Greater Lawrence Summer Fund
This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that offer summer programs for youth in the Greater Lawrence area, focusing on enhancing educational and developmental opportunities while addressing achievement gaps.
The Greater Lawrence Summer Fund (GLSF), managed by the Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF), supports high-quality summer programs aimed at closing opportunity and achievement gaps for youth in the Greater Lawrence area. By providing grants, GLSF enhances access to enrichment and academic opportunities that promote social, emotional, and academic growth, while ensuring youth remain physically and mentally healthy and engaged during the summer months. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving residents of Lawrence, Methuen, Andover, and North Andover. Organizations located outside of these communities may apply but must demonstrate how youth from Greater Lawrence will participate in their programs, including addressing transportation needs. Programs supported by religious organizations are eligible if they are non-sectarian and open to youth of all backgrounds, free of mandatory religious instruction or worship. Stand-alone programs within umbrella organizations are also eligible if they meet criteria such as maintaining separate budgets and raising independent funds. GLSF grants are intended to support summer day or residential programs that meet licensing guidelines. Residential camps must adhere to American Camping Association (ACA) standards, while day programs should comply with Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) licensing requirements. Grants are not awarded to individuals, for political or religious purposes, deficit reduction, capital campaigns, or academic research. Grants range up to $15,000, with an average award of $6,000. Funding is restricted to programs serving youth in the designated communities. Applications must be submitted through the Application Portal by the deadline of March 15, 2025. Final reports on program outcomes and fund usage must be submitted through the portal. GLSF evaluates applications based on their ability to meet funding priorities, which include supporting programs that foster youth development, enhance skills, and address summer learning loss. For more information, applicants can contact Hehershe Busuego, Director of Programs & Racial Equity, at (978) 777-8876 x128 or via email at h.busuego@eccf.org. This long-standing initiative reflects ECCF’s commitment to equitable opportunities for Greater Lawrence youth, ensuring access to enriching summer programs that build critical skills and reduce achievement gaps.
Award Range
Not specified - $15,000
Total Program Funding
Not specified
Number of Awards
Not specified
Matching Requirement
No
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
Eligibility Applicants must have a 501(c)(3) tax status under the IRS tax code and serve residents of the designated communities of Lawrence, Methuen, Andover, and North Andover. Agencies located outside the area are eligible to apply but proposals must include details on how Greater Lawrence youth are able to participate. (e.g. transportation is a factor in approving such programs.) Approved programs should reserve funds received from GLSF to youth from the designated communities. ECCF is committed to non-discrimination. We support organizations that use all reasonable efforts to recruit, hire, train, promote and serve persons without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law, except where such status is a bona fide qualification for the service being provided and is related to the organization’s mission. Stand alone programs within umbrella organizations may be eligible if they meet the following criteria: The umbrella organization provides the 501(c)3 status but not much more. The program has a separate budget and raises its own funds to cover this budget. (Note: If the program has only a small amount of administrative costs covered by the umbrella organization, they are still eligible to apply.) There is a letter of agreement/understanding between the program and the umbrella organization. The program is core to the mission of the umbrella organization and serves a substantial number of the core client population.
Geographic Eligibility
Lawrence, Methuen, Andover and North Andover
Application Opens
Not specified
Application Closes
Not specified
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