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A Message from the President and CEO | |
Hello Jennifer,,
The Cambodian genocide was the systematic persecution and killing of Cambodian citizens by the Khmer Rouge under the leadership of the Prime Minister of Democratic Kampuchea, Pol Pot. It resulted in the deaths of 1.5 to 2 million people from 1975 to 1979, nearly 25 percent of Cambodia’s population in 1975. Beginning in the early 1980s, thousands of Cambodians fled their homeland to escape a communist regime and genocide and resettled in the City of Lowell and other cities throughout the U.S.
Today, the Cambodian community is an integral part of Lowell’s arts and culture, businesses, civic engagement, and political landscape.
The Proleung Khmer (Khmer Soul), a community-driven initiative dedicated to commemorating the Khmer genocide, plans to honor that history, celebrate their resilience, and preserve the Khmer American legacy for future generations. April 17, 2025, marks the 50th anniversary of the takeover of Phnom Penh by the Khmer Rouge. So this year, the community will celebrate “A 50-Year Journey of Remembrance and Resilience” with a series of community events commemorating one of the most profound and defining moments in Khmer history. The month-long event will include exhibits, community conversations, cultural performances, and movie screenings that honor the survivors of the Khmer Rouge regime and educate the public about their experiences: proleungkhmer.org
The Foundation provided seed money last year to help start this remembrance and will invest again this year, in large part because history is so important. Knowledge of history is the precondition of political intelligence. Without history, a society shares no common memory of where it has been, its core values, or what past decisions account for present circumstances.
It’s hard to know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been.
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Jay Linnehan
GLCF President + CEO
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GLCF to Host LGBTQ+ Fund Brunch on June 7
Lowell, MA – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is proud to announce the upcoming LGBTQ+ Fund Brunch, which will take place on Saturday, June 7, at 10 a.m. at Cobblestones in Lowell. This annual event aims to raise vital funds for the GLCF’s endowed LGBTQ+ Fund, which supports nonprofits working to improve the quality of life for the LGBTQ+ community in Greater Lowell.
The brunch will feature delicious food, lively music by DJ Mocha, and an opportunity to connect with others in the community to celebrate PRIDE and show support for the local LGBTQ+ population. All proceeds from the event will directly benefit the LGBTQ+ Fund, ensuring that resources and services remain available for individuals in need.
The LGBTQ+ Fund, which was established in June 2023, is an endowed fund designed to provide annual financial support to nonprofit organizations in Greater Lowell. These organizations offer essential services and programs for the LGBTQ+ community, including legal assistance, healthcare, educational resources, advocacy, and other high-demand services.
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A Night of Comedy Raises $8,300 for the Chelmsford Community Fund
The Chelmsford Center for the Arts (CCA) was filled with laughter and goodwill on Saturday, January 25 as “A Night of Comedy” brought together top-notch comedians and generous supporters to benefit the Greater Lowell Community Foundation’s Chelmsford Community Fund. The event raised an impressive $8,300 with all proceeds directed toward local community initiatives that improve the quality of life in Chelmsford.
The evening featured a stellar lineup of local comedians, including:
• Steve Sweeney, who brought his signature wit and charm to the stage, with credits like Back to School, Me, Myself & Irene, and appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman.
• Paul Gilligan, a well-known comedian on NESN's Dirty Water TV and Charlie Moore Outdoors, who has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in comedy.
• Paul Nardizzi, whose performances on Late Night with Conan O'Brien and Evening at the Improv kept the audience in stitches.
“We’re thrilled to have raised over $8,000 for the Chelmsford Community Fund,” said Jay Linnehan, GLCF’s president and CEO. “The event was not only a night of great comedy but also a powerful reminder of what our community can achieve when we come together to support local causes.”
