GLCF Receives $50K Grant from the Theodore Edson Parker Foundation for Lowell COVID-19 Support

Open Pantry of Greater Lowell volunteer coordinator Deb Martell and volunteers work to meet increased client demand. The pantry has received several grants from the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to help address these growing needs.

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) announced today that it had received a $50,000 grant from the Theodore Edson Parker Foundation. The grant will support the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, specifically to be distributed to nonprofits serving Lowell’s vulnerable populations. 

“We are truly grateful to the Theodore Edson Parker Foundation for their support,” said GLCF President & CEO Jay Linnehan. “This pandemic has compounded the profound inequities in Lowell, as many are struggling to meet basic needs. These critical funds will continue to guide our community forward.”

The Theodore Edson Parker Foundation was established in 1944 under the will of Theodore Edson Parker of Lowell. The Parker Foundation’s primary goal is to make effective grants that benefit the city of Lowell and its residents. Grants are made for various purposes, including social services, cultural programs, community development activities, education, community health needs, and urban environmental projects.

Since March, through grants from its GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund and the Massachusetts COVID Relief Fund, the foundation has supported 115 local nonprofit organizations with 229 grants totaling over 2,825,756.

“On behalf of the Theodore Edson Parker Trustees and Lowell Advisors, I congratulate the Greater Lowell Community Foundation for their leadership,” said Karen Carpenter, President, Theodore Edson Parker Foundation. “They stepped up very quickly to address one of today’s most urgent needs, responding to the impacts of COVID-19. We are delighted to add our $50,000 contribution to that of others to help provide critical assistance. By joining forces together, we create a truly caring community.”

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.

 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 $50MM, 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 $25 million to the Greater Lowell community.

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