October 2022
A Message from the President and CEO

Dear Nelson,   

Throughout this past year, the Foundation has celebrated its 25th Anniversary. Looking back, so much has happened over that time. Yet without question, the most significant period in the Foundation’s history began in March 2020: the Covid pandemic. It changed everything.

From the start, a giving and supportive community rose to the occasion, and the Foundation pivoted to meet the challenge. Donations came in from everywhere. Checks both large and small, some with notes saying, “please help those most in need,” and we did. Funds came from the MassCovid Relief fund created by first lady Lauren Baker, other prominent foundations, and the state and federal government. Altogether, GLCF raised, curated, and awarded over $7 million throughout our service area, providing much-needed assistance predominately for food and housing insecurity. And the process continues.

Tomorrow night at the Foundation’s Celebrate Giving event, the topic is the Power of Philanthropy. I can’t think of a more appropriate topic. Over the past couple of years, multiple acts of kindness have positively impacted many in need - this is philanthropy at its best. Everyone is doing what they can to make a difference in a time of need.
I am so proud of the community I work and live in.

Thank you all!

GLCF in the News

Mosaic Lowell is putting pieces together (Lowell Sun, 10/20/22)

Mosaic Lowell is putting pieces together (Local News Today Massachusetts, 10/20/22)

NMCOG annual meeting

(Lowell Sun, 10/19/22)

Women Working Wonders Fund presents Power of the Purse Plus (Lowell Sun, 10/17/22)

Resettlement Fund Provides Critical Support to Afghan Refugees (Chelmsford Action Unlimited, 10/3/22)

GLCF to Host Annual Celebrate Giving Event with Focus on the Power of Philanthropy (Action Unlimited Chelmsford Edition, 9/28/22)

GLCF News
Mosaic Lowell – Creative Economy Plan Release and Barr Foundation Announcement 

Members of Lowell’s arts and cultural community, gathered today to celebrate the launch of the much-anticipated creative economy plan, Mosaic Lowell. The event, held in the Hall of Flags at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium, marked the completion of a two-year planning process that focused on extensive community engagement and public outreach. The event also announced a $1M commitment from the Barr Foundation to support the plan’s implementation.

The Barr Foundation was the premiere sponsor of the planning initiative, and their additional support helps ensure that the implementation phase is off to a running start.

San San Wong, Director of Arts and Culture for the Barr Foundation, said: “At Barr, we believe that arts and creativity are essential for vibrant, vital, and engaged communities. I particularly love the Mosaic principle of DREAM BIG! Lowell has a plethora of dreamers. And, importantly, Lowell has many leaders committed to making those dreams a reality. So, to support this next phase in your journey, we’re pleased to announce a grant of $1 million to support the initial three years of Mosaic Lowell.”

Jay Linnehan, President and CEO of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, which serves as the fiscal sponsor of Mosaic Lowell, added, “This plan can transform Lowell’s cultural economy and help elevate the City as a vibrant destination for many, both near and far.”

Learn more about Mosaic Lowell

Lighting of the Joseph R. Ouellette Bridge
This past Friday Lowell Waterways Vitality Initiative celebrated the lighting of the Joseph R. Ouellette Bridge (Aiken Street). The celebration included a small reception prior to “flipping the switch” and viewing of the bridge light’s special programming and effects. The lighting program was also live streamed on Facebook.

The placement of the 250 white, LED lights was designed to highlight the architecture of this historic, lenticular truss style bridge. It is the second bridge lighting project completed by the Waterways Vitality Initiative and was completed thanks to the generosity of a private, anonymous donor.

The Ouellette Bridge is named in honor of PFC Joseph R. Ouellette, a Lowell native killed in action on Sept 30, 1950 during the Korean War. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Learn more about Lowell Waterways Vitality Initiative

Catie's Closet: Lowell High School and Distribution Center Site Visits

State Senator Ed Kennedy joined Greater Lowell Community Foundation President and CEO Jay Linnehan visited the Lowell High School location of Catie's Closet on Monday, October 3rd. Catie’s Closet is a nonprofit organization that provides students in need of clothing, toiletries, and accessories a free shopping experience. The Lowell High School location, which was a recipient of a recent funding opportunity made possible by state funds secured by Sen. Kennedy and administered by GLCF, was the first Catie’s Closet opened 12 years ago.

Today, Catie’s Closet has locations in 114 schools, caring for over 80,000 children every day, while also providing goods to other nonprofit community agencies. Each closet location costs roughly $10,000 a year to maintain and include items like career clothes for job interviews, as well as feminine hygiene products, underwear, socks, flip flops, and deodorant.

GLCF's 2021 Annual Report

We are pleased to announce that the Greater Lowell Community Foundation’s 2021 Annual Report is now available. In it, you will find everything from stories of grantees to details on how we’ve impacted our communities, as well as financial information from the past year.

To view the 2021 Annual Report, please click here.

GLCF's New Website

This month GLCF launched our new and improved website. The updated website, designed by Tomo360, is a dramatic shift from the previous site’s functionality, appearance, and ease of information access, creating a more streamlined experience for GLCF’s various audiences.

GLCF was grateful to partner with Tomo360, a Massachusetts-certified woman, minority and LGBTQ Business Enterprise. 

To view the new GLCF website, please click here.

GLCF Grant Highlight

International Institute of New England (IINE) - Lowell COVID-19 Emergency Response Program

The International Institute of New England - Lowell received a $50,000 DOHCD grant from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation. This grant enabled IINE-Lowell to provide critical support and assistance to vulnerable immigrant populations impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A variety of factors including the slow economic recovery, navigating an unfamiliar culture and systems, and other stressors put the food and housing security as well as mental health of IINE-Lowell clients at risk. 

The grant also enabled IINE-Lowell to:

Make direct rental payments for 27 Cuban and Haitian Entrant individuals and families in Greater Lowell who faced the threat of eviction, helping keep them housed and stable as IINE worked to enroll clients in eligible benefits programs;

Supported the food needs of 50 Cuban and Haitian Entrant individuals and families in Greater Lowell who were ineligible for work and public food assistance at the time.

Staff distributed multiple gift cards to clients based on household size, to help them remain food secure;

Funds also supported transportation costs associated with helping women attend bi-monthly Unite Women support groups, which took place at IINE’s Lowell site and food for special sessions including a presentation by an Afghan women’s right activist. Unite Women helps these newcomers avoid isolation, engage in a supportive community, and learn to advocate for themselves and their families.

Give to the Future: Make a Planned Gift

Everyone has a legacy. What’s yours?
Your legacy can be shaped to support the causes you care about now and provide financial and estate savings.

To discuss creating a personalized estate plan that supports issues important to you, please call Jay or Howard at the Greater Lowell Community Foundation at 978-970-1600.

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