The Theodore Edson Parker Foundation, established in 1944, is dedicated to addressing a wide range of community needs in Lowell, Massachusetts. Initially focusing on children, disadvantaged young women, the elderly, refugees, and immigrants, the foundation has since broadened its reach to include many other needs of Lowell's residents.
The Parker Foundation’s primary goal is to support projects and activities that benefit the residents of the City of Lowell through grants. Funding is provided for a variety of purposes such as social services, cultural programs, community development, education, community health needs, and urban environmental projects. The foundation specifically funds special programs and projects, capital improvements and equipment purchases, and technical assistance, typically avoiding operating expenses for established organizations, endowment funding, or deficit financing.