GLCF awards latest COVID-19 Emergency Response Grants to support remote learning

Malika Kallon participates in Educational Support for Distance Learners at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell, a recent recipient of a GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund grant to support remote learning. She is working on her Lowell Public Schools issued Chromebook connected to Club Wi-Fi.

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) announced it deployed a new round of COVID-19 related grants, providing an additional $17,000 to area nonprofits.  The grants were part of the ninth round of distributions from the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to assist area nonprofits serving vulnerable populations during the coronavirus pandemic.

“COVID-19 has shown that within Greater Lowell, there are significant gaps among families who have sufficient supports for remote learning, resulting in a scramble to bridge the digital divide for students ill-equipped to transition to remote learning,” said GLCF president & CEO Jay Linnehan. “GLCF has directed COVID-19 grants to nonprofits who have stepped up to help remote learners with funding for devices, headsets, staffing and other necessary supplies to support our local learners.”

“The Wish Project is receiving requests for headsets every day. We received requests for over 100 in one day alone.  Many of the people that we serve live in small apartments and may have more than one child and other family members in the home,” shared Alyce Moore, The Wish Project executive director. “These headsets are super important to help filter out normal family noises, so that the child can stay focused on their schoolwork.”

The five nonprofits receiving grants in the latest round of the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to support remote learning are:

  • Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell for remote learning support
  • Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell for remote learning technology and implementation
  • Greater Lowell Family YMCA for school age remote learning   
  • The Wish Project for “Backpack Attack” headset purchase support
  • YWCA of Lowell for PrimeTime Remote Learning Support Services

“We know that remote learning is increasing the educational equity gap for families with less resources and whose parents have to go into work,” stated Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell Executive Director Joe Hungler. “This funding from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation helps provide a safe space with proper technology, nutritious meals, and adults to guide and encourage them so that these students have an equal opportunity to reach their full potential.”

Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell, a recent recipient of a GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund grant, pivoted their fall after-school program to a full day program. This allowed the organization to better accommodate members requiring access and support for remote learning.

Since March, through grants from its GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund and the Massachusetts COVID Relief Fund, the foundation has supported 112 local nonprofit organizations with 192 grants totaling over 2.7 million. Grants have been distributed to all 20 GLCF communities served: Ashby, Ayer, Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dracut, Dunstable, Groton, Lowell, Littleton, Pepperell, Shirley, Tewksbury, Townsend, Tyngsboro, Westford and Wilmington. 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.

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Women Working Wonders Fund (WWWF) Presents Power of the Purse Plus Online Auction

A 2020 Women Working Wonders Fund grant to Lowell General Hospital’s Cancer Center will be used toward the purchase of breast boards,  devices used to provide a comfortable prone position for women undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer, which can also ensure a more accurate dose of targeted radiation.

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 October 10 to 16, 2020. This reimagined and socially distant Power of the Purse Plus fundraiser is where handbags and accessories take center stage.

“Local women have suffered huge setbacks in their financial wellbeing, their jobs and careers, their health, as well as their ability to access childcare and education for their children,” said Susan West Levine, Women Working Wonders Fund board president. “This year, more than ever, Women Working Wonders stands firm in our commitment to 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 with a $10 special on National Handbag Day (Oct. 10), with 500 available.  Louis Vuitton raffle tickets are $50, there are 250 available. Additionally, there will be over 50 auction items available. Raffle tickets may be purchased online through the Women Working Wonders website.

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.

The 2020 WWW Grant Recipients include:

  • Community Teamwork, Inc. for Support for Minority Women Childcare Service Providers – $10,000
  • Dignity Matters Inc. for Period Protection to Support Greater Lowell Providers – $10,000
  • Lowell General Hospital for Cancer Center / Cancer Services Breast Boards for Radiation Therapy Treatment Providers – $10,000
  • South Sudanese Enrichment for Families for Women’s Financial Literacy Programming: Whole Family Health and Stability – $3,825 
  • Women Accelerators for The Accelerating Women Leadership Program – $9,885
Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lowell member Kemigisa shows off one of her F.L.Y. projects (Forever Loving Yourself). The F.L.Y. program was a 2019 Women Working Wonders Fund grant recipient.

