Lowell, MA – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) announced the launch of “Arts Elevate” which is part of the Barr Foundation’s “Creative Commonwealth Initiative.” This partnership is designed to enhance and sustain arts and culture in 20 of the 21 communities in GLCF’s catchment area. The Barr Foundation, established in 1987, is a Boston-based foundation with a focus on Arts & Creativity, Climate and Education. GLCF will receive a three-year, $575,000 grant.
“Barr is thrilled to partner with the Greater Lowell Community Foundation team as it takes important steps to better understand the region’s arts ecosystem and forms strategies that can bring greater resources for artists and arts organizations throughout the diverse communities that make up Greater Lowell,” said San San Wong, Director of Arts and Culture for the Barr Foundation.
Barr invests in community foundations as cornerstone institutions in their regions. These place-based philanthropies hold unique potential as civic leaders and catalysts for positive change. They have knowledge, relationships, and credibility to help infuse arts and creativity into civic life. They can convene organizations across sectors, bring new information and insights to decision makers, raise public awareness of key issues and opportunities, attract donors to generate new funding, and spur collaborations that center arts and culture in community.
“We are honored to join the Barr Foundation’s ‘Creative Commonwealth Initiative’ as art has enormous power to enrich lives, bridge divides, spur innovation, and fuel economic growth,” said Jay Linnehan, GLCF’s President and CEO. “Art brings vibrancy to our community, and we look forward to elevating this vibrancy in Greater Lowell with the support of the Barr Foundation.”
This is the second grant GLCF has received from the Barr Foundation. In 2020, with lead support from the Barr Foundation, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, in partnership with the City of Lowell, the Lowell Plan, and a wide range of organizations across the city, Mosaic Lowell was created. Mosaic Lowell is an arts, cultural and creative economy plan for the City of Lowell.
To learn more about GLCF’s “Arts Elevate” initiative, participation in the “Creative Commonwealth Initiative” and our commitment to promoting arts and culture in Greater Lowell, please visit: www.glcfoundation.org/arts-elevate/
About Greater Lowell Community Foundation
Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 400 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of almost $60 million, GLCF 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 Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $35 million to the Greater Lowell community.
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/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo.png00glcf/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo.pngglcf2024-03-19 13:42:182024-03-19 13:42:18GLCF Launches “Arts Elevate” with the Barr Foundation
NETSCOUT will offer THREE grant opportunities (a $10,000 grant, a $3,500 grant, and a $1,500 grant to be awarded to pitch finalists*) through the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) as part of the 2024 Heart of Giving Community Grant Program.
Recognizing the challenges of creating and maintaining clean, safe public spaces; reducing waste and encouraging recycling; building awareness and educating communities on the impact environmental issues; and addressing issues related to the long-term impact of climate change, habitat destruction, and other ecological challenges, this grant funding can be used to support programs or to cover a one-time capital expense to enhance a nonprofit organization’s ability to address environmental and sustainability issues, such as: – Beautification of Greenspaces – Educational Programs/Workshops – Reducing Litter – Recycling/Upcycling – Urban Farming or No-Till Farming
NETSCOUT is also interested in creative, inclusive volunteer opportunities. By inclusive, NETSCOUT is looking for both physical or “outside” and “light”, non-physical or “inside” volunteer opportunities.
Examples of non-physical “inside” volunteer opportunities might include: sorting, packing, kitting (with materials provided by the nonprofit); event support; program support; skills-based projects with clear deliverables and timelines, such as developing or testing programs or workshops, or assisting with administrative projects.
Examples of physical or “outside” volunteering might include: hands-on projects and program support; clean-ups, garden or yard work; minor carpentry, repairs, painting.
ELIGIBILITY Organizations that serve communities in GLCF’s catchment area: Acton, Ashby, Ayer, Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dracut, Dunstable, Groton, Lowell, Littleton, Pepperell, Shirley, Tewksbury, Townsend, Tyngsboro, Westford, and Wilmington. Selected nonprofit will be able to provide creative, inclusive volunteer opportunities for NETSCOUT employees.
