GLCF to Host Annual Celebrate Giving Event with Focus on the Power of Philanthropy

LOWELL, MA (September 14, 2022) – On Wednesday, October 26, 2022, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) will host its annual Celebrate Giving event in a hybrid format, with limited in-person tickets. The event will focus on the Power of Philanthropy.

This year’s event will feature a panel discussion moderated by GLCF president and CEO Jay Linnehan. Panelists will include Nancy Huntington Stager, President & Chief Executive Officer, Eastern Bank Foundation; Sophy Theam, Trustee of the Theodore Edson Parker Foundation and DEI and Leadership Program Specialist at Enterprise Bank; John Flanagan, Senior Director, Westford Corporate Citizenship for Red Hat; and Siddhi Shah Cheong, Head of Strategy Development, MilliporeSigma and representing the Shruti N. Shah Memorial Scholarship Fund. Highlighting their philanthropic support, panelists will engage in conversation about creating change in the community, the transformational effect of giving time, talent, and treasure, and the future of philanthropy.

The event will also include awarding three 2022 GLCF awards: Business Philanthropy Partner Award, Steven Joncas Community Connector Award, and the Inaugural GLCF Newell Flather Legacy Fund Grant Award.

“We believe that philanthropy is something everyone can and should engage in, as fundamentally, philanthropy is about civic engagement,” said Jay Linnehan, Greater Lowell Community Foundation President and CEO. “This year’s Celebrate Giving will provide an opportunity to showcase a broad range of philanthropists and hopefully inspire others in our community to get involved in this important work.”

Celebrate Giving reception will begin at 5:00 p.m. and the program will begin at 6 p.m. Tickets are $100 for in-person, $25 for virtual and need to be reserved by October 25 online at www.glcfoundation.org. Sponsorships are available.

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 more than $55 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 $25 million to the Greater Lowell community. 

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GLCF Annual Meeting Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Presidential Historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning Author Doris Kearns Goodwin

Photo Credit: Annie Leibovitz

Lowell, MA – On Thursday, June 2, 2022, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) will host its 25th Annual Meeting from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center. The event will feature a conversation with presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Doris Kearns Goodwin.

Doris Kearns Goodwin is a world-renowned presidential historian, public speaker, and Pulitzer Prize-winning, New York Times #1 best-selling author. Her seventh book, Leadership in Turbulent Times, was published in September 2018 to critical acclaim and became an instant New York Times bestseller. A culmination of Goodwin’s five-decade career of studying the American presidents focusing on Presidents Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, and Lyndon Baines Johnson, the book provides an accessible and essential road map for aspiring and established leaders in every field and all of us in our everyday lives. 

“As we celebrate GLCF’s 25th anniversary, we are honored to welcome world-renowned historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. Her work brings to life some of our most successful presidents and provides insight for today’s leaders,” said Jay Linnehan. “As we reflect on a quarter-century of improving the lives of the Greater Lowell community through philanthropy, we are thankful for our supporters, partners, and grantees who have helped to make our work possible.”

Event tickets are $25, and registration is required. 100% of the ticket price will be directed to 25th GLCF Grants addressing essential needs in the Greater Lowell community. Limited in-person tickets are available. Register by May 26.

To learn more about this event or to register, visit: https://www.glcfoundation.org/event/2022-annual-meeting-celebrating-25-years/

About Greater Lowell Community Foundation
Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 390 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of more than $55 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 $25 million to the Greater Lowell community. 

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GLCF celebrates 25 years of improving the quality of life in Greater Lowell

GLCF will be celebrating 25 years in 2022. Pictured, Jay Linnehan, president and CEO of GLCF at last October’s Celebrate Giving event. (Photo credit: Kevin Harkins)

LOWELL — For 25 years, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) has responded to the area’s most urgent needs. Now, the foundation is celebrating a quarter-century of service. From awarding grants and scholarships to working to meet Greater Lowell’s challenges, GLCF’s work has helped tens of thousands in the community.

Jay Linnehan, president and CEO of GLCF, says the foundation has awarded more than $3 million in scholarship money over the past 25 years, allowing thousands of students the opportunity to get an education. “Supporting students’ college dreams is an important part of our mission to improve our community, particularly as many of those students return to our region to settle down and contribute as good citizens.”

Linnehan says the one thing that the pandemic has taught GLCF is that by being the boots on the ground and having solid relationships with the area nonprofits, the foundation was able to quickly adapt to meet the needs of the community during COVID-19. Through grants from the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund and the Massachusetts COVID Relief Fund, the foundation has supported more than 130 local nonprofit organizations with grants totaling over $5 million.

