Grant awards announced to support nonprofits helping women in Greater Lowell

The Women Working Wonders (WWW) Fund recently awarded more than $43,000 in grant funds to support local nonprofit programs that empower women and girls to effect positive change in the community. WWW Fund Grant recipient Women Accelerators, from left, Hagir Mohamed, Debby Fowler, Miriam Margala, Jodie Bruneau, Susu Wong and Kim Meninger.

Lowell, MA – The Women Working Wonders (WWW) Fund, a permanently endowed fund of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, has announced the recipients of $43,710 in grants. These grants will support local nonprofit programs that empower women and girls to effect positive change in the community.

“During this unprecedented time of economic hardship and public health crisis, Women Working Wonders is proud to support these five organizations in their work to improve the lives of women and girls,” said Susan West Levine, Women Working Wonders Fund board president. “Now more than ever, our philanthropy and attention are needed in the Greater Lowell community.”

2020 WWW Grant Recipients:

  • 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

“Access to menstrual care makes an enormous difference to girls and women who are homeless or living in poverty. Period protection makes it possible for girls to attend school and improve their economic prospects, and it helps women work reliably and access other services to support their families,” said Kate Sanetra-Butler, Executive Director of Dignity Matters. “We’re so grateful to the Women Working Wonders Fund for this new grant, which will help hundreds of women and girls in Greater Lowell through schools and COVID-19 emergency centers. When women support each other, anything is possible.”

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

At a COVID-19 emergency center at Stoklosa Middle School in Lowell, a volunteer hands out menstrual care packages from Dignity Matters, an organization recently awarded a grant from the Women Working Wonders (WWW) Fund.

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 $200,000 in grants to organizations supporting women and girls in the Greater Lowell area.

“We are thrilled to receive this year’s Women Working Wonders Fund Grant. The grant will be used to assist us in helping women with their professional and career training in the Merrimack Valley,” said Susu Wong, co-founder of Women Accelerators. “The grant will support our mission of giving women the tools they need to succeed professionally and to affect meaningful change leading to closing the gender gap.”

The Women Working Wonders Fund’s virtual Power of the Purse 2020 event is scheduled for October 15. Tickets go on sale September 1. For information about WWW and the upcoming event, visit: www.womenworkingwondersfund.com.

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GLCF Awards Grant to Lowell Association for the Blind in Partnership with Juniper Networks

Lowell Association for the Blind (LAB) recently received a $10,000 grant from Juniper Networks in partnership with the Greater Lowell Community Foundation to support technology for their Senior Teen Employment Program (STEP) computer training sessions. LAB STEP Program, from left to right: Sara Rushton, Adryen O’Neill, Dominik Sarbanis, Jonathan Valdez, Lirianni German, Greg Nunez and Alex Primrose.

Westford, Mass. – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) announced today that the Lowell Association for the Blind (LAB) has received this year’s grant from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation’s Center for Business Philanthropy. The $10,000 grant will allow LAB to buy new computer workstations, accessible software and accessories to be used in its STEP computer training sessions.


The grant program, given in partnership with Juniper Networks, a leader in secure, AI-driven networks, builds relationships with nonprofit organizations and engages employees in learning about volunteer opportunities in the Greater Lowell community.

“At the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, our mission has always been to improve the quality of life for the people in the communities we serve by connecting donors with nonprofits that serve causes that matter to them,” said GLCF President & CEO Jay Linnehan. “Working with Juniper Networks to bring philanthropy into the workplace in order to further deepen their community relationship has been a rewarding experience.”

“Juniper Networks is committed to driving positive change in our local communities and aligning our charitable efforts with our mission to connect everything and empower everyone,” said Sally Bament, vice president of marketing, Juniper Networks. “In partnership with the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, it is our pleasure to support the Lowell Association for the Blind by bringing technology to those who would not otherwise have the means or access.”

“The Lowell Association for the Blind would like to thank Juniper Networks for their generosity and spirit of service, as well as the Greater Lowell Community Foundation for their hard work and assistance in making this grant available,” said Elizabeth Cannon, Executive Director, LAB. “The use of this technology, assistive support accessories and the opportunity to explore the work of tech will be an invaluable resource for our teens who are blind and visually impaired.”

A team of local Juniper Networks employees sought to support an organization that served youth by providing technology support, reviewed grant proposals and selected finalists. Through grantmaking guidance from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, employees learned about trending needs in the community and how local nonprofit organizations are addressing these needs.

