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.”
“Challenging times can become moments for philanthropy to inspire people to act and build better, stronger communities,” said GLCF Board Member Brian L. Chapman. “That is what the GLCF does, it continues to shine as a beacon of hope in the Merrimack Valley.”
GLCF Board Chair Chet Szablak opened the event noting the impact and growth of charitable giving on the local level – citing the Foundation’s $2.5 million in grant and scholarship distribution in 2019, up 28% from 2018.
Jeffrey Poulos, the CEO, of Philanthropy MA gave the keynote address on the trends of philanthropy in Massachusetts and shared data from a recent survey. “The most important thing is to listen to the community, community members are the most trusted voices in representing those that are in need,” said Jeffrey Poulos, “We trust them and we listen to them and invest in them as an organization. Equity is at the center of everything.”
Donations to the GLCF Racial Equity Action Fund can be made online at www.glcfoundation.org or by mail to the GLCF Racial Equity Action Fund c/o GLCF, 100 Merrimack Street, Suite 202, Lowell, MA 01852.
