From left to right, GLCF’s President and CEO Jay Linnehan, Open Pantry of Greater Lowell Executive Director Maureen Peirce and GLCF’s Jennifer Aradhya, VP of Marketing, Programs and Strategy, at Open Pantry of Greater Lowell. The pantry received a GLCF Community Needs Fund grant to address food insecurity in Greater Lowell
LOWELL – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) announced it deployed a new round of COVID-19 related grants, providing an additional $56,650 to 15 nonprofits in Greater Lowell serving vulnerable populations. These grants were part of the latest round of distributions from the GLCF’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund and Community Needs Fund.
“Greater Lowell nonprofits have demonstrated remarkable creativity and resiliency throughout the pandemic,” said GLCF president & CEO Jay Linnehan. “Through the generosity of our donors, we continue to support nonprofit programs that are so vital to our community through this latest round of funding.”
The 6 nonprofits receiving grants in the latest round of the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to address needs are:
$10,000 to The Phoenix for Community Recovery Support Program in Lowell
$10,000 to Budget Buddies for BB Signature Financial Empowerment Program
$10,000 to Troubled Waters (Lowell) for Avoiding Isolation during COVID
$6,900 to Dwelling House of Hope for Family Hygiene Day (PPE) And COVID-19 Educational
$10,000 to Whistler House Museum of Art (Lowell) for COVID Safe Support
$1,750 to Leaving the Streets for Holiday Assistance Food Baskets Program
The Phoenix, a recipient of a recent GLCF grant, gather for Recovery Dharma Meditation with staff, volunteers, and team members from their Lowell chapter.
Among the grants funded was The Phoenix for Community Recovery Support Program in Lowell. “We know that community support and meaningful relationships are key factors in helping folks thrive in recovery,” said Sydney Durand, Regional Director, The Phoenix. “While the isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated an already devastating addiction and mental health crisis, The Phoenix was able to adapt programs to ensure that many more individuals and families affected by addiction could access a safe, sober network. The Phoenix is so grateful to the Greater Lowell Community Foundation for its support and continued partnership to keep the community connected to free recovery support.”
Since March of 2019, through grants from the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund and the Massachusetts COVID Relief Fund, the foundation has supported more than 130 local nonprofit organizations with grants totaling over $4.9 million.
From left to right, Westford Food Pantry’s president Tim Baker with GLCF’s Grants and Advancement Coordinator Sharon Kim, GLCF Board Member Andrew Macey and GLCF President + CEO Jay Linnehan at the Westford Food Pantry, a recent recipient of a GLCF Community Needs Fund grant to address food insecurity in Greater Lowell.
The 9 nonprofits receiving $1,000 grants from the GLCF Community Needs Fund to support Thanksgiving food insecurity initiatives for vulnerable populations in Greater Lowell are:
Billerica Community Pantry, Inc.
Chelmsford Community Exchange
Elliott Church (Lowell)
End 68 Hours of Hunger/Dracut
Open Pantry of Greater Lowell
People Helping People, Inc. (Burlington)
Pepperell Aid from Community to Home (PACH Outreach)
Stone Soup Kitchen – Living Water Fellowship (Ayer)
Westford Food Pantry
About Greater Lowell Community Foundation Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 390 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of more than $55 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $25 million to the Greater Lowell community.
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https://www.glcfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/GLCF21_OpenPantryGL-1.jpg288432competenow/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo.pngcompetenow2021-11-18 16:18:592022-10-04 12:10:39GLCF awards $56K in additional grants to Greater Lowell nonprofits
Lowell Association for the Blind (LAB) Director of Programs, Josh Stachowski embosses a schedule for LAB clients. The embosser, funded by a recent $10,000 grant from NETSCOUT’s Heart of Giving community program through the Greater Lowell Community Foundation does both print and Braille.
LOWELL, Mass. – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation, a philanthropic organization comprised of over 390 funds, currently totaling over $55 million, dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 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 seventh grant through the Greater Lowell Community Foundation. The annual grant program builds relationships with nonprofit organizations and engages employees in learning about service opportunities in the communities of Greater Lowell.
“Giving back to the community in which it operates amplifies a company’s greater purpose and NETSCOUT demonstrates this commitment to supporting important local causes,” said Jay Linnehan, president and CEO, Greater Lowell Community Foundation. “Connecting philanthropic businesses and individuals to the needs of their communities is at the heart of our work. We are proud to be in the 7th year of the NETSCOUT Heart of Giving Community Grant at the Greater Lowell Community Foundation.”