To learn more about the Greater Lowell Community Foundation Center for Business Philanthropy, visit www.glcfoundation.org or call 978-970-1600.

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.

About Lowell Association for the Blind

Lowell Association for the Blind (LAB) is a nonprofit, community-based organization dedicated to working with the blind and visually impaired. Established in 1923, the Association has been serving the Greater Lowell/ Merrimack Valley community for over 91 years. LAB is supported by contributions from memorial donations, grants from foundations, and program funding. The office in downtown Lowell provides 4,000 sq. feet of easily accessible space for meetings, adaptive equipment training, Braille lessons and a radio/recording studio.

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GLCF awards more than $2.2 million with additional COVID-19 relief grants to 19 nonprofits in latest round

Dignity Matters’ Executive Director Kate Sanetra-Butler talks with volunteers as they sort and package menstrual care and underwear for distribution to local women in need. Dignity Matters received a recent grant from the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund through GLCF. 

LOWELL – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF), based in Lowell, announced it deployed a new round of COVID-19 related grants, providing an additional $421,000 to area nonprofits.  The grants were part of the sixth round of distributions to assist area nonprofits serving vulnerable populations during the coronavirus pandemic. Over the last 19 weeks, the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund has supported 95 local nonprofit organizations with grants totaling $2,277,750.

“Although community foundations are most known for building permanent charitable endowments, they play a critical role during challenging times like this pandemic,” said GLCF President & CEO Jay Linnehan. “Being able to respond to community needs is a key element of GLCF’s work and role in Greater Lowell.”

The following 14 nonprofits receiving grants in the latest round of the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund are:

  • Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell – Grab & Go meals and Weekend Care Family Care Packages
  • Bridging Independent Living Together Inc. (BILT) of Lowell – provide recreational space for individuals with disabilities
  • Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association – food through gift cards and food deliveries
  • Dignity Matters – 3-month supply of menstrual pads and underwear for women in Greater Lowell
  • Eliot Presbyterian Church – sanitation of outdoor area
  • Girls Incorporated of Greater Lowell – provide daily safe snacks and bottled water for girls participating in their summer programs
  • Greater Lowell Family YMCA – Breakfast & Snack for 9 weeks
  • House of Hope – hotel rooms for use as emergency quarantine shelter spaces for homeless families
  • Lowell Community Health Center – bolstering Call Center capacity to aid Khmer and Portuguese speaking clients through September.
  • PCEA Neema Church Inc. of Lowell – purchase of food supply & household items (diapers, formula); essential supplies (masks, gloves & sanitizer)
  • The Center for Hope and Healing Inc. – distribution of essentials in response to COVID (food, sanitary supplies, gift cards, etc.) via mobile outreach
  • The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless – provide hand sanitizer to 5 homeless shelters in the City of Lowell that are serving over 500 homeless through the end of September
  • Westford Council on Aging – provide Grab and Go Meals for seniors in need
  • YWCA of Lowell, Inc. – acquisition and distribution of food including staples, and fresh produce, along with sanitization costs associated with safe delivery
PCEA Neema Church Inc. received a recent grant from the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund through GLCF. Rev. Dr. Karimi Mumbui, Senior Pastor delivers food supply & household items to support the community.

The grants are thanks to funding from the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund. The Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund works in concert with regional community foundations and nonprofit leaders to support 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. For more information, visit MACovid19ReliefFund.org.

“Dignity Matters is proud to partner with the Greater Lowell YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell to provide 500 women and girls with 3 months of menstrual care and a year’s supply of underwear,” said Dignity Matters’ Executive Director Kate Sanetra-Butler. “We’re grateful to the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund for supporting this effort through the Greater Lowell Community Foundation.”

The 5 nonprofits receiving grants in the latest round of the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund are:

  • Coalition for a Better Acre – Community Access to Technology – equip families with reliable technology to ensure their ability to participate fully in virtual activities important for their well-being.
  • Elevate NE – Provide technology (devices and connectivity) to support digital education to students in Lowell.
  • Lowell Humane Society – Support to keep their food pantry open and to be sure animals in danger or at risk would have their needs met.
  • Minute Man Arc for Human Services – Provide tablets for adults with disabilities living in group homes to participate in programs/therapies.
  • Westford Community Access Television – COVID-19 Relief for Safe Reporting (PPE and sanitation)
Coalition for a Better Acre (CBA), received a grant from the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund for technology. CBA volunteer, Ediana (left), and her daughter Angel, received a laptop to help enhance remote learning and participate in online community events like CHOP Dinners.

