History
In the early nineteenth century, Captain Nathaniel Stevens founded the Stevens Textile Mills, which became one of the largest producers of woolen fabric in the United States. His grandson, Nathaniel, formed The Nathaniel and Elizabeth P. Stevens Foundation in 1943 and ten years later, Nathaniel’s nephew, Abbot Stevens, formed The Abbot and Dorothy H. Stevens Foundation. Both foundations were created for charitable purposes.
Though separate legal entities, the two foundations are managed as one in their giving strategies.
1970's
The trustees' giving became more focused in the Merrimack Valley to improve the overall quality of life, with special attention to in-school education for youth, after-school enrichment, health and wellness initiatives and the arts.
1980's
The trustees initiated the Greater Lawrence Donors’ Collaborative to facilitate discussion around how best to collaboratively impact the community. This group of foundations, corporations, and philanthropic individuals still meet yearly and are in contact throughout the year.
1990's
The Stevens Foundations initiated the Greater Lawrence Summer Fund which pools contributions from local foundations and businesses to support summer enrichment, educational and recreational activities for greater Lawrence youth. They remain significant contributors to the Fund, now managed by Essex County Community Foundation.
2000's
The trustees increased their focus on the city of Lawrence and surrounding communities. In addition, the foundation actively facilitated conversations and collaboration among non-profit partners to share resources and support innovation.
In 2022, the trustees increased multi-year unrestricted grants for organizations with lasting impact in the Lawrence area.