“One of our ESG pillars is to fulfill our mission as Guardians of the Connected World by helping to bridge the digital divide,” said Michael Szabados, chief operating officer at NETSCOUT. “Our employees are actively engaged in the GLCF grant program, and selected Lowell Association for the Blind’s Braille embosser project for this year’s award. Helping blind and visually impaired users to fully experience important online resources is one way we can support digital inclusion in our community.”
“The Lowell Association for the Blind would like to thank NETSCOUT for this grant that allowed us to get a new embosser which can print and do Braille on the same document, 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 embosser can also do tactile graphics, and it is amazing to hear our clients when they feel the graphics. It’s always ‘that’s so cool!’”
The Grant Process From reading a grant proposal to learning about the organizations in the community and filtering through the worthy applications in order to select the finalists, and participating in work sessions with the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, employees have the opportunity to learn how nonprofits are addressing important issues in the community. From the grant submissions, three finalists were selected and invitedto virtually present to NETSCOUT corporate headquarters and share how their organizations would best serve the community, how they would use the grant funds, and their ideas for employee community service projects.
The NETSCOUT Heart of Giving global philanthropy program includes disaster relief, community service projects, employee matching gifts and volunteer grants, and corporate charitable contributions.
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.
About NETSCOUT NETSCOUT SYSTEMS, INC. (NASDAQ: NTCT) helps assure digital business services against security, availability, and performance disruptions. Our market and technology leadership stems from combining our patented smart data technology with smart analytics. We provide real-time, pervasive visibility and insights customers need to accelerate and secure their digital transformation. Omnis® Cyber Intelligence delivers the fastest and most scalable network security solution available on the market. NETSCOUT nGenius® service assurance solutions provide real-time, contextual analysis of service, network, and application performance. And Arbor® Smart DDoS Protection by NETSCOUT products help protect against attacks that threaten availability and advanced threats that infiltrate networks to steal critical business assets. To learn more about improving service, network, and application performance in physical or virtual data centers or in the cloud, and how NETSCOUT’s security and performance solutions can help you move forward with confidence, visit www.netscout.com or follow @NETSCOUT on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
About Greater Lowell Community Foundation Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 390 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of more than $55 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $25 million to the Greater Lowell community. To learn more, visit: www.glcfoundation.org.
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https://www.glcfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2021_Netscout_LAB-1.jpg12001500competenow/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo.pngcompetenow2021-11-01 19:20:482022-10-04 12:10:39NETSCOUT Awards Seventh Grant to Lowell Association for the Blind with GLCF
LOWELL – This fall, Honors students at UMass Lowell are learning that the philanthropic landscape and their roles in it are changing.
Through a creative partnership between UML’s Honors College and the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF), students enrolled in the Honors Seminar “Experiencing Philanthropy,” are getting hands-on training in how to be the philanthropists of the future – and giving away $10,000 in the process.
For the second year in a row, under the direction of Associate Teaching Professor Deborah Finch, 19 Honors students are learning about nonprofit organizations, different styles of philanthropy, and effective nonprofit management. By the end of the semester, they will have designed their process for requesting and evaluating grant proposals and awarded $10,000 to local nonprofit organizations.
“GLCF has a wonderful relationship with UML’s Honors College,” said Jay Linnehan, GLCF President & CEO. “At the end of 2019, Jim Canning, then-Dean of the Honors College, reached out to us to help support a hands-on learning opportunity for students to understand philanthropy better.
“The Foundation agreed to put up $5,000, to be matched by the university, and our partnership resulted in the Fall 2020 online course, ‘Experiencing Philanthropy,’ ” he explained.
According to Jenifer Whitten-Woodring, Acting Dean of the Honors College, the university is pleased to be continuing the arrangement this fall. “Our partnership with the Greater Lowell Community Foundation has made it possible for the university to offer this course to UML Honors students,” she said.
“Normally, most students do not have the means to engage in philanthropy, so without this partnership, these students would not be exposed to philanthropy. The partnership also fosters students’ engagement with the community, which in turn strengthens the university’s engagement with the community.”
And connecting young people with the community bodes well for the future, added Jennifer Aradhya, GLCF’s Vice President of Marketing, Programs & Strategy. “These students are the future of Greater Lowell. Teaching them about community needs and area nonprofits allows them to best direct their time, talent, and treasure to make the entire community stronger,” she said.