“The grant from the Women Working Wonders Fund allowed us to offer programming to teens to build skills that are often overlooked in school,” said Joe Hungler, executive director, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lowell, a 2019 Women Working Wonders Fund grant recipient. “The F.L.Y. (Forever Loving Yourself) program developed the leadership skills necessary for young women to make strong decisions regarding personal wellness, relationships, and effective communication.”

“We know that a purse is more than a mere accessory or fashion statement,” said Carolyn Gregoire, Women Working Wonders Fund board vice president . “The purse is a symbol of power, of a collective philanthropic dedication to improve the lives of girls and women, and thus improving our community.  Times are tough, but so are we.”

“We are very grateful for the support of the Women’s Working Wonders Fund to make sure women coping with breast cancer can get the best possible cancer care, close to home,” said Elisa Shanahan, Director of Operations for the Cancer Center, a 2020 Women Working Wonders Fund grant recipient. “The breast boards that were funded are one more tool we have to surround our patients with support and treat the whole person, not just the patient.”

For more information, visit womenworkingwondersfund.com or contact womenworkingwondersfund@gmail.com.

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GLCF annual Celebrate Giving event highlights strong community connection during pandemic

On Thursday, October 1, 2020 the Greater Lowell Community Foundation hosted its annual Celebrate Givingevent virtually.

The event featured First Lady of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Lauren Schadt Baker, co-founder of the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund, as its keynote speaker and was hosted by Christa Brown, founder of Free Soil Arts Collective.

Throughout the spring and early summer, Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund provided support for populations most impacted by COVID-19 such as essential frontline workers, seniors, children and youth, the food insecure, and vulnerable populations including the homeless, immigrants, undocumented, and those with disabilities.

First Lady Lauren Baker

With funding from the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund, GLCF was able to distribute 70 grants to 48 Greater Lowell nonprofits totaling $2,161,030. “I’ve been so inspired by the work that GLCF has done over the past several months,” Baker shared. “It’s incredible and so many people have benefited from your work and your deep roots and connections in your community so thank you for letting me share this celebration with you.”

Trinity president John Chemaly

Trinity E.M.S., Inc. received the 2020 GLCF Business Philanthropy Partner Award for their exemplary work on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. “What the community foundation has done during COVID for the community is just give and give and give and so many people have been beneficiaries of GLCF’s generosity, and Trinity is happy to be part of that,” said Trinity president John Chemaly, as he accepted the award.

Levenia Furusa, executive director of Dwelling House of Hope

The inaugural GLCF  Community Connector Award was given to Levenia Furusa, executive director of Dwelling House of Hope. Community members nominated individuals and organizations for this award who had stood out in their support of individuals and/or their community through one or more extraordinary acts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furusa shared her thoughts on receiving the GLCF 2020 Community Connector Award “I want to thank GLCF for recognizing our work here at Dwelling House of Hope. Even in times of the pandemic, they stepped up and made sure that the community was taken care of.” 

To learn more about the Greater Lowell Community Foundation visit www.glcfoundation.org. A video of the Celebrate Giving event is available on the GLCF homepage.

Since March, through grants from its GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund and the Massachusetts COVID Relief Fund, the foundation has supported 105 local nonprofit organizations with 185 grants totaling over $2.7 million. 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.

GLCF Awards 8th Round of COVID-19 Emergency Response Grants to 15 Community Organizations

PLUS Company’s client, Janine L. taking vocational training classes via computer.  The recent GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund grant will help us provide laptops and tablets to clients who do not have access to the technology necessary to take virtual classes.

LOWELL – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) announced it deployed a new round of COVID-19 related grants, providing an additional $67,000 to area nonprofits.  The grants were part of the eighth round of distributions to assist area nonprofits serving vulnerable populations during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Meeting unmet needs of the Greater Lowell community at this most vulnerable time is of paramount importance to GLCF and our Board,” said GLCF President & CEO Jay Linnehan. “We are so grateful to all of the individuals, families, and businesses who have generously supported our COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, as the needs in our community remain considerable.”