“I have learned that community foundations do much more than make grants,” shares Chet Szablak, GLCF Board Chair. “They also convene public and private groups around issues of importance to our community. In addition, they partner with other local and national foundations. By leveraging this support, we accomplish much more together than anyone could alone.”

A celebration honoring the 25 years will be held on June 2, 2022, as part of GLCF’s Annual Meeting. Details will be made available closer to the date on the GLCF website.

“We are looking forward to taking the time just to say ‘thank you’ to the community for all their support and celebrating their generosity and impact for the past 25 years,” Linnehan said.

To find out more about the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, go to 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 390 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of more than $55 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 $25 million to the Greater Lowell community.

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GLCF to Host Annual Celebrate Giving Event with Focus on Cultural Equity

On Wednesday, October 13, 2021, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) will host its annual Celebrate Giving event as a hybrid event, predominantly virtual, with limited in-person tickets. The event will highlight the contributions of local organizations committed to making an impact on the community through cultural equity.

San San Wong, Director of Arts & Creativity, Barr Foundation

This year’s keynote speaker is San San Wong, Director of Arts & Creativity, Barr Foundation. San San Wong directs Barr’s Arts & Creativity portfolio. She currently serves on the board of Grantmakers in the Arts, a national leadership and service organization that supports the growth of arts and culture. Prior to joining Barr in 2012, San San served as director of grants at the San Francisco Arts Commission, executive director of the National Performance Network, director of development and special initiatives at Theatre Artaud, and a performing arts producer and presenter. As an international arts consultant, her clients included the Ford Foundation, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, New England Foundation for the Arts, and Res Artis, among many others.

The event will be emceed by Sophan Smith, executive director of E for All Lowell. Celebrate Giving will feature presentations and performances by Lowell Chamber Orchestra, Free Soil Arts Collective, and We Are America Project.

The event will also include the 2021 GLCF Business Philanthropy Partner Award presented to Western Avenue Studios and Lofts for creating an ever-evolving art hub with hundreds of studios and live workspaces. Western Avenue Studios and Lofts has helped attract innumerable artists and craftspeople to practice in Lowell. In addition, their events draw art lovers and patrons from across the region.

“Cultural equity embodies the values, policies, and practices needed to build strong and interconnected creative communities of diverse and distinct cultures,” said Jay Linnehan, Greater Lowell Community Foundation President and CEO. “This year’s Celebrate Giving will provide an opportunity to showcase creative collaboration and hopefully inspire others in our community to get involved in this important work.”

Celebrate Giving will begin at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are free but need to be reserved by October 10 online at www.glcfoundation.org. Sponsorships are available.

About Greater Lowell Community Foundation

Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 390 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of more than $55 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 $25 million to the Greater Lowell community. 

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Greater Lowell Community Foundation announces new Steven Joncas Community Connector Award at Annual Meeting

Steven Joncas

Lowell, MA – Over 150 residents, business leaders, and nonprofit professionals attended the virtual Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF)’s 2021 annual meeting on June 8. GLCF announced that a new GLCF Steven Joncas Community Connector Award has been established by the foundation in honor of outgoing longtime board member’s commitment to the community.

The inaugural GLCF Steven Joncas Community Connector Award will be given at GLCF’s Celebrate Giving on October 13. The award, given to a community member nominated by individuals and organizations who had stood out in their support of the Greater Lowell community through one or more extraordinary acts during the year. The award recipient will be able to select a Greater Lowell nonprofit to receive $1000 from GLCF. Nominations for the GLCF Steven Joncas Community Connector Award will open in September. 

Steven Joncas came onto the GLCF board in 2006 at the request of founding member Dick Donahue. Joncas served as GLCF board president from 2010-2013.Professionally,Steven Joncas has more than 40 years of real estate development and government experience. Joncas held key positions with elected officials. He served as Chief of Staff for Congressman Martin T. Meehan from 1993 to 1995 and as District Director for Congressman Paul Tsongas later becoming State Manager and Director of Economic Development when Mr. Tsongas was elected to the U.S. Senate.

“We wanted to honor Steve’s 15 years of dedicated service to GLCF,” said GLCF President & CEO Jay Linnehan. “The Steven Joncas Community Connector Award honors his valuable commitment to the community and will serve as a beacon for future community leaders. I speak firsthand as someone who has benefitted from his trusted advice and guidance. He cares about Greater Lowell, and his passion has been inspiring to GLCF.”

To find a video of the Annual Meeting or for further information about GLCF, visit www.glcfoundation.org.

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About Greater Lowell Community Foundation
Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 390 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of more than $50 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 $25 million to the Greater Lowell community.