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CAPTION: On January 25, GLCF hosted a Night of Comedy to benefit the Chelmsford Community Fund. Pictured from left: Comedians Paul Gilligan and Paul Nardizzi with GLCF president and CEO Jay Linnehan, Chelmsford Community Fund’s John Chemaly with emcee Gary Leavitt. | |
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Fashion Event raises $4,000 for civic-minded GLCF LHS scholarship
The Greater Lowell Community Foundation announced that $4,000 was raised at a Fall Fashion Show to benefit the Maria Olimpia Meza ‘MOM’ Scholarship Fund to support Lowell High School seniors further their education. The fund was established with GLCF in 2020 by Maria Vejar, who wanted to honor her Mother who held strong values in family, education and community service. Along with financial need, students being considered for the scholarship must be actively involved with community service.
A single mother of four children, Maria Olimpia Meza came to the United States in 1975 from Ecuador where she worked as a top female postmaster. “My Mother left a very prestigious position to come to the United States. She gave up her success in Ecuador so her daughters could fulfill their own success here,” said Maria Vejar.
Vejar made good on her Mother’s wish. The first in her family to graduate college, she earned a Doctorate in Urban Leadership in Education from Cambridge College. The final 26 years of her long career in education was as a teacher and House Dean at Lowell High School (LHS). Many in downtown Lowell know of Maria Vejar for her infectious personality and for her passion for giving back to the Lowell community.
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CAPTION : Maria Vejar, right, arrives in the United State in 1975 from Ecuador with her Mother, Maria Olimpia Meza, the inspiration for the ‘Mom’ Scholarship for Lowell High Seniors. | |
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TMHS Seniors Embrace Financial Education and Philanthropy, Supporting Tewksbury Community Pantry through GLCF
Tewksbury, MA – The Tewksbury Memorial High School Class of 2026 recently participated in the “Credit for Life” financial fair, an interactive financial simulation designed to give students a realistic look at budgeting, saving, and spending. A collaborative effort by Tewksbury Federal Credit Union, the TMHS Career, Technical, Business and Education Department, and student leaders, this financial simulation allowed students to navigate real-world financial decisions such as housing, transportation, and healthcare, as well as charitable giving.
As part of the event, students had the opportunity to vote for a nonprofit to receive a donation from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF). The students selected the Tewksbury Community Pantry, which received a $1,000 Philanthropic Impact Award on behalf of the TMHS Class of 2026.
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CAPTION: TMHS Seniors Class of 2026 recently participated in the “Credit for Life” financial fair, an interactive financial simulation designed to give students a realistic look at budgeting, saving, and spending. From left: TMHS Principal Andy Long, DECA student Cam Guendner (Cam Kingston not shown), Trisha Keddie (Tewksbury Food Pantry), Mary Kelleher (CTBE Lead Teacher), Gratia Gosselin (Tewksbury Federal Credit Union), and Karen McCloskey (Greater Lowell Community Foundation.) | |
GLCF 2025 Discretionary Cycle Timeline | |
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The GLCF’s 2025 Discretionary Cycle will open on Wednesday, March 18. Proposals are due by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025.
The funding areas for 2025 include Children’s Services, Leclair Elder Services, and LGBTQ+. GLCF will award multiple grants of up to $10,000 for projects in each category.
NEW THIS YEAR
Based on feedback from grant-seekers in our communities
- GLCF adopted Philanthropy MA’s Common Application – a set of standard questions and common language to make grant-seeking easier and more efficient
- GLCF added an optional question that allows applicants to provide a video link, PPT, PDF, or other links to information that might be helpful to our reviewers as part of the application.
Please view the GLCF’s 2025 Discretionary Cycle RFP criteria, priorities, and application here.
If you have questions regarding the eligibility or suitability of your application, please send a detailed email to grants@glcfoundation.org.
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Gaining Ground: Pairing Farm-Fresh Food with Skills Development to Address Local Food Insecurity | |
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Gaining Ground was awarded $7,500 through the 2023 Discretionary Grant Cycle to pilot a project with UTEC’s Madd Love Meals program to build workplace skills for young people in Lowell while providing fresh, nutritious meals for people experiencing food insecurity.
