Overview
Founded in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Greater Lowell and Merrimack Valley.
The Foundation is deeply committed to our local nonprofit community and our grant-making program is focused on assisting nonprofits by fostering collaboration and supporting direct services. The goal of the Foundation is to help our nonprofit partners fulfill their mission more effectively and efficiently. We strive to fund projects that touch many lives and enrich the overall quality of life in our region.
2025 Grant Cycles
2025 Women Working Wonders Grant Cycle – Opens May 12th
The Women Working Wonders Fund uses a one-step application process and all submissions are to be done electronically, using our online application portal. This year, The Women Working Wonders Fund will award four grants up to $15,000 each to programs/projects that impact the lives of women and girls while advancing your organization’s mission.
The mission of Women Working Wonders Fund, a permanently endowed fund at the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, is to support programs that empower women and girls to effect positive change in the community. Founded and funded by women in 2004, the Women Working Wonders Fund provides grants each year to nonprofit organizations for programs that impact the lives of women and girls in one or more of the three key areas:
- Assist women in transition: Forty years of research shows that social investments in women reduce poverty, raise productivity and accelerate economic growth. This Fund will encourage women to build on their strengths and increase self-worth. In addition, a higher level of self-esteem will be passed along to future generations.
- Provide leadership development for women and girls: The Women Working Wonders Fund will support organizations and activities that contribute to leadership development in women and girls.
- Contribute to the beautification of the environment to benefit women and girls: The Women Working Wonders Fund will support environmental beautification projects that provide a platform for women and girls to showcase their commitment to maintaining the distinct character of their community.
Special Eligibility Requirements:
The Women Working Wonders Fund accepts ONLY ONE SUBMISSION PER ORGANIZATION. Programs with a fiscal sponsor may only apply if their fiscal sponsor hasn’t already submitted an application.
The Women Working Wonders Fund does not accept applications from or for:
- individuals or foreign-based programs
- political campaigns
The completion of the full proposal narrative should include a statement showing how the program/project will benefit specific towns in our geographic region: Acton, Ashby, Ayer, Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dracut, Dunstable, Groton, Littleton, Lowell, Pepperell, Shirley, Tewksbury, Townsend, Tyngsborough, Westford and Wilmington.
2025 NETSCOUT Heart of Giving
New this year – NETSCOUT will be reviewing unfunded proposals from the 2025 GLCF Discretionary Grant Cycle. Three organizations will be chosen to make an in-person presentation at NETSCOUT for guaranteed funding as follows – 1st place $10,000, 2nd place $3,500, 3rd place $1,500.
GLCF staff will contact the three chosen organizations with more information on June 13th.
2025 Juniper Networks
Invitation only grant cycle. GLCF staff will notify chosen non-profits in October 2025.
2025 Discretionary Grants Cycle
CLOSED
Due by noon on April 11
The Discretionary Grants Program’s purpose is to improve the quality of life for residents in GLCF’s 21 communities: Acton, Ashby, Ayer, Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dracut, Dunstable, Groton, Littleton, Lowell, Pepperell, Shirley, Tewksbury, Townsend, Tyngsborough, Westford and Wilmington.
The GLCF has adopted Philanthropy MA’s Common Application. For more information, please read Why is GLCF adopting Philanthropy MA’s Common Application?
Grant funding from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation’s 2025 Discretionary Grants Program includes the following strategic funding categories: Leclair Elder Services, Children’s Services, LGBTQ+.
PLEASE NOTE:
- To encourage partnerships between our nonprofits, a nonprofit can apply for a grant category AND be a partner on other grant proposals but not be the lead applicant.
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Agencies with multiple service sites should submit only one application for all sites.
Please find the guidelines below:
Leclair Elder Services 2025 Guidelines
Childrens Services 2025 Guidelines
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