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GLCF’s Annual Meeting to Highlight Community Strength in Times of Challenge

LOWELL – Open to all community members, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation is set to host its annual meeting virtually on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. The event will highlight the inspirational work and great strength exhibited by Greater Lowell nonprofit partners during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our work this past year wouldn’t be possible without the collaborative relationships we have fostered in Greater Lowell, and we are so grateful,” said Jay Linnehan, “At this year’s Annual Meeting, we are honored to share stories of strength from four of our inspiring nonprofit partners.”

GLCF’s Annual Meeting will feature: Isa M. Woldeguiorguis, Executive Director of The Center for Hope and Healing in Lowell; Sheila Och, Lowell Community Health Center’s Chief Public Policy and Equity Officer;  Jean A. Goldsberry, CEO of Minute Man Arc in Concord and Tim Baker, president of The Westford Food Pantry.

Since March 2020, through grants from its GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, Massachusetts COVID Relief Fund, and Commonwealth COVID Grant Program, the foundation has supported 125 local nonprofit organizations with 283 grants totaling over $3.9 million.

The event is free but registration is required.

To learn more about this event or to register, visit:

Annual Meeting 2021

GLCF awards nearly $140,000 in community grants to 21 local nonprofits

Grant recipients gathered at the Greater Lowell Community Foundation’s discretionary grant awards announcement ceremony on February 6, 2020. Nearly $140,000 in competitive grants were awarded to 21 local nonprofits.

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation celebrated and honored the work of local nonprofits at its Discretionary Grants Program announcement reception on Thursday, Feb. 6.  Nearly $140,000 in competitive grants were awarded to 21 local nonprofits within a framework of Social Education, Children’s Services, Elder Services and Water Resources initiatives.  The focused areas collectively work toward creating a better quality of life for all residents in Greater Lowell.

These grant awards are part of a competitive grant process in which nonprofit organizations apply for funds and an independent committee reviews the proposals and selects awardees. The Discretionary Grants Program is one of several competitive grant programs offered through the Community Foundation each year.

“Through generous contributions from our community, we are thrilled we have been able to grow our assets as a foundation in order to provide increased critical financial support through our grants program to nonprofits serving Greater Lowell,” said GLCF President and CEO Jay Linnehan. “We know this support allows our community to thrive now and in the future.”

2019 Discretionary Grants

Social Education Grants

  • International Institute of New England (Lowell):  Citizenship Education and Application Services (CEAS) – $15,000       
  • Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust: Youth Climate Action – $7,500    
  • Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership: Project Genesis – $15,000
  • Lowell Middlesex Academy Charter School: Youth Advocating for Reduced Gun Violence – $3,067
  • Mill City Grows: Food Justice Squad – $15,000
  • Playworks New England (Boston): TeamUp Program in Lowell – $5,000
  • Project LEARN, Inc.: Portrait of a Graduate – $15,000

Children’s Services Grant

  • Aaron’s Presents (Andover): Empowering Youth Givers in Lowell – $5,000       
  • Budget Buddies (Chelmsford): Girl’s LIFE (Learning Independence through Financial
    Education) at Justice Resource Institute – $5,000
  • On The Move, Inc. (Methuen): Personalized Book Donations for Lowell
    Elementary Students – $2,500  
  • Raising A Reader Massachusetts (Boston): Raising A Reader Lowell – $2,500    

Leclair Elder Services Grant

  • Gaining Ground, Inc. (Concord): Growing Fresh Produce for Hunger Relief
    with Community Volunteers – $3,000   
  • Lowell Council on Aging: Khmer Senior Outreach – $5,500      
  • Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) (Cambridge):
    Lowell Immigrant & Elder Services Program – $3,500   
  • Merrimack Valley Food Bank: Mobile Pantry – $5,500  
  • Power of Flowers Project (Tewksbury): Individual Bouquet Deliveries
    and Flower Therapy Workshops – $5,500          
  • Project Citizenship (Boston): Citizenship for Elders in Greater Lowell – $5,000  
  • The Open Pantry of Greater Lowell: Food pantry – $5,500          

Water Resources Initiative Grant

  • Nashua River Watershed Association (Groton): Water Quality Monitoring
    for Improved Recreation and Aquatic Weed Control – $5,000    
  • Northeast Legal Aid, Inc.: Merrimack River Project – $5,000     
  • OARS, Inc. (Concord): Getting to Swimmable – Tracking bacteria pollution
    in the Lower Concord River – $5,000    

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

About Greater Lowell Community Foundation

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation 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 the Community Foundation to award more than $20 million to the Greater Lowell Community since 1999.