The 15 nonprofits receiving grants in the latest round of the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund are:

  • Aaron’s Presents for Continued COVID-19 Relief for Aaron’s Presents Members
  • Billerica Adventure Series for support of a book for children dealing with COVID-19
  • Eliot Church for continued support of day programming for the homeless
  • Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell for technology support
  • Into Action Recovery for their sober home support
  • Living Water Fellowship (Ayer) for Stone Soup Kitchen
  • Lowell Community Health Center for telephonic Behavioral Health Screen for Refugee Patients
  • Massachusetts Military Support Foundation for Food4Vets Program
  • The Phoenix (Boston) for support of the building resilient addiction recovery community in Lowell
  • PLUS Company (Tewksbury) for PPE and Online Learning Initiative
  • Provision Ministry for supplies
  • Refuge Lowell for PPE support for Refuge Students
  • Seven Hills Foundation for technology support for Greater Lowell disabled youth
  • Troubled Waters for Recovery Coach Training
  • Westford Rotary for clothing and school supplies for Foster Care Children

“Receiving a grant from the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund is instrumental in allowing The PLUS Company to continue to serve adults with disabilities,” said PLUS Company Executive Director Kim Shottes. “With these funds, PLUS will be able to invest in the technology necessary to teach our clients virtually, so that they can continue to gain skills that will assist with daily living, social skills, and employment opportunities.” 

Since March, through grants from its GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund and the Massachusetts COVID Relief Fund, the foundation has supported 105 local nonprofit organizations with 185 grants totaling over $2.7 million. Grants have been distributed to all 20 GLCF communities served: Ashby, Ayer, Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dracut, Dunstable, Groton, Lowell, Littleton, Pepperell, Shirley, Tewksbury, Townsend, Tyngsboro, Westford and Wilmington.

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 $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.

Lowell High School Class of 1969 adds $10K to its scholarship to honor 50th Anniversary

The LHS Class of ’69 – 2019 Reunion Committee celebrates their fundraising achievement (photo taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic): Front row: Deb Tierney Hayden of Hampton, NH; Eileen Gallagher Emerson of Lowell; Steve Hartigan of Tilton, NH; Bob Johnson of Weare, NH. Back row: Mike Hayden of Hampton, NH; Brenda Price of Lowell; Barbara Dunsford of Portsmouth, NH; Carol Stack Fine of Lowell; Bill Nickels of Lowell; Gail DeLaHaye of Amesbury; Ann Gallagher of Chelmsford; Ruthelyn Morgan Rivanis of Lowell

Lowell, MA – The Lowell High School Class of 1969 announced that it had raised $10,000 for its LHS Class of 1969 Scholarship Fund bringing their scholarship total to nearly $18,000.  Administered by the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, this scholarship fundraiser was kicked off in 2019 to honor the 50th anniversary of the Class of 1969.

The LHS Class of 1969 Scholarship Fund, was opened in 2005 and now awards $750 annually to a student who demonstrates financial need, will attend UMASS or a Middlesex Community College and have been involved in community service.

“With perseverance, great social media and generous classmates, we met our goal of raising an additional $10,000 for the scholarship,” said Barbara Dunsford, Class of 1969 Reunion Chair. “It took our LHS ‘village’ to cheerlead to the finish line to increase our annual scholarship for an aspiring college bound LHS grad who make us so proud.”

Dunsford encourages ongoing donations to the LHS Class of 1969 Scholarship Fund, “the larger the fund, the larger the scholarship to support a graduate’s higher education dream.”  Donations can be made online at www.glcfoundation.org/donate or by mail to the LHS Class of 1969 Scholarship 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.

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GLCF announces virtual 2020 Celebrate Giving featuring keynote speaker Lauren Schadt Baker, First Lady of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

On Oct. 1, GLCF’s “Celebrate Giving 2020” will focus on community connection with keynote speaker First Lady of Massachusetts Lauren Baker, co-founder of the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund. (Photo by Arthur Pollock)

Lowell, MA – On Thursday, October 1, 2020 the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) will host its annual “Celebrate Giving”event. This year’s virtual event will highlight the community connection of local donors and nonprofit organizations who are committed to making a positive impact in Greater Lowell.