“Like all nonprofits, the work of GLCF is only made possible by the generosity of our community,” Aradhya continued. “As we cultivate a sustainable future for our foundation, it is essential to educate, engage and connect with a new generation of donors and funders.”
Finch, who also teaches in UML’s Manning School of Business – including courses in nonprofit management and nonprofit marketing — relishes the variety of students “Experiencing Philanthropy” attracts.
“Honors seminars are designed to be cross-disciplinary, so we get students from all over the university. As a result, our discussions are very lively,” she said. “Majors in various fields realize they bring something different and valuable to the table.
“Many students have had some previous nonprofit experience,” Finch added. “But plenty say they enrolled in the course because they don’t know anything about nonprofits and would like to know more.”
Over the course of the semester, Finch brings in speakers from various local nonprofit organizations. Students also virtually attend a board of directors meeting of the Lowell Association for the Blind. “In this course, students get the big picture about how nonprofits operate, what a board of directors does, plus the importance of mission statements and strategic plans,” she explained.
But when it comes to the grant-award process, Finch takes a very hands-off approach. “I have no role in awarding the $10,000. I guide them, but I don’t tell them what to do.”
Last year, during the pandemic, “Experiencing Philanthropy” students were concerned about domestic violence since victims were often trapped at home with their abusers during the lockdown. After further research, the class voted to make domestic violence their grant-award program theme.
With the help of Aradhya, students then identified several GLCF partner organizations, local nonprofits, that serve victims of domestic violence, and invited those organizations to apply for $10,000 in grant money.
The final grant was awarded jointly to The Center for Hope & Healing (CHH), and the Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence (ATASK). These two Lowell organizations collaborated on the winning proposal. The collaboration leveraged CHH’s Mobile Healing Unit Pilot Program to help ATASK distribute vital resources to ATASK clients.
From left: Am Ngeth (she/her), Khmer Advocate and Prevention Specialist at The Center for Hope and Healing (CHH) spreading awareness around sexual violence in our community through CHH’s Mobile Healing Unit Pilot Program; ATASK’s winter coat drive provided much needed clothing for children served by their program. ATASK partnered with The Center for Hope and Healing who delivered vital resources to families in Greater Lowell. This partnership program was funded by a $10,000 grant from the UML/GLCF Experiencing Philanthropy partnership.
Coming up with a grant focus area and awarding grants can be challenging for students, said Finch. “This is not an easy class. But, the students really do care — especially after they hear all the nonprofits’ grant proposals,” she said.
“It’s more than just a class when they realize what a difference this $5,000 or $10,000 can do for these organizations.”
Finch keeps the future – and the local community – in mind as she teaches “Experiencing Philanthropy.” “This course is helping educate the next generation of students to become volunteers, board members, and philanthropists,” she said. “It’s also helping students to look differently at community foundations and recognize the important role they play at the local level.”
“Community foundations are unique in so many ways,” stressed GLCF’s Aradhya. “We always say, ‘Community foundations are the boots on the ground.’ We find pockets of need within our community that national organizations might overlook.
“We are available in emergencies at the local level – as seen recently with our dissemination of more than $4 million in COVID relief funds to Greater Lowell nonprofits,” she said. “Engaging people early and meaningfully in philanthropy – and keeping them engaged at every stage of life – is essential to building a better tomorrow.”
Training future philanthropists is something GLCF President Linnehan hopes to continue and perhaps even grow. “We are committed to this partnership and hope to continue supporting UML’s ‘Experiencing Philanthropy’ course, which we review and renew annually,” he said.
“We also see value in expanding this model to high schools and the community college, and are exploring that possibility, as well.”
About Greater Lowell Community Foundation –Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 390 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of more than $55 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $25 million to the Greater Lowell community.
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https://www.glcfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/GLCF_CHH_UMLgrant.jpg12001500competenow/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo.pngcompetenow2021-10-21 17:04:582022-10-04 12:10:39Helping UMass Lowell Honors Students Become Future Philanthropists
LOWELL – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) announced it deployed a new round of COVID-19 related grants, providing an additional $208,750 to 13 nonprofits in Greater Lowell addressing mental health needs. These grants were part of the latest round of distributions from the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund.