“Coalition for a Better Acre is eager to implement our Community Access to Technology initiative thanks to funding from the GLCF’s Emergency Response Fund,” said Yun-Ju Choi, Executive Director, Coalition for a Better Acre. “This vital support will allow CBA to provide internet access, internet-ready devices, and technical assistance to dozens of households in our community. As we have all learned, access to reliable and easy to use technology has become essential in the COVID-19 world as a means of participating in education, healthcare, public benefits like unemployment, and social services.”

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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Greater Lowell Community Foundation awards additional COVID-19 relief grants to 27 nonprofits in latest round

University of Massachusetts Foundation received a recent grant to provide emergency funds to 1st generation students enrolled in UML’s River Hawk Scholars Academy from the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund. 

LOWELL – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) announced a new round of grant funding totaling more than $436,000 to 27 area nonprofit organizations to provide COVID-19 assistance.

The grants were part of the fifth round of distributions to assist area nonprofits serving vulnerable populations during the coronavirus pandemic. To date, nearly $2 million in grants have been distributed to 92 nonprofits serving Greater Lowell.

“As we enter into the fourth month of this pandemic, we remain committed to doing all that we can to meet the needs of the most vulnerable populations in our community,” said GLCF President & CEO Jay Linnehan.  “Our partnership with the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund utilizes the local relationships and knowledge of the foundation to strategically allocate significant resources to Greater Lowell.”

The following 16 nonprofits receiving grants in the latest round of the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund are:

  • Burlington Food Pantry FS: People Helping People Inc. – purchase food for distribution and sanitation supplies
  • Community Teamwork, Inc. – funds will be used to provide financial support to low-income residents for housing
  • Dwelling House of Hope, Inc. – provide food and other basic necessities for families
  • Gaining Ground, Inc. – provide between 200 and 300 pounds of fresh produce per week to people in need
  • International Institute of Lowell – Housing sustainability for immigrant families and individuals in Lowell
  • Life Connection Center, Inc. – staffing and sanitation support
  • Lowell House, Inc. – support additional staffing for 24/7 hotline; to provide food gift cards and other basic needs to support physical and mental health, client transit to medical appointments; to support a complete sanitizing of facility in preparation for reopening to day programs
  • Lowell Transitional Living Center, Inc. – disinfecting and cleaning of the shelter
  • Mill City Grows, Inc. – to reduce food instability through Mobile Market and Community Supported Agriculture programs
  • One Can Help, Inc. – provide emergency eCards for the purchase of food and basic needs for at-risk and foster children in Greater Lowell
  • Open Pantry of Greater Lowell, Inc. – purchase food for distribution and sanitation supplies
  • Pepperell Aid from Community to Home Outreach (PACH Outreach) – purchase food for distribution and sanitation supplies
  • The Megan House Foundation, Inc. – food for residents, sanitation supplies, hygiene products
  • University of Massachusetts Foundation – to provide emergency funds to 1st generation students enrolled in UML’s River Hawk Scholars Academy
  • Wayside Youth & Family Support Network – to support sanitation and groceries/food/basic needs
  • Westford Food Pantry – to purchase food and sanitation supplies for distribution

The grants are thanks to funding from the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund. The Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund works in concert with regional community foundations and nonprofit leaders to support 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. For more information, visit MACovid19ReliefFund.org.

“UMass Lowell is so grateful for the support from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation. More than 60 first-generation college students will benefit from the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund grant opportunity through GLCF,” said Matthew Hurwitz, Director, River Hawk Scholars Academy. “They are all, to a person, wonderful, deserving, and hard at work supporting themselves and their families as they pursue their degrees. This funding has made a real difference for them as they each deal with the challenges of COVID-19.”

Troubled Waters, Inc. received a grant from the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund for Recovery Coach training for 12 Greater Lowell residents.