“This year’s event will highlight the strong community connection we have seen during this pandemic,” said Jay Linnehan, GLCF president and CEO. “GLCF has mobilized both its funding resources and its ability to connect to the community during the COVID-19 crisis and these partnerships have been critical to supporting Greater Lowell.”

This year’s keynote speaker is the First Lady of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Lauren Schadt Baker, co-founder of the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund. The Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund supported those across the state most impacted by the COVID-19 health crisis, focusing on essential frontline workers and vulnerable populations including the homeless, immigrant populations, people with disabilities and those facing food insecurity. The Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund has distributed 70 grants to 48 Greater Lowell nonprofits totaling $2,161,030 through GLCF.

EMCEE: 
Christa Brown
Founder,  Free Soil Arts Collective

“Celebrate Giving” will be emceed by Christa Brown, founder of Free Soil Arts Collective. Trinity EMS will receive the 2020 GLCF Business Philanthropy Partner Award for their work on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tickets for “Celebrate Giving” are available online at www.glcfoundation.org, there is a suggested donation of $25 to support the work of GLCF. Event sponsorships are available. “Celebrate Giving” will begin at 12 noon.

For more information on the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, visit www.glcfoundation.org.

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Greater Lowell Community Foundation awards additional response grants for rent relief

Volunteers provide fresh food delivery for adults with disabilities at Minute Man Arc, a recent grant recipient from the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund through GLCF. 

LOWELL – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) announced that it awarded $290,000 from its GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to nonprofit organizations, this includes targeted funding to provide rent relief to families and individuals that face a loss of housing due to the economic impacts of COVID-19. The grants were part of the seventh and final round of distributions from the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund to assist area nonprofits serving vulnerable populations during the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are so grateful to the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund for supporting our neighbors in Greater Lowell who are unhoused or at risk of becoming homeless,” said GLCF President & CEO Jay Linnehan. “These grants boost the efforts of our tremendous nonprofit partners who have continued to go above and beyond during the pandemic to support those who need it most.”

“As of June, Massachusetts and Greater Lowell had the highest unemployment rate in the nation at 17.5%, with the city of Lowell exceeding that rate at 20.5%. Coupled with the July 31st expiration of the Federal Unemployment supplement payments, we at Community Teamwork fully expect to see a secondary increase in demand for assistance from families who are trying stay safe and to remain in current housing,” said Karen Frederick, CEO of Community Teamwork. “We are so grateful for this Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund grant opportunity through GLCF, which allows us to help families so tragically impacted by job loss and housing insecurity as a result of this pandemic.”

The following 10 nonprofits receiving grants in the latest round of the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund are:

  • Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association of Greater Lowell, Inc. – to provide emergency rental and food assistance
  • Clear Path for Veterans New England, Inc. – to purchase and provide food and groceries for veterans and their families unable or without means to access food due to COVID-19
  • Coalition for a Better Acre, Inc. – to provide financial support to low-income residents impacted by COVID-19 for rental payments for low-income housing
  • Community Teamwork Inc. – to provide financial support to low-income residents for housing
  • Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, Inc. – to prevent food insecurity among seniors
  • International Institute of New England (IINE) – Lowell – to provide emergency rental assistance
  • Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) – to provide rental assistance in cases of urgent need
  • Minute Man Arc for Human Services Inc.- to purchase and provide food and groceries for home-bound people with physical and mental disabilities
  • Minuteman Senior Services – to prevent food insecurity among seniors
  • St. Paul’s Soup Kitchen, Inc. – to purchase food to produce meals for the homeless

The Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund supports those across the state most impacted by the COVID-19 health crisis, focusing on essential frontline workers and vulnerable populations including the homeless, immigrant populations, people with disabilities and those facing food insecurity. The Fund works in concert with regional community foundations and non-profit leaders who partner with local leaders to understand the response and relief landscape, strategically filling in where gaps are pronounced. For more information, visit MACovid19ReliefFund.org

“The Mass COVID Relief Fund grant opportunity through GLCF was instrumental in enabling Minute Man Arc to purchase and store food supplies for our eight group homes,” said Jean A. Goldsberry, CEO of Minute Man Arc. “Emergency funding like this is supporting the needs of people with disabilities in eastern MA and keeping our most vulnerable citizens safe and healthy.”

