Theodore Edson Parker Foundation launches a new website for grantseekers as well as two new initiatives for non-profit organizations serving Lowell, MA. What is not changing is the core value of the foundation: a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

The Theodore Edson Parker Foundation announces a new website for grantseekers exploring more funding options available in Lowell. In addition to information about grantmaking on the foundation’s new website: www.parkerfoundationlowell.org, Parker is launching two new grant programs to benefit nonprofits.

In reformatting the website, Parker trustee (Luis Pedroso) and advisors (Ben Opara and Vladimir Saldana) worked with Jorge Veloz of Pentagon Studios to focus the impact and history of past grants and to provide more streamlined access to the existing grant application process.
The new logo developed by Pentagon Studios is a profile focus on Lowell, which is the city where the sources of the foundation funds came from, as well as where grants are restricted to, to benefit Lowell residents. Lowell has been a destination for immigrants, welcoming them for nearly 200 years. The Parker Foundation’s commitment to Lowell reflects values embedded in diversity, equity and inclusion, requiring and rewarding action by grantee partners.

A new component of the website is highlighted in testimonials and profiles of grantees: the International Institute of New England – Lowell, Mill City Grows, the Lowell Community Charter Public School are examples of the kinds of impacts and services available. Additional grantee profiles will be highlighted exemplifying impacts and successes of grantees.

A new mini-grant program, designed by trustees Maria Cunha and Sophy Theam, will fund smaller projects and efforts. The maximum size is $7,500 and will be granted quarterly. The new website has deadlines and an application which is shorter and more streamlined from the traditional application available for larger grants. Small organizations will need to have a 501(c3) status or work with a fiscal agent.

The final change, designed to make the application process easier, is a Letter of Intent Gateway. Instead of filling out a full detailed application which can be time consuming, nonprofits should submit a letter of intent, no more than two pages, outlining the project, the community need, how the project will be implemented, and the intended impact and outcomes which will benefit Lowell’s residents. These letters will be reviewed by trustees and advisors, and if there is interest, the nonprofit is invited to submit a full proposal. LOI’s are due July 1 for the fall grant cycle. Letter of Intent responses will be notified by August 1, with a September 15 deadline for a complete and full application, as done prior.