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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