To date, GLCF has awarded nearly $2.5 million through 172 rapid response grants to nonprofits battling COVID-19 and the resulting fallout from the virus through the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund.

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.

International Institute of New England (IINE) staff with “back to school” donations. IINE received multiple grants from the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund through GLCF to support refugees during the pandemic.

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Grant awards announced to support nonprofits helping women in Greater Lowell

The Women Working Wonders (WWW) Fund recently awarded more than $43,000 in grant funds to support local nonprofit programs that empower women and girls to effect positive change in the community. WWW Fund Grant recipient Women Accelerators, from left, Hagir Mohamed, Debby Fowler, Miriam Margala, Jodie Bruneau, Susu Wong and Kim Meninger.

Lowell, MA – The Women Working Wonders (WWW) Fund, a permanently endowed fund of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, has announced the recipients of $43,710 in grants. These grants will support local nonprofit programs that empower women and girls to effect positive change in the community.

“During this unprecedented time of economic hardship and public health crisis, Women Working Wonders is proud to support these five organizations in their work to improve the lives of women and girls,” said Susan West Levine, Women Working Wonders Fund board president. “Now more than ever, our philanthropy and attention are needed in the Greater Lowell community.”

2020 WWW Grant Recipients:

  • Community Teamwork, Inc. for Support for Minority Women Childcare Service Providers – $10,000
  • Dignity Matters Inc. for Period Protection to Support Greater Lowell Providers – $10,000
  • Lowell General Hospital for Cancer Center / Cancer Services Breast Boards for Radiation Therapy Treatment Providers – $10,000
  • South Sudanese Enrichment for Families for Women’s Financial Literacy Programming: Whole Family Health and Stability – $3,825 
  • Women Accelerators for The Accelerating Women Leadership Program – $9,885

“Access to menstrual care makes an enormous difference to girls and women who are homeless or living in poverty. Period protection makes it possible for girls to attend school and improve their economic prospects, and it helps women work reliably and access other services to support their families,” said Kate Sanetra-Butler, Executive Director of Dignity Matters. “We’re so grateful to the Women Working Wonders Fund for this new grant, which will help hundreds of women and girls in Greater Lowell through schools and COVID-19 emergency centers. When women support each other, anything is possible.”

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.

At a COVID-19 emergency center at Stoklosa Middle School in Lowell, a volunteer hands out menstrual care packages from Dignity Matters, an organization recently awarded a grant from the Women Working Wonders (WWW) Fund.

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 $200,000 in grants to organizations supporting women and girls in the Greater Lowell area.

“We are thrilled to receive this year’s Women Working Wonders Fund Grant. The grant will be used to assist us in helping women with their professional and career training in the Merrimack Valley,” said Susu Wong, co-founder of Women Accelerators. “The grant will support our mission of giving women the tools they need to succeed professionally and to affect meaningful change leading to closing the gender gap.”

The Women Working Wonders Fund’s virtual Power of the Purse 2020 event is scheduled for October 15. Tickets go on sale September 1. For information about WWW and the upcoming event, visit: www.womenworkingwondersfund.com.

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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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GLCF awards more than $2.2 million with additional COVID-19 relief grants to 19 nonprofits in latest round

Dignity Matters’ Executive Director Kate Sanetra-Butler talks with volunteers as they sort and package menstrual care and underwear for distribution to local women in need. Dignity Matters received a recent grant from the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund through GLCF. 

LOWELL – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF), based in Lowell, announced it deployed a new round of COVID-19 related grants, providing an additional $421,000 to area nonprofits.  The grants were part of the sixth round of distributions to assist area nonprofits serving vulnerable populations during the coronavirus pandemic. Over the last 19 weeks, the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund has supported 95 local nonprofit organizations with grants totaling $2,277,750.

