Below is a press release from Greater Lowell Community Foundation:
LOWELL, MA — The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) recently announced $700,000 in grants to 47 nonprofit organizations through its new Resilience and Care Grants program. Made possible by an anonymous donor, this rapid-response initiative provides immediate support for organizations serving vulnerable populations during a time of significant federal and state funding cuts.
“We are deeply grateful to the extraordinary generosity that makes this program possible,” said Jay Linnehan, President and CEO of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation. “Their investment demonstrates a profound commitment to our community during one of its most challenging moments. This is philanthropy at its best – responding quickly and strategically to help our neighbors when they need it most.”
Per the donor, the grant funding addresses basic human needs, including food insecurity, housing and shelter, fuel and rental assistance, immigrant support (including legal costs), clothing, childcare, and mental and/or physical health and well-being. This GLCF grants program uses a direct award notification model – no application required – allowing funds to reach communities as quickly as possible. All grants will be distributed by month’s end, with award amounts ranging from $1,500 to $40,000.
The funder chose community foundations for this initiative specifically because of their proven ability to deploy funding quickly through trusted, long-standing community relationships—exactly the capacity GLCF has built over its 29-year history.
“GLCF recognizes the critical work of Greater Lowell nonprofits that address urgent basic human needs in our community,” said Jennifer Aradhya, GLCF’s VP of Marketing, Programs and Strategy. “For our nonprofit partners affected by funding cuts, these grants arrive at a crucial moment. This generous grant allows us to channel resources quickly to proven organizations on the front lines serving our neighbors in need.”
Funding by Sector
The $700,000 investment is distributed across key sectors: Community Connection and Equity ($175,000, 25%), Food Security and Nutrition ($161,000, 23%), Multi-Service and Basic Needs ($109,000, 15.6%), Youth Development, Mental Health and Educational Access ($80,000, 11.4%), Health and Mental Health ($65,000, 9.3%), Immigrant Support and Legal Advocacy ($60,000, 8.6%), and Housing and Shelter ($50,000, 7.1%).
The program includes a significant investment in youth and children’s services, with $150,000 (21.4% of the total portfolio) supporting 12 organizations across clinical mental health, prevention programs, after-school enrichment, arts development, educational access, and basic needs.
Communities Served
The Resilience and Care Grants support organizations serving all 21 communities of the Greater Lowell region: Acton, Ashby, Ayer, Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dracut, Dunstable, Groton, Littleton, Lowell, Pepperell, Shirley, Tewksbury, Townsend, Tyngsboro, Westford, and Wilmington.
Complete List of Grant Recipients
Community Connection Grants ($175,000): Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell, Inc.; Coalition for a Better Acre, Inc.; Mill City Grows; The Center for Hope and Healing, Inc.; Project Citizenship; Project LEARN, Inc.; Merrimack Repertory Theatre, Inc.; Fortaleza; Women’s Money Matters; YWCA of Lowell; Latinx Community Center for Empowerment
Food Insecurity Response Grants ($160,000): Merrimack Valley Food Bank; The Open Pantry of Lowell; Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry; Dwelling House of Hope; Acton Food Pantry; People Helping People; Carlisle Council on Aging; Bedford Food Pantry; St. Paul’s Soup Kitchen; Open Table; PACH; TEO; Project Kompass; Chelmsford Food Pantry; Humane Society of Greater Lowell; Ashby Food Closet at Ashby Library; Stone Soup Café
Housing & Shelter ($50,000): Lowell Transitional Living Center; House of Hope
Health & Mental Health ($65,000): Lowell Community Health Center; Health Law Advocates
Multi-Service & Basic Needs ($109,000): Community Teamwork, Inc.; Catie’s Closet; Gaining Ground; Wish Project; Aaron’s Presents
Immigrant Support & Legal Advocacy ($60,000): International Institute of New England – Lowell; Northeast Legal Aid; Islamic Center of New England cs Andover
Youth Development, Mental Health & Educational Access ($80,000): Adolescent Consultation Services; Danny’s Place; ThinkGive; Boys and Girls Club of Greater Billerica; UTEC; Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell; Discovery Museum
How You Can Help
“While these funds have been quickly distributed to address immediate needs, there is more to do,” said Jay Linnehan, President and CEO of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation. “I encourage you to help grow our community’s resilience by adding your own contribution. Every gift, no matter the size, strengthens the safety net that catches our neighbors when they fall.”
To contribute to GLCF’s Resilience and Care Fund, visit: https://glcfoundation.info/resilience
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 neighbouring cities and towns. With financial assets of over $75 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $50 million to the Greater Lowell community.
Wilmington Apple 