OTHER Other stipulations include: – Religious organizations/programs and political organizations or individuals are not eligible – Only one application per nonprofit permitted – We will be unable to honor incomplete applications – 501(c)(3) status required
Please note: Nonprofits who have received a prior $10,000 grant from the NETSCOUT Heart of Giving Community Grant program will not be considered.
Timeline: Grant cycle opens February 20
Deadline: The deadline to submit an application is March 20 at noon. Note: This is the first phase of this process. Three nonprofit finalists will be invited to “pitch” their organization’s proposal on Wednesday, May 8 at NETSCOUT’s office in Westford, Mass.
For more information about the grant process, contact Sharon, GLCF Grants Manager with any questions at sharon@glcfoundation.org.
/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo.png00glcf/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo.pngglcf2024-02-20 09:00:002024-02-15 16:35:40GLCF’s 2024 NETSCOUT Grant Cycle Now OPEN
Lowell, MA – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) announced $160,000 in grant awards from the Refugee and Immigrant Resettlement Fund to seven Greater Lowell nonprofits. This first round of grants supported a broad range of underfunded needs identified by Greater Lowell nonprofits including food and essential supplies, housing support, staffing and transportation.
“The seven nonprofits selected for this first round of funding are filling the gaps needed to support newcomers in Greater Lowell,” said Jay Linnehan, GLCF’s President and CEO. “Through the continued, generous support of our donors, we are hopeful that we will be able to fund a future round. The needs are great.”
2024 GLCF Refugee and Immigrant Resettlement Fund Grants:
Andover Islamic Center – The grant will supplement gaps in current benefits including purchase cleaning supplies, pest control items, as well as transportation gift cards for rides to doctors’ appointments and job interviews until they can obtain driver’s licenses.
Catie’s Closet, Inc. (Dracut) – Funding to provide newcomer families with access to emergency basic needs including clothing and toiletries.
Dignity In Asylum (Concord) – Funding to provide safe transitional housing and community support to people seeking asylum who are at risk of homelessness.
International Institute of New England (Lowell) – Grant for underfunded refugee case management costs and emergency housing subsidy for transitioning or housing-insecure families.
Lowell Community Health Center – Funding for a bilingual bicultural Patient Navigator (PN). This person will act as cultural liaison and advocate, linking newcomers to services they need while helping to eliminate racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic health disparities. As cultural bridge, PNs build trust and play a crucial role in promoting the health and wellbeing of vulnerable populations.
Open Table, Inc. (Maynard) – Grant to support the Open Table program which provides healthy, culturally appropriate snacks to immigrant and refugee children in Concord and, when applicable, Acton.
Stone Soup Kitchen Ministries (Ayer) – Funding to purchase and distribute personal care items to the approximately 150 newcomers currently living in Ayer, Mass.
Last fall, GLCF established the Refugee and Immigrant Resettlement Fund to provide support to local nonprofits working with newcomers, and with the intention that grant funds will aid to help ensure those in need are welcomed and connected with housing, employment, transportation, food, acculturation, and other related support.
Donations to the GLCF Refugee and Immigrant Resettlement Fund can be made online at www.glcfoundation.org or by mail to the GLCF Refugee and Immigrant Resettlement Fund c/o GLCF, 100 Merrimack Street, Suite 202, Lowell, MA 01852.
For more information on the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, visit www.glcfoundation.org.
About Greater Lowell Community Foundation
Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 400 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of almost $60 million, GLCF 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 Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $35 million to the Greater Lowell community.
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CAPTION: Greater Lowell Community Foundation recently announced the first round of GLCF Refugee and Immigrant Resettlement Fund grants. International Institute of New England (IINE) received funding for underfunded refugee case management costs and emergency housing subsidy for transitioning or housing-insecure families. IINE volunteers take a newly arrived family grocery shopping. The family of six are refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and arrived in Lowell in 2023.
/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo.png00glcf/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo.pngglcf2024-01-31 15:23:512024-01-31 15:23:52GLCF Announces New Refugee and Immigrant Resettlement Fund Grants
Lowell, MA – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation will open its 2024 Discretionary Grant Cycle on February 5 and is seeking requests for proposals from nonprofit organizations. The Foundation will award more than $200,000 through the Discretionary Grant Cycle.