“Although community foundations are most known for building permanent charitable endowments, they play a critical role during challenging times like this pandemic,” said GLCF President & CEO Jay Linnehan. “Being able to respond to community needs is a key element of GLCF’s work and role in Greater Lowell.”

The following 14 nonprofits receiving grants in the latest round of the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund are:

  • Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell – Grab & Go meals and Weekend Care Family Care Packages
  • Bridging Independent Living Together Inc. (BILT) of Lowell – provide recreational space for individuals with disabilities
  • Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association – food through gift cards and food deliveries
  • Dignity Matters – 3-month supply of menstrual pads and underwear for women in Greater Lowell
  • Eliot Presbyterian Church – sanitation of outdoor area
  • Girls Incorporated of Greater Lowell – provide daily safe snacks and bottled water for girls participating in their summer programs
  • Greater Lowell Family YMCA – Breakfast & Snack for 9 weeks
  • House of Hope – hotel rooms for use as emergency quarantine shelter spaces for homeless families
  • Lowell Community Health Center – bolstering Call Center capacity to aid Khmer and Portuguese speaking clients through September.
  • PCEA Neema Church Inc. of Lowell – purchase of food supply & household items (diapers, formula); essential supplies (masks, gloves & sanitizer)
  • The Center for Hope and Healing Inc. – distribution of essentials in response to COVID (food, sanitary supplies, gift cards, etc.) via mobile outreach
  • The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless – provide hand sanitizer to 5 homeless shelters in the City of Lowell that are serving over 500 homeless through the end of September
  • Westford Council on Aging – provide Grab and Go Meals for seniors in need
  • YWCA of Lowell, Inc. – acquisition and distribution of food including staples, and fresh produce, along with sanitization costs associated with safe delivery
PCEA Neema Church Inc. received a recent grant from the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund through GLCF. Rev. Dr. Karimi Mumbui, Senior Pastor delivers food supply & household items to support the community.

The grants are thanks to funding from the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund. The Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund works in concert with regional community foundations and nonprofit leaders to support those across the state most impacted by the COVID-19 health crisis, focusing on essential frontline workers and vulnerable populations including the homeless, immigrant populations, people with disabilities and those facing food insecurity. For more information, visit MACovid19ReliefFund.org.

“Dignity Matters is proud to partner with the Greater Lowell YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell to provide 500 women and girls with 3 months of menstrual care and a year’s supply of underwear,” said Dignity Matters’ Executive Director Kate Sanetra-Butler. “We’re grateful to the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund for supporting this effort through the Greater Lowell Community Foundation.”

The 5 nonprofits receiving grants in the latest round of the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund are:

  • Coalition for a Better Acre – Community Access to Technology – equip families with reliable technology to ensure their ability to participate fully in virtual activities important for their well-being.
  • Elevate NE – Provide technology (devices and connectivity) to support digital education to students in Lowell.
  • Lowell Humane Society – Support to keep their food pantry open and to be sure animals in danger or at risk would have their needs met.
  • Minute Man Arc for Human Services – Provide tablets for adults with disabilities living in group homes to participate in programs/therapies.
  • Westford Community Access Television – COVID-19 Relief for Safe Reporting (PPE and sanitation)
Coalition for a Better Acre (CBA), received a grant from the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund for technology. CBA volunteer, Ediana (left), and her daughter Angel, received a laptop to help enhance remote learning and participate in online community events like CHOP Dinners.

“Coalition for a Better Acre is eager to implement our Community Access to Technology initiative thanks to funding from the GLCF’s Emergency Response Fund,” said Yun-Ju Choi, Executive Director, Coalition for a Better Acre. “This vital support will allow CBA to provide internet access, internet-ready devices, and technical assistance to dozens of households in our community. As we have all learned, access to reliable and easy to use technology has become essential in the COVID-19 world as a means of participating in education, healthcare, public benefits like unemployment, and social services.”

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.

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