship fundraiser was kicked off in 2019 to honor the 50th anniversary of the Class of 1969.

The LHS Class of 1969 Scholarship Fund, was opened in 2005 and now awards $750 annually to a student who demonstrates financial need, will attend UMASS or a Middlesex Community College and have been involved in community service.

“With perseverance, great social media and generous classmates, we met our goal of raising an additional $10,000 for the scholarship,” said Barbara Dunsford, Class of 1969 Reunion Chair. “It took our LHS ‘village’ to cheerlead to the finish line to increase our annual scholarship for an aspiring college bound LHS grad who make us so proud.”

Dunsford encourages ongoing donations to the LHS Class of 1969 Scholarship Fund, “the larger the fund, the larger the scholarship to support a graduate’s higher education dream.”  Donations can be made online at www.glcfoundation.org/donate or by mail to the LHS Class of 1969 Scholarship c/o GLCF, 100 Merrimack Street, Suite 202, Lowell, MA 01852.

The Lowell High School scholarship program is made possible by a partnership between Lowell High School and the Greater Lowell Community Foundation. Scholarships are provided through the generous contributions of donors, many of whom are Lowell High School graduates themselves, families honoring a loved one, or local business leaders supporting their community. Scholarships play a significant role in helping GLCF achieve its mission to improve the quality of life for the Greater Lowell community. For more information, call 978-970-1600 to learn how the community foundation can help a donor establish a scholarship.

For more information on the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, please visit www.glcfoundation.org.

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GLCF announces virtual 2020 Celebrate Giving featuring keynote speaker Lauren Schadt Baker, First Lady of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

On Oct. 1, GLCF’s “Celebrate Giving 2020” will focus on community connection with keynote speaker First Lady of Massachusetts Lauren Baker, co-founder of the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund. (Photo by Arthur Pollock)

Lowell, MA – On Thursday, October 1, 2020 the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) will host its annual “Celebrate Giving”event. This year’s virtual event will highlight the community connection of local donors and nonprofit organizations who are committed to making a positive impact in Greater Lowell.

“This year’s event will highlight the strong community connection we have seen during this pandemic,” said Jay Linnehan, GLCF president and CEO. “GLCF has mobilized both its funding resources and its ability to connect to the community during the COVID-19 crisis and these partnerships have been critical to supporting Greater Lowell.”

This year’s keynote speaker is the First Lady of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Lauren Schadt Baker, co-founder of the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund. The Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund supported those across the state most impacted by the COVID-19 health crisis, focusing on essential frontline workers and vulnerable populations including the homeless, immigrant populations, people with disabilities and those facing food insecurity. The Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund has distributed 70 grants to 48 Greater Lowell nonprofits totaling $2,161,030 through GLCF.

EMCEE: 
Christa Brown
Founder,  Free Soil Arts Collective

“Celebrate Giving” will be emceed by Christa Brown, founder of Free Soil Arts Collective. Trinity EMS will receive the 2020 GLCF Business Philanthropy Partner Award for their work on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tickets for “Celebrate Giving” are available online at www.glcfoundation.org, there is a suggested donation of $25 to support the work of GLCF. Event sponsorships are available. “Celebrate Giving” will begin at 12 noon.

For more information on the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, visit www.glcfoundation.org.

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Greater Lowell Community Foundation awards additional response grants for rent relief

Volunteers provide fresh food delivery for adults with disabilities at Minute Man Arc, a recent grant recipient from the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund through GLCF. 

LOWELL – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) announced that it awarded $290,000 from its GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to nonprofit organizations, this includes targeted funding to provide rent relief to families and individuals that face a loss of housing due to the economic impacts of COVID-19. The grants were part of the seventh and final round of distributions from the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund to assist area nonprofits serving vulnerable populations during the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are so grateful to the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund for supporting our neighbors in Greater Lowell who are unhoused or at risk of becoming homeless,” said GLCF President & CEO Jay Linnehan. “These grants boost the efforts of our tremendous nonprofit partners who have continued to go above and beyond during the pandemic to support those who need it most.”

“As of June, Massachusetts and Greater Lowell had the highest unemployment rate in the nation at 17.5%, with the city of Lowell exceeding that rate at 20.5%. Coupled with the July 31st expiration of the Federal Unemployment supplement payments, we at Community Teamwork fully expect to see a secondary increase in demand for assistance from families who are trying stay safe and to remain in current housing,” said Karen Frederick, CEO of Community Teamwork. “We are so grateful for this Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund grant opportunity through GLCF, which allows us to help families so tragically impacted by job loss and housing insecurity as a result of this pandemic.”

The following 10 nonprofits receiving grants in the latest round of the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund are:

  • Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association of Greater Lowell, Inc. – to provide emergency rental and food assistance
  • Clear Path for Veterans New England, Inc. – to purchase and provide food and groceries for veterans and their families unable or without means to access food due to COVID-19
  • Coalition for a Better Acre, Inc. – to provide financial support to low-income residents impacted by COVID-19 for rental payments for low-income housing
  • Community Teamwork Inc. – to provide financial support to low-income residents for housing
  • Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, Inc. – to prevent food insecurity among seniors
  • International Institute of New England (IINE) – Lowell – to provide emergency rental assistance
  • Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) – to provide rental assistance in cases of urgent need
  • Minute Man Arc for Human Services Inc.- to purchase and provide food and groceries for home-bound people with physical and mental disabilities
  • Minuteman Senior Services – to prevent food insecurity among seniors
  • St. Paul’s Soup Kitchen, Inc. – to purchase food to produce meals for the homeless

The Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund supports those across the state most impacted by the COVID-19 health crisis, focusing on essential frontline workers and vulnerable populations including the homeless, immigrant populations, people with disabilities and those facing food insecurity. The Fund works in concert with regional community foundations and non-profit leaders who partner with local leaders to understand the response and relief landscape, strategically filling in where gaps are pronounced. For more information, visit MACovid19ReliefFund.org

“The Mass COVID Relief Fund grant opportunity through GLCF was instrumental in enabling Minute Man Arc to purchase and store food supplies for our eight group homes,” said Jean A. Goldsberry, CEO of Minute Man Arc. “Emergency funding like this is supporting the needs of people with disabilities in eastern MA and keeping our most vulnerable citizens safe and healthy.”

To date, GLCF has awarded nearly $2.5 million through 172 rapid response grants to nonprofits battling COVID-19 and the resulting fallout from the virus through the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund.

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.

International Institute of New England (IINE) staff with “back to school” donations. IINE received multiple grants from the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund through GLCF to support refugees during the pandemic.

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