Chelmsford Scholarship Committee Receives Grant From Credit Union

CHELMSFORD, MA — Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union in Lowell announced publicly this week that the Chelmsford Scholarship Fund was one of six organizations chosen to receive a grant from the company's Steve Jones Legacy Fund.

The Chelmsford Scholarship Fund was founded in 1957 and has awarded over $1.5 million in scholarships over the years. According to its website, the organization receives income from voluntary contributions from individuals, organizations and businesses.

Representatives for the Steve Jones Legacy Fund said a total of $7,000 would be given to the six grant recipients, though it was not clear how much each organization would receive.

The Fund was named for Steve Jones, a 20-year veteran of Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union who passed away unexpectedly in 2016. Jones was well-known throughout Greater Lowell for his compassion, friendly nature and unwavering commitment to many organizations in the community, according to a Jeanne D'Arc spokesperson.

The winning organizations did not have to apply for the grant, but were chosen because they support missions that were valued by Jones, the company spokesperson said.

"We are so proud to be able to continue Steve's legacy through this fund named in honor of him," said Mark Cochran, president and CEO of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union. "The organizations that we honor are those that were important to Steve and are important to us."

Representatives from each of the recipient organizations joined Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union at the UMass Lowell hockey game on Oct. 1. Neal Lerer represented the Town of Chelmsford Scholarship Committee at that event.