Nonprofit organizations serving the communities of Acton, Ashby, Ayer, Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dracut, Dunstable, Groton, Littleton, Lowell, Pepperell, Shirley, Tewksbury, Townsend, Tyngsboro, Westford, and Wilmington are invited to apply.
Grant funding from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation’s 2024 Discretionary Grant Program includes the following strategic funding categories:
Racial Equity and Inclusion – The Foundation will award multiple grants of up to $15,000 that focus on racial equity and inclusion. The grant funding should focus on one or more of the following goals:
Increase understanding of our community’s challenges with racial equity and race relations
Provide access to stories and diverse perspectives on the lived experience of racial inequity in Greater Lowell
Strengthen relationships among Greater Lowell residents, particularly across racial and ethnic groups
Increase awareness of resources and best practices related to advancing racial equity
Leclair Elder Services – The Foundation will award multiple grants of up to $7,000 each to organizations that support services to seniors (55+) in our service area.
Children’s Services – Thanks to the generosity of our donors GLCF will award multiple grants of up to $10,000 each to projects that support services for children. The Foundation welcomes proposals that improve the quality of life for children and young adults (birth to age 22.)
Grant applications must be submitted by noon on March 7, 2024. Grant recipients will be announced in June. More information is available on the foundation’s website: www.glcfoundation.org.
For more information about the grant process, contact Sharon, GLCF Grants Manager with any questions at sharon@glcfoundation.org.
About Greater Lowell Community Foundation –Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 400 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of almost $60 million, GLCF 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 Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $35 million to the Greater Lowell community.
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CAPTION: Mass Audubon received 2023 GLCF Discretionary Grant Children’s Services funding to support their Lowell Leaders in Stewardship program. Lowell students learned about snakes and other local wildlife as part of Lowell Leaders in Stewardship – a collaborative extracurricular program created by Mass Audubon and Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust.
/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo.png00glcf/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo.pngglcf2024-01-24 16:34:492024-02-05 08:25:26GLCF Seeks Request for Proposals for 2024 Discretionary Grant Cycle
Exercises to retrain injured brains, holiday flower deliveries, and free classical-music concerts are just three ways the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is supporting efforts to improve the health and wellness of local older adults.
Through recent grants awarded from its Leclair Elder Services Fund, GLCF has provided financial support to Clear Path for Veterans New England, Power of Flowers Project, and Groton Hill Music Center. These local nonprofit organizations have developed programs specifically geared toward improving the lives of seniors.
“Following the recent pandemic, the Foundation has been concerned about the wellness and health of our seniors,” said Jay Linnehan, GLCF President and CEO.
“During COVID, many of these folks had to endure mandated isolation in order to stay safe. However, that often resulted in a growing sense of loneliness and despair. Thanks to our Leclair Elder Services Fund, we are pleased to support three local nonprofits in bringing some hope and balance to this long-suffering population.”
An endowed discretionary fund, GLCF’s Leclair Elder Services Fund was established to support nonprofit organizations located in or servicing the elder population in the 21 communities the Foundation serves, explained Jennifer Aradhya, GLCF’s Vice President of Marketing, Programs & Strategy.
“Every year, the Foundation awards grants up to $7,000 each to organizations providing services to adults (ages 55 and up) in our local area,” said Aradhya. “This is an annual discretionary grants process and the 2024 application period for Leclair Elder Services Fund grants opens in early February.”
Neuro Fit Brain Retrain
Clear Path for Veterans New England, a 22,000-square-foot wellness and community center, is located in Devens, explained Donna Bulger, Executive Director. Founded in 2017, it offers a variety of “wrap-around services” for veterans and their families.
“Most of our clients are elderly veterans — especially since Vietnam War vets didn’t have any of these kinds of support services when they came home,” said Bulger.
Clear Path offers peer-to-peer wellness programs, all centered around small groups, so clients can develop bonds with other members of the group, she said. “This bonding is particularly important for seniors,” added Bulger, “because as we get older, it can be hard to find and make new friendships.”
Clear Path’s recent GLCF grant provided financial support for its Neuro Fit Brain Retrain program. Under the direction of Dr. Lars Landers, the program is designed for veterans with a history of combat-related traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or military sexual trauma (MST).