The 11 nonprofits receiving grants in the latest round of the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund are:

  • Aaron’s Presents – Job Skills Training for Teens
  • Dwelling House of Hope – Freezer
  • Kids in Tech – Fund for Digital Equity – STEMinar Curriculum
  • Lowell Telecommunications Corporation – Media Training/Support for Lowell Virtual Summer Programs for Youth
  • Power of Flowers Project – Support the Workshop Re-open Plan with COVID-19 requirements
  • Project Learn – Student Intern Stipends
  • Rise Above Foundation, Inc. – Technology & recreational equipment
  • Seven Hills Extended Care at Groton (Seven Hills Pediatric Center) – Connection to Family & Telehealth for Medically Complex Children with Disabilities
  • Strongwater Farm Therapeutic Equestrian Center – Support the Strongwater Farm Visiting Program
  • Troubled Waters, Inc. – Recovery Coach training for 12 Lowell area residents
  • VNA – PPE for Elders

“COVID-19 has brought issues relating to achieving digital equity to the forefront indefinitely,” said Olu Ibrahim, Founder & CEO, Kids in Tech. “Our Fund for Digital Equity sets out to ensure children have the technological capacity to participate in the labor market as empowered future employees, partake in educational opportunities, and engage positively online.  We are grateful to have Greater Lowell Community Foundations in this effort as we seek to ensure more kids are future ready through our afterschool and out-of-school programs.”

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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A PACH volunteer restocks the shelves, PACH, who provides Pepperell and Dunstable residents in need with caring, compassionate assistance to meet their basic needs, received a recent grant from the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund. 

GLCF Continues Support of Local Nonprofits during COVID-19 Pandemic

Greeter at Lowell General Hospital, new staff position required for screening staff and visitors to the hospital to ensure safe protocols funded in part by the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund grant through GLCF.

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF), a philanthropic organization comprised of over 350 funds, announced that it has granted an additional $282,000 in emergency funds to community nonprofits since the COVID-19 pandemic began. This rapid response funding has been directed to nonprofits providing crucial assistance to the most vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, low-income and homeless in Greater Lowell.

“As our healthcare system adapts to a new normal to protect the safety of our patients, visitors and staff, this Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund grant opportunity through GLCF will help fund a new greeter role that ensures every person coming into the building has a clean mask, clean hands and no signs of COVID-19 exposure,” says Jody White, President and Chief Executive Officer of Circle Health and Lowell General Hospital. “This crisis has taken a significant financial toll on our organization, making the GLCF’s support all that more impactful on our efforts to provide the best possible care for this community.” 

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

  • Alternative House – to alleviate stresses on victims of domestic violence due to COVID-19, especially those residing in confidential emergency shelters and in high-risk community-based households
  • Budget Buddies, Inc. – to provide emergency basic needs for low-income women and girls
  • Catie’s Closet, Inc. – to purchase and distribute toiletry items and feminine hygiene items at school-based emergency food sites
  • Greater Lowell Health Alliance – to provide PPE for those working with underserved populations and assistance in coordination of food pantry delivery services
  • Life Connection Center, Inc. – to provide meals and other supports for people living in homelessness and poverty during COVID-19
  • Lifelinks Inc. – to provide hazard pay for frontline staff, program nurses, and managers who provide direct, hands-on care to people with disabilities
  • Lowell General Hospital – to support new staff position required for screening staff and visitors to the hospital to ensure safe protocols and PPE distribution
  • Middlesex Community College Foundation, Inc. – to address food insecurity and basic needs for community college students
  • UTEC Inc. – to support youths working in UTEC Food Enterprises’ kitchen operations to prepare meals to be delivered to those in need in Greater Lowell.

The grants are thanks to funding from the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund. The Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund works in concert with regional community foundations and nonprofit leaders to support 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. For more information, visit MACovid19ReliefFund.org.

Budget Buddies graduation, prior to the pandemic, at House of Hope in Lowell, Budget Buddies received a recent Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund grant through GLCF.

“Budget Buddies is so incredibly grateful for this Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund grant opportunity through GLCF, which will go to support some of the most vulnerable low-income women and girls in our community,” said Danielle Piskadlo, Budget Buddies. “Many of our clients, 69% women of color and 67% women with children, were already living on the margin with little safety net and have been deeply impacted by COVID-19 losing work, income, childcare, and access to public school meals overnight. This support will allow us to support our clients through this unprecedented crisis with basic necessities such as groceries, diapers, baby formula, and rent assistance so we help see them through this, and be there for them on the other side with the financial empowerment and coaching programs they need to get back on their feet.”  

Grants totaling more than $1.5 million have been distributed from the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund and the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund, created to meet the growing need for urgent resources and services.

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.