From left: Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association of Greater Lowell (CMAA) received a recent $20,000 grant for their program: Supporting Mental Health Among Cambodian Americans; Community Teamwork received a $20,000 grant to support The Rita O’Brien Dee Center for Behavioral Health and Development, team pictured at a recent dedication of the Center; Operation Delta Dog in Hollis, NH received a recent $15,000 grant to support a PTSD Veteran/Mentor Program. Pictured, Operation Delta Dog client Paul with Dobby.
Grants were determined through a competitive process with community members serving on the selection committee. GLCF solicited applications from nonprofits and local programs addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in Greater Lowell.
“GLCF received more than $600K in grant requests for this cycle – the needs are enormous as the community deals with the mental health implications of COVID-19,” said GLCF president & CEO Jay Linnehan. “We are grateful to our volunteer selection committee that used their collective expertise to review many worthy applications to make some hard decisions relating to grant funding.”
The 13 nonprofits receiving grants in the latest round of the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to address mental health needs are:
Adolescent Consultation Services (Cambridge) for Direct Mental Health Services for Court-Involved Children and their Families in Lowell – $15,000
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell for Youth Services – $20,000
Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association of Greater Lowell (CMAA) for Supporting Mental Health Among Cambodian Americans – $20,000
The Center for Hope and Healing for Providing Culturally-Competent, Inclusive & Gender-Responsive Mental Health Services for BIPOC Youth – $20,000
Community Teamwork, Inc. (CTI) for Community Teamwork, Inc.’s Center for Behavioral Health and Development – $20,000
Health Law Advocates for Mental Health Advocacy Program for Kids in Lowell – $15,000
Lowell Community Health Center for Teen BLOCK Teen Talk Program: Building Resilience among Vulnerable Lowell Youth – $20,000
Lowell Council on Aging for Lowell Elder Mental Health Outreach Startup – $15,000
Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) for MAPS Short-Term COVID Mental Health Initiative – $15,000
Operation Delta Dog (Hollis, NH) for PTSD Veteran/Mentor Program in Greater Lowell – $15,000
Rise Above Foundation for Activities for Lowell Area Youth in Foster Care – $15,000
Wayside Youth & Family Support Network for Creating Capacity for Allyship – $15,000
Westford Council on Aging for Mindfulness for Better Health and Mental Health – $3,750
Among the 13 grants funded, Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association of Greater Lowell (CMAA) received a recent $20,000 grant for their program: Supporting Mental Health Among Cambodian Americans. “We are grateful for the grant support from GLCF,” said Vichtcha Kong, Interim Executive Director, CMAA. “Cambodian immigrants and Cambodian American residents of Greater Lowell already cope with intergenerational trauma, so the isolation, stress, and disproportionate impact of the pandemic have had a significant impact within our community. This grant will help us by connecting and providing clinical interventions to support mental health.”
The $208,750 in grant funding includes significant funding from The Klarman Family Foundation who partnered with GLCF and other community foundations across Massachusetts to meet urgent community needs. GLCF continues to target pandemic-related community needs, especially after its recent survey of Greater Lowell nonprofits revealed that 100% of organizations had seen increased mental health challenges since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Many of these grants help to address two challenges the community faces: accessing mental health services and reducing the stigma for the need for these services, explained Jennifer Aradhya, GLCF’s Vice President of Marketing, Programs & Strategy.
Additionally, Operation Delta Dog in Hollis, NH, received a recent grant to support a PTSD Veteran/Mentor Program to combat isolation from the pandemic that has affected veterans significantly. “We are extremely grateful to have funding and support of Greater Lowell Community Foundation to help us continue supporting our veterans,” said Charlotte Troddyn, Executive Director, Operation Delta Dog. “The incorporation of a veteran mentor program will truly have a lasting impact on the mental health of our veteran community.”
Timing for this grant aligned perfectly for Community Teamwork. The organization received a $20,000 grant for the Rita O’Brien Dee Center for Behavioral Health and Development. “This grant could not have come at a better time, and we are so grateful to the Greater Lowell Community Foundation. This meets a critical need and addresses a significant public health issue – children’s mental and behavioral health,” said Karen Frederick, CEO, Community Teamwork. “Now more than ever, it is essential that parents, staff, and partners in our community working directly with children have the capacity, skills, and support to foster children’s healing and posttraumatic growth. The Rita O’Brien Dee Center for Behavioral Health and Development will be a resource for CTI and providers across the community.”
Since March of 2019, through grants from the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund and the Massachusetts COVID Relief Fund, the foundation has supported more than 130 local nonprofit organizations with grants totaling over $4.8 million.