Veterans experiencing a variety of symptoms – including anxiety, dizziness or sleep disorders — can find relief through Neuro Fit, which maximizes brain health through brain exercises, Landers explained.
“Our brains can remodel and improve their function through a process called neuroplasticity,” he said. “Neuro Fit is designed to get the brain to recognize where it’s not able to adequately perform certain functions, or where it has lost function. We do exercises to facilitate healing of the brain, teaching it better ways to do things.”
These brain exercises can definitely make a difference, according to Landers. “Over my career, I’ve worked with patients as young as 11 and as old as 90, and I’ve seen improvement with everyone,” he said.
Power of Flowers Project
Another GLCF/Leclair grant supported Power of Flowers Project’s Special Delivery Program, which was designed to lift spirits and bring smiles to lonely elders.
A nonprofit based in Tewksbury, Power of Flowers Project takes flowers discarded after funerals or weddings – any event where flowers are left behind or tossed in the trash while still fresh – and repurposes them, explained Michelle Silveira, Executive Director.
With the help of its 175 active volunteers, these donated flowers are crafted into colorful, fragrant bouquets and delivered to residents in about 75 local nursing homes and veterans care facilities.
“Every year, we try to deliver 14,000 to 15,000 bouquets in the Merrimack Valley and southern New Hampshire area — that’s about 400 bouquets a week,” said Silveira. Power of Flowers Project estimates it has delivered approximately 155,000 bouquets since the organization was founded in 2009.
“When you think about folks in nursing homes, their families can’t always visit every day and it can get lonely,” she said. “When we bring our flowers in, it’s an unexpected treat! We get calls from family members all the time saying how much their loved ones appreciated our flowers.”
Through its Special Delivery Program, Power of Flowers Project was able to augment and customize its bouquets. “We’re limited in funds, all our flowers are donated,” Silveira explained.
“However, we wanted to buy some custom flowers and seasonal embellishments to dress up our bouquets for the various holidays, like Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day or Veterans Day. We wanted to make them more fun and festive. People really liked it,” she said.
Engagement, Enrichment & Solace Through Music
Live music can also promote mental health and wellness. With support from its GLCF/Leclair Elder Services Grant, Groton Hill Music Center now offers a trio of free music programs that cater to older adults.
Founded in Groton in 1985 (as Indian Hill Music), Groton Hill Music has grown and expanded, explained Laura Altenor, Community Engagement & Summer Program Manager. “We now offer music performances and classes all year, for all ages. We have a summer program, and also offer community-engagement programs.”
One of its most popular on-going community-engagement offerings is the Bach’s Lunch concert series. Held monthly, this series of free, daytime concerts was designed to attract local older adults – which it does, in droves. “Our Bach’s Lunch audience has grown so much over the years that we couldn’t seat everyone who wanted to attend,” said Altenor.
So, Groton Hill Music added another free daytime concert series. “This year, we started our Community Concerts, which are held in our 1,039-seat concert hall, so we can serve more people.”
Now, the Bach’s Lunch concerts focus on elders who need special accommodations, especially those from nursing homes and memory-care units, Altenor explained. “All Bach’s Lunch concerts are held in our multi-purpose rehearsal space, which is one level. It seats about 100 people, and is set up with tables and chairs. There’s plenty of room for wheelchairs and walkers.”
The larger Community Concerts are offered four times a year and are open to everyone. “Community Concerts serve local COAs and senior centers. Even children and home-schoolers attend,” said Altenor. Both concert series feature a variety of musical styles – including classical, jazz and gospel – and all feature professional musicians.
Groton Hill’s third, GLCF grant-supported program is Threshold Singers. These professional singers perform bedside singing for those in hospice care. “Small groups go out whenever they are called – day or night — to comfort patients, as a service for families,” Altenor explained. All bedside singing is free and the singers are volunteers.
“Groton Hill Music is especially engaged with our local elders,” Altenor added. “We have a large population of seniors who come to our concerts and take classes. They are an important part of our community.”
For further information about the Greater Lowell Community Foundation and its grant-funding opportunities, visit: www.glcfoundation.org.
About Greater Lowell Community Foundation — Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 400 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of almost $60 million, GLCF 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 Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $35 million to the Greater Lowell community.