Greater Lowell Community Foundation/Lowell High School Scholarship Program Awards more than $557,000 to 277 Seniors

Lowell, MA – On June 15, 2020, as part of the 2020 Lowell High School Virtual Honor Awards Night more than $557,000was awarded to 277 graduating seniors at Lowell High School.

From recent refugees arriving from war-torn countries to families who have lived in Lowell for generations, the scholarship recipients reflected the diversity of the city. Nearly half of this year’s 317 applicants will be the first in their family to attend college.

Greater Lowell Community Foundation/Lowell High School 2020 Scholarship Program Awards $557,000 to 277 seniors at a virtual announcement.

The 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.

Through the foresight of these donors, and the Community Foundation’s stewardship of these funds, the scholarship endowment at the Greater Lowell Community Foundation now totals $6.8 million.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Honors Night was a virtual event. Marianne Busteed‏, Lowell High School Head of School and Greater Lowell Community Foundation President and CEO Jay Linnehan welcomed students to the event. Both congratulated students on their successes and spoke of the opportunities that lie ahead.

Marianne Busteed expressed her gratitude to the donors who make Honors Night scholarships possible, “To our generous donors thank you once again for your support. You are the difference makers, and you are making a difference with our students.”

Linnehan addressed the scholarship recipients about one day paying it forward, “As you journey down the road of life please don’t forget where you came from and don’t forget who helped you along the way, many students will follow in your footsteps. So, in the years to come please make sure to remember this day and what it meant to you and share it. Please remember to give back and remember that giving back is more than just giving money, it is about philanthropy, it is fundamentally about civic engagement.”

To learn more about the scholarship program please visit: www.glcfoundation.org

To see the virtual Honors Night video, see https://bit.ly/2N4pxa7.

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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.

ABOUT LOWELL HIGH SCHOOL

Lowell High School (LHS) was recognized in 1999 as one of the nation’s top urban high schools by U.S. News & World Report for our outstanding educational program. Today, LHS continues to provide a healthy blend of time-tested and innovative lessons in its classrooms, the latest in computer and media technology, and top-notch educational and sporting facilities in an effort to foster within its diverse students the skills and attitudes needed to be responsible, contributing members of a global society and lifelong learners. LHS remains committed to helping all of its students—those bound for college, the workforce or the military—not only succeed but also excel in its classrooms and beyond.

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GLCF announces new Racial Equity Action Fund at Annual Meeting

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Over 100 residents, business leaders, and nonprofit professionals attended the virtual Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF)’s 2020 annual meeting on June 10th where it was announced that a new Racial Equity Action Fund has been established by the foundation.

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation recently hosted its Annual Meeting and announced the establishment of the Racial Equity Action Fund.

Unanimously approved by the GLCF Board, just prior to the Annual Meeting, this fund was created to advance racial justice and equity building in Greater Lowell. The Foundation strongly believes that addressing racial disparities is the first essential step towards our mission of building a more fair and just community for everyone.

“It’s important for Greater Lowell to invest in making sure we are an inclusive and equitable community,” said GLCF President & CEO Jay Linnehan. “The Racial Equity Action Fund will provide support to organizations that are working to address systemic racial disparities.”

“Challenging times can become moments for philanthropy to inspire people to act and build better, stronger communities,” said GLCF Board Member Brian L. Chapman. “That is what the GLCF does, it continues to shine as a beacon of hope in the Merrimack Valley.”

GLCF Board Chair Chet Szablak opened the event noting the impact and growth of charitable giving on the local level – citing the Foundation’s $2.5 million in grant and scholarship distribution in 2019, up 28% from 2018.

Jeffrey Poulos, the CEO, of Philanthropy MA gave the keynote address on the trends of philanthropy in Massachusetts and shared data from a recent survey. “The most important thing is to listen to the community, community members are the most trusted voices in representing those that are in need,” said Jeffrey Poulos, “We trust them and we listen to them and invest in them as an organization. Equity is at the center of everything.”

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

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation Board of Directors unanimously approved the creation of the Racial Equity Action Fund at their June meeting.

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Greater Lowell Community Foundation awards more than $1M in Emergency Pandemic Funds to Local Nonprofits

Andrea Roche, MAPS Community Health Educator, delivers supplies to the community as part of MAPS’ COVID-19 relief efforts.