From their Grant Report: In our pilot year of partnership with UTEC, we supplied the organization with 3,552 pounds of fresh, organic produce from our farm located in Concord—equivalent to 2.9% of our total yield. This produce was successfully incorporated into the Madd Love Meals program, reaching 3,500 residents in Lowell and surrounding areas. On a weekly basis, around 120 households received our farm-fresh vegetables and herbs. Recipients included the Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (CMAA), unhoused women, and a significant elderly population. UTEC youth, including those with young children, also receive Madd Love boxes and scratch-cooked meals that incorporate our produce. Based on a post-season survey, UTEC youth and food recipients most enjoyed carrots, beets, turnips, squash, and zucchini. “From our end, the produce was very culturally diverse and well-received,” wrote Social Enterprise Assistant Gianghi LeNguyen. “They were beautiful and fresh each week that we picked up.”
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Mosaic Lowell: Creative Catalyst 2025 Awards Announcement
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Mosaic Lowell received a Mass Development Creative Catalyst Grant in partnership with Lowell's Economic Development Department and the CTI ECenter to support a new initiative, the Racial Equity Accelerator Lab (REAL) Market! This funding will support revitalization of the vacant commercial space in the HCID garage and the adjacent park, providing retail units for small-scale manufacturers and artists, a year-round farmer’s market, technical assistance for entrepreneurs and artists, and art and music performances. This project will be instrumental in connecting Downtown Lowell to the Acre. You can read more about the project and the other grant recipients HERE.
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2025 She-Rise Gala:
Empowering Women, Building Bridges, and Breaking Barriers
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Lowell Women’s Week
30th Annual Breakfast
Monday, March 24 • Lenzi’s
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We are thrilled to announce our keynote speaker, Lura Smith. Over 50 years ago, Lura and her husband, Robert, relocated to Lowell from New Orleans, Louisiana. A graduate of Lesley University’s School of Management, Lura began her professional career as a senior marketing manager at Wang Laboratories, where she worked for 11 years. In 1994, she transitioned to Middlesex Community College as the assistant to former President Carole Cowan, a role she held with dedication for 23 years until her retirement in 2017. In 1999, Lura and her family collaborated with the college to establish the Lura Smith Fund, which provides scholarships, programs, and events that honor the enduring legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Lura’s inspirational leadership and steadfast commitment to our community have made a lasting impact. We invite you to join us on Monday, March 24, as we hear from this extraordinary woman and are moved by her powerful words.
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NMCOG 2025 Greater Lowell Economic Summit | |
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The Northern Middlesex Council of Governments invites you to the upcoming 2025 Greater Lowell Economic Summit. NMGOG is inviting residents, economic development committee members, business owners and managers, nonprofit and government staff, and any other stakeholders in the service region to attend the two-hour session or sessions of their interest on March 20. It will be held at UKG in Crosspoint Towers (900 Chelmsford St, Lowell). For more information please visit:
Express interest and select topics you want to discuss at https://nmcog.org/summit.
More info about Greater Lowell Stronger Together is at https://nmcog.org/ceds
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Lowell Catholic’s Annual Bishop R. McNamara Awards | |
Lowell Catholic’s Annual Bishop R. McNamara Awards
Honoring GLCF Board Member
Brian J. Stafford, CPA, MST,
Partner of Stafford, Gaudet & Associates, LLC
Greater Lowell Community Board Member
Learn more:
https://www.lowellcatholic.org/bishop
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Since 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation has supported this community with grants to nonprofits, scholarships to deserving students, and leadership to help determine, address, and resolve a wide variety of needs and opportunities.
With more than 400 donor-driven funds and expert staff, the Foundation provides vital resources that build on our community’s strengths, addresses its challenges, and brightens futures by helping deserving students to achieve their dreams.
To achieve more, we need your partnership through a generous annual sponsorship.
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The Power of Planned Giving: A Gift for the Future
Planned giving allows you to make a lasting impact on the causes you care about most. By including a charitable gift in your estate plan, you can leave a legacy that helps strengthen the Greater Lowell community for generations to come. Learn how you can plan today for tomorrow's good!
To learn more about planned giving while supporting causes important to you, please call Jay or Howard at the Greater Lowell Community Foundation at 978-970-1600.
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100 Merrimack Street, Suite 202
Lowell, MA 01852
PHONE 978-970-1600
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