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/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo.png00glcf/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo.pngglcf2023-12-18 11:02:482023-12-18 14:02:44Promoting the Health and Wellness of Older Adults in Greater Lowell
On Wednesday, October 25, 2023, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) hosted its annual Celebrate Giving at UTEC in Lowell, Mass. The event focused on Creating an Inclusive Cultural Economy and featured a keynote by Michael J. Bobbitt, Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council.
The event included awarding four 2023 GLCF honors: Business Philanthropy Partner Award, Steven Joncas Community Connector Award, and Bankers’ Volunteer Award for Lifetime Achievement and the GLCF Newell Flather Legacy Fund Grant Awards.
Juniper Networks, with a facility in Westford, received the 2023 GLCF Business Philanthropy Partner Award for their continued annual grants partnership that connects Juniper’s employees with local needs by awarding multiple grants through GLCF to Greater Lowell nonprofits. Marci Barnes, Site Lead for Juniper Networks’ New England Innovation Center (NEIC) accepted the award.
The 2023 Steven Joncas Community Connector Award recipient was Frank Carvalho of Tyngsboro. The award recognizes an individual or organization in our community that has advanced the power of philanthropy in Greater Lowell. Carvalho’s dedication to supporting community members in their dream to contribute to the city’s economy was highlighted with this award.
The 2023 Bankers’ Volunteer Award for Lifetime Achievement recipient was Ellen Andre of Chelmsford. The award recognizes an individual who is making a positive change in the Greater Lowell community. GLCF honored Andre for her volunteerism and exemplary efforts of improving the quality of life in Greater Lowell.
The second annual GLCF Newell Flather Legacy Fund Grant was awarded to two organizations: Angkor Dance Troupe for their Youth Program and Project Learn for their Book Nook initiative. The Newell Flather Legacy Fund was established by the Theodore Edson Parker Foundation in 2022 at GLCF to support nonprofit projects focused on the arts, immigrant, and refugee communities, and/or advancing equity and inclusion in the city of Lowell.
To learn more about the Greater Lowell Community Foundation visit www.glcfoundation.org.
About Greater Lowell Community Foundation Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 400 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of almost $60 million, GLCF 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 Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $35 million to the Greater Lowell community.
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Caption: Marci Barnes, Site Lead for Juniper Networks’ New England Innovation Center (NEIC) with GLCF’s Jay Linnehan, received the 2023 GLCF Business Philanthropy Partner Award at GLCF’s Celebrate Giving event.
Caption: The 2023 Steven Joncas Community Connector Award recipient was Frank Carvalho of Tyngsboro with GLCF’s Jay Linnehan.
Caption: The 2023 Bankers’ Volunteer Award for Lifetime Achievement recipient was Ellen Andre of Chelmsford, pictured with GLCF’s Jay Linnehan.
Caption: Angkor Dance Troupe and Project Learn received the 2023 GLCF Newell Flather Legacy Fund Grants at GLCF’s Celebrate Giving. From left to right, GLCF’s Jay Linnehan, Parker Foundation’s Karen Carpenter from the Parker Foundation, Angkor Dance Troupe’s Bora Chiemruom, with Project Learn’s LZ Nunn, Autumn Kleiner and Mira Bookman.
Caption: GLCF Celebrate Giving 2023 focused on Creating an Inclusive Cultural Economy and featured a keynote by Michael J. Bobbitt, Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council.
/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo.png00glcf/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo.pngglcf2023-11-09 08:32:422023-11-09 08:32:43GLCF Honors Greater Lowell Award Recipients at Inclusive Cultural Economy Event
Lowell, MA – Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) recently received a reaccreditation with the nation’s highest standard for philanthropic excellence. Community Foundations National Standards® establish legal, ethical, effective practices for community foundations everywhere.
“Meeting the National Standards benchmarks is a rigorous, comprehensive process,” said Susie Nelson, board chair of National Standards. “This accreditation is a significant accomplishment that indicates GLCF demonstrates a commitment to transparency, quality, integrity, and accountability as it carries out its mission.”
The Community Foundations National Standards® program requires community foundations to document their policies for donor services, investments, grantmaking, and administration. With over 500 community foundations already accredited nationwide, the program is designed to provide quality assurance to donors as well as to their legal and financial advisors. Community foundations reconfirm their accreditation every three years. GLCF first received accreditation from Community Foundations National Standards® in 2006.