LOWELL – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF), a philanthropic organization comprised of over 350 funds, announced that it has granted over $1M in emergency funds to community nonprofits since the COVID-19 pandemic began. This rapid response funding has been directed to nonprofits providing crucial assistance to the most vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, low-income and homeless in Greater Lowell.

Grants of $1,064,161 were distributed from the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund and the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund, created to meet the growing need for urgent resources and services. As the pandemic evolves, GLCF is responding to the community by determining immediate critical needs of nonprofits through data collection, such as the recent Greater Lowell Nonprofit Needs during COVID-19 survey.

“Data shows that Greater Lowell nonprofits on the front lines of the COVID-19 response are experiencing both an increase in demand for services and a decline in revenues due to canceled fundraisers, closed doors, and decreased donations,” said GLCF President & CEO Jay Linnehan.  “The GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund is fortunate to have the support of many generous donors and partners who are invested in maintaining the nonprofits, the heart of our communities, through this crisis.”

“Grant funding from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation and the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund is helping us keep older adults safely in their homes during the pandemic,” said Kelly Magee Wright, Executive Director of Minuteman Senior Services, a recent grant recipient. “In addition to our daily Meals on Wheels delivery of a hot lunch, we are delivering seven-day frozen meal packs and grocery store gift cards to seniors at risk of food insecurity.”

To date, all 20 GLCF communities served: Ashby, Ayer, Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dracut, Dunstable, Groton, Lowell, Littleton, Pepperell, Shirley, Tewksbury, Townsend, Tyngsboro, Westford, Wilmington have received grant support from the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund.

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

  • Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence, Inc. (ATASK) – addressing food insecurity, basic needs and emergency shelter for pan-Asian survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence for Greater Lowell
  • Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell – family care packages
  • The Center for Hope and Healing, Inc. – mobile services and resources for abuse survivors
  • Coalition for a Better Acre, Inc. – Supported Training and Education Program (STEP) and job placement for clients
  • Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, Inc. – elder food insecurity
  • Eliot Presbyterian Church – day programming for the homeless population
  • Lowell Community Health Center, Inc. – deploy an emergency COVID community response coordinator to address social determinants of health among patients affected by the pandemic
  • Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) – addressing food insecurity, essential supplies and PPE
  • The Minute Man Arc for Human Services, Inc. – hazard pay for essential staff
  • Minuteman Senior Services – elder food insecurity
  • UTEC, Inc. – providing essential supplies per week to impoverished young adults’ homes
  • The Wish Project, Inc. – additional staffing and transportation to support new service model during the pandemic

The grants are thanks to funding from the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund. The Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund works in concert with regional community foundations and nonprofit leaders to support 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. For more information, visit MACovid19ReliefFund.org.

“We are grateful for this crucial funding from the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund/Greater Lowell Community Foundation for the Health Center’s Emergency COVID Response Team, to assure that those in our culturally and ethnically diverse community most impacted by health disparities have the information and support they need during this crisis,” said Susan West Levine, CEO, Lowell Community Health Center. “This grant will support our work to provide translated social media posts, emails, and other materials that are culturally appropriate, provide reassurance, and offer simple guidelines for those affected by this crisis.”

Coalition for a Better Acre, Inc. STEP graduate, Carlos, speaks about his experience and how STEP has prepared him to re-enter the workforce. The STEP program received a recent Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund grant through GLCF.

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

  • Wilmington Community Fund – support the Wilmington pantry in supplying food products
  • Townsend Senior Center/Council on Aging – cover the cost of weekly groceries to vulnerable populations for six weeks
  • Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence – Lowell Asian Initiative Against DV essential support for clients
  • Minute Man Arc for Human Services, Inc. – the cost of Personal Protective Equipment and antibacterial supplies
  • Lifting Lowellians Assistance and Mutual Aid (LLAMA) – providing supplies from local ethnic markets to affirm the cultural and religious needs in Lowell
  • The North East Educational and Developmental Supports Center, Inc. – purchase of PPE to continue caring for individuals with disabilities in their homes
  • South Sudanese Enrichment for Families – support housing expenses for SSEF families during this crisis which includes families in Lowell, Westford, Pepperell, and Littleton.
  • Latinx Community Center for Empowerment (LCCE) – support the creation of a guide that includes all of Lowell’s resources in Spanish and translating the new information that comes from the City of Lowell
  • On The Move, Inc. – purchase of books for two shelters in Lowell for the children living in these homes
  • Dracut Council on Aging and Friends of the Dracut Elderly – purchase of 100 “take home kits” for Seniors in Dracut
  • New England Paralyzed Veterans of America – support transportation and food distribution to disabled veterans living in Greater Lowell
  • Able to Serve – basic food and personal hygiene items for clients
  • People Helping People, Inc. – Burlington Food Pantry improvements

