After carefully reviewing and discussing the proposals, the trustees and advisors selected the following for funding with grant commitments totaling $381,510 including two multi-year grants.

“While we recognize the many great programs and organizations in Lowell, our funds are limited. We were able to fund 11 of the 24 proposals in this round and wish that we could support all the good work. During these uncertain and stressful times, we think it’s important to focus on some basic human needs like housing, food insecurity, and youth development” said Karen Carpenter, Parker President. “The one exception to that in this round was a mini grant made to support a project focused on one of Lowell’s earliest African American musicians.”

• Six mini grant applications were received with a total of $39,9600 requested – three applications were funded
• 18 regular grant applications were received, and along with 4 deferred grant applications, a total of 22 applications were reviewed with a total of $1,278,442 requested – eight applications were funded

After carefully reviewing and discussing the proposals, the trustees and advisors selected the following for funding with grant commitments totaling $381,510 including two multi-year grants.

AgeSpan, Inc.

$15,000 for meals on wheels for Lowell homebound seniors

Catie’s Closet

$100,000 over three years for student clothing needs in Lowell

Gaining Ground

$25,000 for hunger relief in Lowell

Greater Lowell Family YMCA

$17,500 for childcare support

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell

$5,000 for technology capacity for affordable housing in Lowell

Lowell Community Charter Public School

$150,000 over three years for the Build to Learn Campaign

ACE / Massachusetts Baptist Multicultural Ministries

$15,000 for Afghan women’s empowerment programs

Merrimack Valley Project

$30,000 for developing immigrant youth civic leadership in Lowell

Mission of Deeds, Inc.

$6,510 to furnish 20 homes for Lowell families

On the Move

$12,500 challenge grant for High Dosage On-line tutoring

Wavelength Media

$5,000 for transcribing Barzillai Lew’s Ellington Collection

Multi-year commitments continue for the Angkor Dance Troupe, Community Teamwork, Inc., Girls, Inc., Merrimack Valley Food Bank, Middlesex Community College Foundation, Mill City Grows, and University of Massachusetts Lowell.

To date this year, the Parker Foundation has committee $1,362,510 to 33 nonprofits providing services to the citizens of Lowell.