About Greater Lowell Community Foundation Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 390 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of more than $55 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $25 million to the Greater Lowell community.
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https://www.glcfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/GLCF_MH_CMAAgroup2.jpg13671709competenow/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo.pngcompetenow2021-10-20 16:17:562022-10-04 12:10:39GLCF awards $208K in additional COVID-19 Response Grants to address Mental Health Needs
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 Oct. 10 to 15, 2021. This virtual Power of the Purse Plus fundraiser is where handbags and accessories take center stage.
A student at Refuge Lowell, a recipient of a 2021 Women Working Wonders Fund grant to fund a program for girls and young women creating community through public art.
“At Women Working Wonders, we know that a purse is more than a mere accessory or fashion statement. The purse is a symbol of power, of a collective philanthropic dedication to improve the lives of girls and women, and thus improve society,” said Carolyn Gregoire, Women Working Wonders Fund board president. “The Women Working Wonders Fund’s Power of the Purse Plus is key to our ability to raise funds for grants that 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, or $10 each on October 10, which is National Handbag Day. Louis Vuitton raffle tickets are $50. Additionally, there will be over 65 auction items available. Participants may register to bid and purchase raffle tickets online through Bidpal (https://one.bidpal.net/wwwpurse2021).
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. WWW fund has distributed 51 grants totaling over $250,000 since its inception in 2004. In 2021 Women Working Wonders proudly awarded $56,800 to six Greater Lowell nonprofits.
Recipients of 2021 WWW grants:
Budget Buddies: $10,000 for New Workshop for Women: Financial Health for Families with Children
Challenge Unlimited: $10,000 for Equine Encounter: Healing to Leadership for Girls and Women
Coalition for a Better Acre: $10,000 for Sewing Training Program
Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell: $10,000 for Leadership Academy
Refuge Lowell: $10,000 for Girls and Young Women Creating Community Through Public Art
International Institute of NE: $6,800 for Creating New Avenues for Success (CNAFS)
“The grant from the Women Working Wonders Fund will help to initiate an exciting new program that fosters education about public art, street art, community murals, and installations in a typically male-dominated arena,” said Nikki Giraffo, founder of Refuge Lowell. “This program will empower middle and high school girls to develop personal and conceptual content for their public art projects.”
Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 390 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of more than $55 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $25 million to the Greater Lowell community.
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https://www.glcfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/GLCF_WWWRefuge_sm-1.jpg360288competenow/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo.pngcompetenow2021-10-04 19:11:372022-10-04 12:10:39Women Working Wonders Fund Presents Virtual Power of the Purse Plus Fundraiser
Lowell, MA – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) recently announced a new GLCF Afghan Resettlement Fund. Unanimously approved by the GLCF Board on Sept. 10, GLCF created this fund to support local nonprofits charged with Afghan refugee resettlements. With an influx of new refugees from Afghanistan arriving in Greater Lowell, the GLCF Afghan Resettlement Fund will support the efforts of Greater Lowell organizations to help ensure those in need are welcomed and connected with housing, employment, transportation, food, acculturation, and other related support.
“In times of humanitarian need, GLCF gives where it is most needed in the community,” said Jay Linnehan, GLCF’s President and CEO. “As Afghan refugees and evacuees arrive in the coming months, the GLCF Afghan Resettlement Fund will support area nonprofits providing critical support needed to welcome and resettle this population.”
Donations to the GLCF Afghan Resettlement Fund can be made online at www.glcfoundation.org or by mail to the GLCF Afghan Resettlement Fund c/o GLCF, 100 Merrimack Street, Suite 202, Lowell, MA 01852.
About Greater Lowell Community Foundation Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 390 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of more than $55 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $25 million to the Greater Lowell community.
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/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo.png00competenow/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo.pngcompetenow2021-09-14 17:01:262022-10-04 12:10:39Greater Lowell Community Foundation announces new Afghan Resettlement Fund
On Wednesday, October 13, 2021, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) will host its annual Celebrate Giving event as a hybrid event, predominantly virtual, with limited in-person tickets. The event will highlight the contributions of local organizations committed to making an impact on the community through cultural equity.