“Minute Man Arc improves the lives of 850 people with disabilities in eastern Massachusetts,” said Jean A. Goldsberry, CEO, Minute Man Arc. “With financial help from GLCF, we are protecting the most vulnerable clients who live in our group homes and we are able to compensate these staff with extra pay for the extra risks they are taking to ensure people’s health and wellbeing.”

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.

A meals on wheels volunteer, from Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley and North Shore, prepares to deliver hot lunches in the Merrimack Valley during the pandemic.

NETSCOUT Awards Grants to Nonprofits Leading COVID-19 Efforts in Partnership with Greater Lowell Community Foundation

Hidden Battles received a recent $2,500 grant from NETSCOUT’s Heart of Giving community program through the Greater Lowell Community Foundation for their work supporting first responders during this pandemic. To date, Hidden Battles has provided 270 hot meals to Medical staff and National Guard personnel. 

LOWELL, Mass. – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation, a philanthropic organization comprised of over 350 funds, currently totaling over $40MM, dedicated to improving the quality of life in 20 neighboring cities and towns, announced that NETSCOUT, a leading provider of service assurance, security, and business analytics, has awarded its Heart of Giving community program’s sixth grant through the Greater Lowell Community Foundation Center for Business Philanthropy. The annual grant program builds relationships with nonprofit organizations and engages employees in learning about service opportunities in the communities of Greater Lowell, Massachusetts.

The four 2020 NETSCOUT Heart of Giving Grant recipients, selected by NETSCOUT from area nonprofits serving the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, include:

  • Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell – provide grab and go meals, activity kits and family care packages  
  • Clear Path for Veterans New England (Devens) – distribute emergency food boxes to military and veteran families
  • Hidden Battles (Greater Lowell) –mission is to preserve the healthy minds of military, veterans, law enforcement, fire, EMS, dispatch, and nursing through treatment and counseling for depression, suicidal tendencies, and PTSD
  • Westford Fire and EMS (Town of Westford) – provide personal protective equipment for emergency medical services  

“We are proud to be in the 6th year of the NETSCOUT Heart of Giving Community Grant at the Greater Lowell Community Foundation. The mission of the Foundation is to connect philanthropic businesses and individuals to the needs of their communities,” said Jay Linnehan, president and CEO, Greater Lowell Community Foundation. “By giving back to our community, particularly this year when the pandemic has taken a great toll, NETSCOUT continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting local causes.”

“Through NETSCOUT’s Heart of Giving program, we support and encourage our employees to build strong relationships with nonprofits in our community,” said Michael Szabados, chief operating officer, NETSCOUT. “We are pleased to support these four worthy organizations who are responding quickly and creatively to meet the increased demand for their services during the pandemic. We look forward to participating in appropriate volunteer opportunities over the coming year.”

The Boys and Girls Club of Lowell received a recent $2,500 grant from NETSCOUT’s Heart of Giving community program through the Greater Lowell Community Foundation. Boys and Girls Club of Lowell distributes nearly 500 grab and go meals per day

Survey aims to assess Greater Lowell nonprofit needs during coronavirus pandemic

LOWELL – Hoping to assist Greater Lowell nonprofits feeling the impact of COVID-19 on their organization, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) has created and distributed a brief survey to determine immediate critical needs as well as services and fundraising.

Working with donors and funders, GLCF has to date distributed more than $630,000 to the local community to address critical needs through the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund.

The information culled from the Greater Lowell Nonprofit needs during COVID-19 Survey will identify additional ways GLCF can support local organizations. The survey has been shared electronically with the Greater Lowell nonprofit community, along with multiple partners from the community.

“Everyone is still trying to understand the impact of this pandemic,” said Jay Linnehan, president and CEO of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation. “Our nonprofit partners are on the frontlines and their participation in this survey is key to GLCF being able to understand the changing needs of our community.’

The survey for local nonprofits can be accessed at bit.ly/2LbziCJ.

The deadline to complete the survey is May 20.

For more information about the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, visit www.glcfoundation.org.