Over 100 residents, business leaders, and nonprofit professionals attended the virtual Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF)’s 2020 annual meeting on June 10th where it was announced that a new Racial Equity Action Fund has been established by the foundation.

Unanimously approved by the GLCF Board, just prior to the Annual Meeting, this fund was created to advance racial justice and equity building in Greater Lowell. The Foundation strongly believes that addressing racial disparities is the first essential step towards our mission of building a more fair and just community for everyone.

“It’s important for Greater Lowell to invest in making sure we are an inclusive and equitable community,” said GLCF President & CEO Jay Linnehan. “The Racial Equity Action Fund will provide support to organizations that are working to address systemic racial disparities.”

NOTE: GLCF's recent statement about Racial Equality in Lowell.

On June 15, 2020, as part of the 2020 Lowell High School Virtual Honor Awards Night more than $557,000 was awarded to 277 graduating seniors at Lowell High School.

From recent refugees arriving from war-torn countries to families who have lived in Lowell for generations, the scholarship recipients reflected the diversity of the city. Nearly half of this year’s 317 applicants will be the first in their family to attend college.

NOTE: See the video .

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) announced that it has granted an additional $282,000 in emergency funds to community nonprofits since the COVID-19 pandemic began. This rapid response funding has been directed to nonprofits providing crucial assistance to the most vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, low-income and homeless in Greater Lowell.

“As our healthcare system adapts to a new normal to protect the safety of our patients, visitors and staff, this Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund grant opportunity through GLCF will help fund a new greeter role that ensures every person coming into the building has a clean mask, clean hands and no signs of COVID-19 exposure,” says Jody White, President and Chief Executive Officer of Circle Health and Lowell General Hospital. “This crisis has taken a significant financial toll on our organization, making the GLCF’s support all that more impactful on our efforts to provide the best possible care for this community.” 

PHOTO: Greeter at Lowell General Hospital, new staff position required for screening staff and visitors to the hospital to ensure safe protocols funded in part by the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund grant through GLCF.

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF), announced that it has granted over $1M in emergency funds to community nonprofits since the COVID-19 pandemic began. This rapid response funding has been directed to nonprofits providing crucial assistance to the most vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, low-income and homeless in Greater Lowell.

Grants of $1,064,161 were distributed from the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund and the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund, created to meet the growing need for urgent resources and services. As the pandemic evolves, GLCF is responding to the community by determining immediate critical needs of nonprofits through data collection, such as the recent Greater Lowell Nonprofit Needs during COVID-19 survey.

“Data shows that Greater Lowell nonprofits on the front lines of the COVID-19 response are experiencing both an increase in demand for services and a decline in revenues due to canceled fundraisers, closed doors, and decreased donations,” said GLCF President & CEO Jay Linnehan. “The GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund is fortunate to have the support of many generous donors and partners who are invested in maintaining the nonprofits, the heart of our communities, through this crisis.”

PHOTO: Andrea Roche, MAPS Community Health Educator, delivers supplies to the community as part of MAPS' COVID-19 relief efforts.