San San Wong, Director of Arts & Creativity, Barr Foundation
This year’s keynote speaker is San San Wong, Director of Arts & Creativity, Barr Foundation. San San Wong directs Barr’s Arts & Creativity portfolio. She currently serves on the board of Grantmakers in the Arts, a national leadership and service organization that supports the growth of arts and culture. Prior to joining Barr in 2012, San San served as director of grants at the San Francisco Arts Commission, executive director of the National Performance Network, director of development and special initiatives at Theatre Artaud, and a performing arts producer and presenter. As an international arts consultant, her clients included the Ford Foundation, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, New England Foundation for the Arts, and Res Artis, among many others.
The event will also include the 2021 GLCF Business Philanthropy Partner Award presented to Western Avenue Studios and Lofts for creating an ever-evolving art hub with hundreds of studios and live workspaces. Western Avenue Studios and Lofts has helped attract innumerable artists and craftspeople to practice in Lowell. In addition, their events draw art lovers and patrons from across the region.
“Cultural equity embodies the values, policies, and practices needed to build strong and interconnected creative communities of diverse and distinct cultures,” said Jay Linnehan, Greater Lowell Community Foundation President and CEO. “This year’s Celebrate Giving will provide an opportunity to showcase creative collaboration and hopefully inspire others in our community to get involved in this important work.”
Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 390 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of more than $55 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $25 million to the Greater Lowell community.
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https://www.glcfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/GLCF_Wong.png270216competenow/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo.pngcompetenow2021-09-07 18:34:542022-10-04 12:10:40GLCF to Host Annual Celebrate Giving Event with Focus on Cultural Equity
(L-R) A young NRWA volunteer monitors samples from James Brook in Groton; OARS volunteer citizen scientist collects water sample in Lowell stream.
Lowell, MA – Not all that long ago there was very little wading in our local river waters. In the late 1960s, the Nashua River, which runs through north-central Massachusetts and southeastern New Hampshire, was declared one of the 10 most polluted rivers in the United States. Other regional rivers were so foul-smelling that few people wanted to be near them — much less boat, fish or swim in them.
The water quality of our local rivers and streams has greatly improved over the past 50 years, thanks to state and federal Clean Water Acts and the dedicated work of local organizations like the Nashua River Watershed Association Inc. (NRWA) and OARS. With grants from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, these two nonprofits continue to monitor the water in nearby rivers and streams, and advocate for their clean up.
“The Nashua River used to change color depending on what color of paper the mills were making that day,” said Martha Morgan, NRWA Water Programs Director. “Locals used to say it was so full of paper pulp and other debris that squirrels could run across it.”
The Assabet, Sudbury and Concord rivers were also heavily polluted, according to Alison Field-Juma, OARS Executive Director. “These were all ‘working’ rivers,” she said. “Factory mills and other industries have been built along their shores since the gunpowder mills of the Revolutionary War.”
In addition to industrial discharge, rivers were also plagued by “nutrient pollution,” Field-Juma explained. “They were totally green, but not in a good way. These rivers were full of rotting plants, there was sewage and a lot of algae in them, which kills fish. They gave off foul odors and people didn’t like it.”
The Nashua River Watershed Association, Inc. (founded in 1969) and OARS (established in 1986 as the Organization for the Assabet River) were formed to help clean up the rivers and restore healthy ecosystems for humans and wildlife. Providing support for that work is a Water Resources Initiative Grant Fund, part of Greater Lowell Community Foundation’s annual discretionary grant cycle.
“In 1998, with a grant from the Massachusetts Environmental Trust, the Foundation was able to create an endowed fund to protect the water resources in Greater Lowell,” said GLCF President & CEO Jay Linnehan. “The vigilance of our nonprofit partners protects our critical watersheds for future generations. We are grateful for their partnership in improving our community.”
Based in Groton and founded by environmentalists, NRWA is dedicated to cleaning up the Nashua River and its tributaries, and helps protect the land and natural resources in the Nashua River watershed. That area covers 32 communities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
“Our three main program areas include land, water and environmental education,” explained Morgan. “We teach youth and adults about water resources and how to be good stewards of the watershed. We preserve the land, too, because everything that happens on land affects the river. Every time it rains, all that run-off goes into our rivers and streams.”
NRWA’s most recent GLCF-grant funded program continues monitoring river-water quality in seven Greater Lowell towns: Ashby, Ayer, Dunstable, Groton, Pepperell, Shirley and Townsend. It also targets aquatic weed control – removing water chestnut – in Pepperell and Groton.
When monitoring the river, trained NRWA volunteers take monthly water samples in designated areas. Volunteers bring their samples to NRWA headquarters, where the water is analyzed. NRWA has a Quality Assurance Plan that’s approved by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).
