GLCF Announces $75K in COVID-19 Emergency Response Grants

Mill City Grows received a GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund grant for additional food resources and cleaning supplies during the pandemic. As citywide community gardens open for the spring, Betsy Chisholm of Lowell is one of the gardeners working in shifts to maintain social distancing. (Photo courtesy of Mill City Grows)

Lowell, MA – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) recently provided phase one emergency response grants to Greater Lowell nonprofits serving vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Totaling $75,000, these 60 grants are the first to be distributed from the newly established GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, created to meet the need for nonprofit resources and services for the elderly, low-income, immigrants and homeless during these uncertain times. Categories of funding included: food insecure, essential/front line workers, homeless, immigrants, individuals with disabilities/elders, technology support/educational supplies and essential supplies.

“GLCF will be here for our communities from prevention through long-term recovery efforts,” said GLCF President & CEO Jay Linnehan. “These grants have assisted a multitude of incredible nonprofits help the populations they serve in unprecedented circumstances. We are grateful for our generous donors who have supported our response fund.”

Initial grantees include: Aaron’s Presents, Alternative House, Ashby Fire and EMS Association Inc., Billerica Council on Aging, Billerica Schools Nutrition Services, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell, Cambodian Mutual Assistance Assoc., Care Dimensions, Carlisle Council on Aging, Challenge Unlimited, Inc. at Ironstone Farm, Chelmsford Board of Health, Clarendon Early Education Services, Inc., Clear Path for Veterans New England, Coalition for a Better Acre, Collegiate Charter School of Lowell, Dignity Matters, Inc., Dwelling House of Hope, END 68 HOURS OF HUNGER – Dracut, Gaining Ground, Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell, Greater Lowell Family YMCA, Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell, Hidden Battles Foundation, House of Hope, Inc., International Institute of New England, Ironstone Farm Challenge Unlimited, Inc., Life Connections, LifeLinks, Inc., Living Waters Center of Hope, Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, Inc., Lowell Alliance, Lowell Association for the Blind, Lowell Community Charter Public School, Lowell Community Health Center, Lowell House, Inc., Lowell Transitional Living Center, Megan House Foundation, Inc., Merrimack Valley Food Bank, Inc., Mill City Grows, Northeast Arc, Open Pantry of Greater Lowell, Paul Center for Learning and Recreation, Inc., Power of Flowers, Project Learn, Provision Ministry, Inc., Seven Hills Foundation, St. Paul’s Soup Kitchen, Center for Hope and Healing, Inc., The Wish Project, Town of Chelmsford, Troubled Waters dba Bridge Club of GL, Virginia Thurston Healing Garden, Wayside Youth & Family Support Network, Inc., Westford Council on Aging, and the Westford Food Pantry.

Through the remarkable generosity of community members, businesses and foundations, GLCF has raised more than $525,000 to support its emergency response fund. Major donors include the Barr Foundation, Cummings Foundation, Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation, Amelia Peabody Charitable Fund, Enterprise Bank and many others.

The foundation will continue to raise and distribute emergency funds throughout this pandemic on a rolling basis and in a multi-phase approach, as the region’s needs grow and change.

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