The Theodore Edson Parker Foundation

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 meet many other needs of the residents of Lowell. 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. 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). No awards are made to individuals.