“The state does some river-water testing, but it’s limited,” explained Kath Nelson, NRWA’s Water Monitoring Coordinator. “Our monitoring program supplements MassDEP sampling, and we are able to post a River Report Card days after testing.”
The state also sprays for the invasive water chestnut in the main channel of the Nashua River in Groton and Pepperell, and NRWA conducts “hand-pulls” in the inlets and coves that don’t get sprayed. NRWA summer staff and volunteers go out in canoes and kayaks to hand-pull the water chestnut plants, which, if not properly managed, can clog the river.
“The Greater Lowell Community Foundation really enables these citizen-science projects to happen,” said Elizabeth Ainsley Campbell, NRWA Executive Director. “Most of our volunteer monitors come back year after year and are very protective of this river. People really want to know what’s happening in their own streams and backyards, and they want a way to help.”
“The Nashua River is looking really good, but the work is never really done,” added Morgan. “We’re keeping an eye on it year after year.”
Based in Concord, OARS was founded by a group of sportsmen and conservationists. Originally focused on the Assabet River, the group added the Concord and Sudbury rivers to its purview in 2011, explained Field-Juma.
“Our focus is to restore the health of the Assabet, Sudbury and Concord rivers through science, advocacy and recreation,” she said. “We cover nearly 400 square miles and have about 35 cities and towns in our watershed.
“Our work is science-based: Our volunteers regularly observe and test the water. When we see a problem, we try to identify it, then work closely with our members and local stakeholders to find a solution.”
As part of OARS’ most recent GLCF-funded project, the group focused on tracking down sources of high bacteria pollution in the lower Concord River in Lowell. “Last year, we noticed elevated bacteria levels in the River Meadow Brook area,” said Field-Juma. “This year, we have refined our survey and added test sites, because it’s not that easy to track down these sources of pollution. There’s no one pipe that’s dumping pollution into the rivers any longer.”
There can be a variety of sources contributing to river pollution, she explained, including poorly maintained septic systems, storm water, wildlife (like Canada geese) and other warm-blooded animals living in the area, and, particularly, dog waste that is not properly disposed of.
High bacteria levels in rivers are very common problems, but they can be addressed, she added. “Our goal is for people to be able to safely enjoy recreation activities in our rivers.
“Thanks to the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, this funding has made all the difference in the world for us to be able to focus on this one part of the community,” said Field-Juma. “We would love for people in Lowell to have access to a clean river.”
About Greater Lowell Community Foundation
Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 390 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of more than $50 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $25 million to the Greater Lowell community. To learn more, visit: www.glcfoundation.org.
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https://www.glcfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/GLCF21_NRWA.jpg12001500competenow/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo.pngcompetenow2021-09-01 17:26:092022-10-04 12:10:40Helping Nonprofits Clean Up and Protect Local Rivers
The Women Working Wonders (WWW) Fund, a permanently endowed fund of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, has announced the recipients of $56,800 in grants. These grants will support local nonprofit programs that empower women and girls to effect positive change in the community.
“During this time of economic hardship and public health crisis, Women Working Wonders is proud to support these six organizations in their work to improve the lives of women and girls,” said Carolyn Gregoire, Women Working Wonders Fund board president. “Now more than ever, our philanthropy and attention are needed in the Greater Lowell community.”
Recipients of 2021 WWW grants include:
Budget Buddies: $10,000 for New Workshop for Women: Financial Health for Families with Children
Challenge Unlimited: $10,000 for Equine Encounter: Healing to Leadership for Girls and Women
Coalition for a Better Acre: $10,000 for Sewing Training Program
Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell: $10,000 for Leadership Academy
Refuge Lowell: $10,000 for Girls and Young Women Creating Community Through Public Art
International Institute of NE: $6,800 for Creating New Avenues for Success (CNAFS)
Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell received a grant for their Leadership Academy, a new initiative planned for rollout in Fall 2021. “Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell is a place where all girls have the opportunity, resources, and support to become and be leaders,” said Executive Director Ashley Filipp. “With the generous support of the Women Working Wonders Funds, Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell’s Leadership Academy will directly elevate the cognitive, social, and physical skills of girls to improve their leadership aptitude. Girls will discover and develop their inherent strengths to grow up healthy, educated, and independent.”
Budget Buddies received a $10,000 grant for New Workshop for Women: Financial Health for Families with Children from the Women Working Wonders Fund.
