Below is a press release from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation:
LOWELL, MA — The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) today released findings from a comprehensive survey revealing the significant impact of recent federal funding cuts on the region’s nonprofit sector. Of the 31 responding organizations, nearly three-quarters (74%) report being directly or indirectly affected by federal budget reductions, with the majority unable to replace lost funding.
The survey, conducted in September 2025, found that 16 organizations experienced direct federal funding cuts, while an additional seven reported indirect impacts. Five organizations lost more than 25 percent of their total operating budget, forcing difficult decisions about programs and staffing.
Key Findings:
- Widespread Impact: Twenty-three of 31 responding organizations (74%) experienced direct or indirect impacts from federal cuts
- Severe Budget Losses: Five organizations lost more than 25 percent of their total budget; three lost more than half
- Inability to Replace Funding: Ninety-one percent of affected organizations have not been able to fully replace lost federal dollars
- Operational Consequences: Eleven organizations eliminated programs entirely, while nine reduced staffing or staff hours
- Vulnerable Populations Most Affected: Low-income families, immigrants, children and youth, individuals with disabilities, and seniors face reduced services
Organizations rated the overall impact at an average of 2.81 on a 5-point scale, with nearly one-third reporting moderate to severe effects on their ability to serve the community.
“These findings paint a concerning picture of our nonprofit sector’s capacity to serve our most vulnerable residents,” said Jay Linnehan, President and CEO of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation. “As we enter the holiday season, I encourage our community to consider giving locally to organizations that serve Greater Lowell. Every donation, no matter the size, helps fill the critical gap left by federal funding cuts and ensures our neighbors have access to the services they need. Local giving has never been more important.”
The survey revealed that organizations are attempting to offset losses through increased foundation grants (18 organizations), individual donations (13), and special events (13). However, this shift creates additional administrative burden at a time when capacity is already strained, and intensifies competition for limited private funding sources.
Low-income families emerged as the most affected population, cited by seven organizations, followed by immigrants and undocumented individuals (5), children and youth (3), individuals with disabilities (3), and seniors (2).
Among the operational impacts reported:
- Fifteen organizations increased fundraising efforts
- Eleven reduced client capacity or waitlisted individuals
- Eleven eliminated programs entirely
- Nine reduced staff, hours, or left positions unfilled
- Two deferred facility maintenance or capital projects
“The ripple effects of these cuts extend far beyond budget spreadsheets,” said GLCF VP Jennifer Aradhya “Every program eliminated and every position left unfilled means real people in our community going without critical support. As Greater Lowell’s community foundation, we’re committed to helping our nonprofit partners navigate these challenges, but we need all sectors – government, business, and philanthropy – working together to address this growing crisis.”
The survey results come at a time when demand for nonprofit services continues to increase, creating a widening gap between community needs and available resources. GLCF is using these findings to inform its grantmaking strategy and advocacy efforts, and to facilitate conversations among nonprofit leaders about collaborative approaches to sustainability.
For more information about the survey findings or to learn how to support Greater Lowell nonprofits, visit www.glcfoundation.org or contact the Greater Lowell Community Foundation at 978-970-1600.
For an executive summary of the survey data: click here.
About Greater Lowell Community Foundation
Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 450 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of over $70 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 $40 million to the Greater Lowell community.
GLCF President and CEO Jay Linnehan at this year’s Annual Meeting. GLCF released findings from a recent survey to determine the Impact of Federal Funding Cuts on Greater Lowell Nonprofits.
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