“This reaccreditation is a significant accomplishment,” said Jay Linnehan, GLCF’s President and CEO. “When people trust Greater Lowell Community Foundation with a charitable bequest, to establish a fund, or set up an annuity, they do it knowing that we have met rigorous standards for donor services, investment management, grantmaking, and administration.”
GLCF works to meet critical community needs and support local causes, including food and housing insecurity, mental health support, meeting the needs of elders and children, and immigrant resettlement. GLCF offers a range of charitable funds, allowing donors to advance a cause, support an individual organization, provide flexible support for community needs, or recommend individual grants. In addition to affirming the organization’s philanthropic services, the reaccreditation continues to validate GLCF’s grantmaking practices for the nonprofit community.
“The Community Foundations National Standards reaccreditation says this house is in order,” said GLCF Board Chair Chet Szablak. “It is an excellent validation of the work GLCF does on behalf of our donors and community.” GLCF has given more than $35 million in grants and scholarships since it was founded in 1997.
For more information on working with GLCF, visit www.glcfoundation.org or call 978-970-1600.
About Greater Lowell Community Foundation
Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 400 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of almost $60 million, GLCF 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 Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $35 million to the Greater Lowell community.
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/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo.png00glcf/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo.pngglcf2023-10-30 11:46:022023-10-30 11:46:03Greater Lowell Community Foundation Receives National Recognition
Lowell, MA – Greater Lowell Community Foundation announces $611,751 in scholarships to 214 high school seniors at Lowell High School to help cover the rising costs of post-secondary education.
Since its founding 26 years ago, the Foundation’s scholarship program has supported more than 3,300 students with $5.4 million in scholarships, thanks to the generosity of donors who have set up funds to invest in young people’s continuing education.
“I want to sincerely thank our donors, as well as our volunteers, for investing in education,” said Jay Linnehan, GLCF’s President and CEO. “They donated their time and money for the promise of the next generation – it is philanthropy at its best!”
Of those awarded, 64% of recipients plan to attend college in Massachusetts, with 36% staying in Middlesex County. The top five schools include UMass Lowell, Middlesex Community College, UMass Amherst, Boston University and Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Scholarships include new awards as well as multi-year awards, as some of the Foundation’s scholarship funds provide student support throughout their college journey.
The scholarships were awarded to students representing a variety of identities, interests, and accomplishments. A new scholarship awarded at this year’s Lowell High School Honors Night was the Michael J. Netishen Scholarship Fund, established by Netishen’s family to provide annual Lowell High School scholarships to students who play sports and have financial need.
Foundation staff and 83 volunteers selected the Lowell High School scholarship recipients based on merit, financial need, and specific criteria established by each of the 369 individual scholarship funds. High school seniors can submit one application and be considered for multiple scholarship opportunities through the Foundation’s online application, which will open again in January 2024.
For more information on establishing a scholarship at the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, visit www.glcfoundation.org or call 978-970-1600.
About Greater Lowell Community Foundation
Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 400 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of almost $60 million, GLCF 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 Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $35 million to the Greater Lowell community.
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PHOTOCAPTION:A new scholarship awarded at this year’s Lowell High School Honors Night was the Michael J. Netishen Scholarship Fund established by Netishen’s family to provide annual Lowell High School scholarship to students who play sports and have financial need. From left to right: Maribeth Awiszus, Janet Netishen, Ellen Netishen with 2023 Scholarship Recipient Jarlen Arango.
/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo.png00glcf/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo.pngglcf2023-10-12 13:16:172023-10-12 13:17:18214 college-bound students receive scholarships through the Greater Lowell Community Foundation
Lowell, MA – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) announced the establishment of the Refugee and Immigrant Resettlement Fund. This fund provides funding to support the efforts of Greater Lowell organizations to help ensure those in need are welcomed and connected with housing, employment, transportation, food, acculturation, and other related assistance.
On August 8, 2023, Governor Maura T. Healey declared a state of emergency due to rapidly rising numbers of migrant families arriving in Massachusetts who need shelter and services, and the severe lack of availability of those resources. With the influx of new refugees and immigrants arriving in Greater Lowell, GLCF is leading an effort to provide support to local nonprofits charged with these resettlements.