Budget Buddies will use their grant to fund the New Workshop for Women, a program that provides strategies to address real-life costs of raising children. “Budget Buddies is so thankful for this amazing support from Women Working Wonders to develop a new workshop for our financial-resilience programs specifically focused on building the financial health of families with children,” said Danielle Piskadlo, Executive Director of Budget Buddies. “Almost 70% of the women in our financial wellness programs are moms, and women with children have been disproportionately impacted by job and/or income loss due to the pandemic because a lack of childcare forced so many women out of the workforce. This support from WWW will allow Budget Buddies to focus the women in our programs on making financial planning a family activity.”
Coalition for a Better Acre (CBA) Director of Programs, Cecilia Gutierrez Yapur (left) stands with master sewing instructor and Director of the UMass Lowell Fashion Makerspace/Fabric Discovery Center, Diana Coluntino (right), in front of sewing machines donated to CBA by Lowell textile manufacturer, UnWrapped, Inc.
Coalition for a Better Acre (CBA) received grant funding for their Sewing Training Program, a pilot program to be taught in English and Spanish, providing the job skills needed for local textile employment opportunities. “With support from Women Working Wonders, Coalition for a Better Acre (CBA) is eager to offer an accessible, highly flexible job skills training program to low-income women in Lowell, particularly non-native English speakers,” said CBA CEO Yun-Ju Choi. “CBA’s job skills training program benefits from a close partnership with master sewing instructor and fashion designer Diana Coluntino. After completing the training, participants will be placed in various jobs including textile manufacturing and fashion design production – right here in Lowell.”
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.
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 $250,000 in grants to organizations supporting women and girls in the Greater Lowell area.
The Women Working Wonders Fund’s Power of the Purse 2021 event is scheduled for October 21. For information about WWW Fund and the upcoming event, visit: www.womenworkingwondersfund.com.
About Greater Lowell Community Foundation
Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 390 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of more than $50 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $25 million to the Greater Lowell community. To learn more, visit: www.glcfoundation.org.
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https://www.glcfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/GLCF2021_WWW_BB.png12001987competenow/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo.pngcompetenow2021-08-05 14:52:262022-10-04 12:10:40GLCF’s Women Working Wonders (WWW) Fund awards six grants totaling more than $56,000
GLCF announces the establishment of the Gabriel Cuevas Scholarship Fund, a memorial scholarship named for Cuevas, a Lowell High School student and dedicated Aaron’s Presents member who unexpectedly passed away in August 2020.
Lowell, MA – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is honored to announce the establishment of the Gabriel Cuevas Memorial Scholarship Fund. This new scholarship fund honors Gabriel’s spirit of giving by annually awarding a Lowell High School (LHS) senior up to $1000.
Gabriel Cuevas, beloved son, brother, and friend passed away unexpectedly in August 2020, just before beginning his senior year at LHS. Gabriel used his voice to lift those marginalized and excluded in school and society. Additionally, Gabriel was also a dedicated member of Aaron’s Presents, an organization that provides opportunities for young people to build community and care for others. Aaron’s Presents founder Leah Okimoto established the Gabriel Cuevas Memorial Scholarship Fund through GLCF to honor his memory.
“Gabe was one of those rare people who brought kindness, thoughtfulness, laughter, and smiles wherever he went. I will forever be grateful for the time we spent together volunteering and going to the theatre. In addition, he was committed to his education and looked forward to continuing to grow and develop as a leader and activist in college,” said Leah Okimoto, founder and executive director of Aaron’s Presents. “I know without a doubt that Gabe would have jumped at the chance to nominate a classmate for a scholarship, so his family and I thought that creating an opportunity for both generosity and help for young people would be a fitting way to honor him.”
Donations to any fund at the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, including the Gabriel Cuevas Memorial Scholarship Fund, can be made online at www.glcfoundation.org/donate or by mail to the Gabriel Cuevas Memorial Scholarship Fund 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.
About Greater Lowell Community Foundation
Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 390 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of more than $50 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $25 million to the Greater Lowell community. To learn more, visit: www.glcfoundation.org.
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https://www.glcfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/GLCF_Gabriel_Cuevas-1.jpg18511500competenow/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo.pngcompetenow2021-07-14 18:22:082022-10-04 12:10:40GLCF Announces LHS Scholarship Established by Aaron’s Presents Founder in Honor of Gabriel Cuevas
