Theodore Edson Parker Foundation Grant

Theodore Edson Parker Foundation Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Theodore Edson Parker Foundation
Amount: US $15,000 - US $50,000
Last Updated: November 21, 2025

Summary

The Theodore Edson Parker Foundation Grant supports a variety of community needs in Lowell, MA, focusing on children, disadvantaged young women, and the elderly. Established in 1944, it funds social services, education, and cultural programs, among others. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and not private foundations. The foundation favors projects that create equitable opportunities for underserved groups, promoting a balanced representation in community leadership. General operating costs are typically not funded.

Overview

Background The Theodore Edson Parker Foundation was established in 1944 in Lowell, Massachusetts, under a will that reflected the founder’s interest in a wide range of community needs including children, disadvantaged young women, the elderly, refugees and immigrants. Since then, trustees have expanded our priorities to many other needs of the residents of Lowell. Fields of Interest and Types of Support The Parker Foundation’s primary goal is to make effective grants that benefit the residents of the City of Lowell. Grants are made for a variety of purposes including social services, cultural programs, community development activities, education, community health needs, and urban environmental projects. The foundation funds specific needs including special programs and projects, capital improvements and equipment purchases, and technical assistance. The trustees do not usually award funds for the operating expenses of well-established organizations, for endowment, or to fund deficits.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Grants are restricted to organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and are classified as “not a private foundation” under Section 509(a). Grants are made for projects in Lowell, MA.Organizations who have not received a grant from the Parker Foundation within one year.Non-Lowell organizations encouraged to apply for Lowell-based projects.The foundation occasionally makes multiple-year grants. We support project and capital costs, but, with the exception of startup grants, are reluctant to support general operations.

Ineligibility

The trustees do not usually award funds for the operating expenses of well-established organizations, for endowment, or to fund deficits.No awards are made to individuals.