“Organizations serving refugees and immigrants are facing increased financial pressures due to decreases in federal assistance and there’s a growing need for supporting these members of our community,” said Jay Linnehan, GLCF’s President and CEO. “In times of humanitarian need, GLCF gives where it is most needed in Greater Lowell.”
Donations to the GLCF Refugee and Immigrant Resettlement Fund can be made online at www.glcfoundation.org or by mail to the GLCF Refugee and Immigrant Resettlement Fund c/o GLCF, 100 Merrimack Street, Suite 202, Lowell, MA 01852.
For more information on the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, visit www.glcfoundation.org.
About Greater Lowell Community Foundation
Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 400 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of almost $60 million, GLCF 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 Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $35 million to the Greater Lowell community.
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CAPTION: Greater Lowell Community Foundation’s President and CEO Jay Linnehan announces the establishment of the GLCF Refugee and Immigrant Resettlement Fund at a Sept. 27 event at Concord Center for Visual Art.
/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo.png00glcf/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo.pngglcf2023-09-28 15:23:002023-09-28 15:23:01GLCF Announces New Refugee and Immigrant Resettlement Fund
LOWELL, MASS. – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) has awarded a $30,000 grant to the Bridge Club of Greater Lowell to support transportation for their Veterans Reintegration Program.
“This grant has allowed the Bridge Club to remove a key barrier, the lack of transportation, to the assist their veteran clients,” said GLCF president and CEO Jay Linnehan. “Transportation should not be an obstacle to a path to a better future.”
The Bridge Club of Greater Lowell’s Veterans Reintegration Program is made possible by a recent grant awarded by Dept. of Labor. This 3-year grant targets reentry initiatives such as housing and employment opportunities for veterans returning from or facing incarceration.
“This grant funding from GLCF solves a transportation problem our veteran community encounter,” said Bob Cox, executive director at Bridge Club of Greater Lowell. “The problem stems from the fact that the Veteran’s court in Framingham is the sole location for the entirety of Middlesex County leaving veterans from across the county with a logistical hurdle to overcome that frequently jeopardizes his/her ability to appear on a scheduled court date.”
Veterans Treatment Courts are specialized courts that provide alternatives to punishments for veterans suffering from PTSD, other mental health issues, or brain injury. These courts seek to divert those with mental health issues and homelessness from the traditional justice system and to give them treatment and tools for rehabilitation and readjustment. Veterans Treatment Courts are hybrid Drug and Mental Health Courts that serve veterans struggling with addiction, serious mental illness and/or co-occurring disorders. They promote sobriety, recovery, and stability through a coordinated response that involves cooperation and collaboration with the traditional partners found in Drug and Mental Health Courts, with the addition of the VA, volunteer veteran mentors, and veterans and Veterans’ family support organizations. Usually, Veterans Courts hear cases involving misdemeanor charges other than those involving sexual offenses or violent crimes. A veteran’s participation in treatment court is always voluntary. Veterans who choose to participate are assessed by a mental health professional and their treatment needs are determined.
“The Bridge Back Initiative, a collaborative partnership between the Bridge Club, the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office and the Middlesex County Sherriff’s Office, supports previously incarcerated and court-involved individuals in the Greater Lowell area by connecting them to employment opportunities, addiction and recovery resources, housing and other direct services,” said District Attorney Marian T. Ryan. “This grant moves this community closer to the goal of reducing recidivism and homelessness.”
About Greater Lowell Community Foundation Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 500 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of almost $60 million, GLCF 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 Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $35 million to the Greater Lowell community.
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Caption: GLCF recently awarded a grant to the Bridge Club of Greater Lowell to support transportation for their Veterans Reintegration Program. From l-r, GLCF president and CEO Jay Linnehan with Bridge Club of Greater Lowell board member and Executive Director of Community Teamwork Karen Frederick and Bob Cox, executive director at Bridge Club of Greater Lowell.
/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo.png00glcf/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo.pngglcf2023-09-15 08:23:132023-09-15 08:23:14Greater Lowell Community Foundation awards grant to Bridge Club of Greater Lowell to support Veterans Reintegration Program Transportation
