Beverly, MA – Data released in 2025 by the Wounded Warrior Project revealed that veterans face an increased risk of loneliness, with nearly three quarters of veterans saying that they feel left out.
But a new group of grantees of the Essex County Veterans Fund – a fund launched by Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF) in 2025 to make a significant difference in the lives of local veterans and their families – is looking change the narrative by offering programming and services that connect, honor and support these local heroes.
The Economic Development & Industrial Corporation (EDIC) of Lynn, for example, coordinates the annual Veterans Fishing Derby, happening this year on July 18. More than 200 local veterans are registered for a free day of fishing, food and community connection. Veterans are assigned to volunteer captains, receive backpacks full of essentials for a day out on the water and return for a cookout-style luncheon on the green.
“Many participants, particularly those who are isolated or living in facilities, benefit from a rare opportunity to engage outside of their daily environment, build connections with fellow veterans and feel appreciated for their service,” said Justin de la Cruz, outreach manager at the EDIC, a nonprofit that supports economic growth throughout the city.
The event is a massive undertaking, and partnerships, extensive planning and coordination are critical to its annual success. And while the Derby has traditionally been sustained through a combination of sponsorships and EDIC funding, rising costs – of fuel, materials, rentals and supplies – are making it increasingly difficult to maintain the quality and scale of the event.
“This (ECCF) funding will help ensure the continued success and sustainability of this impactful community event,” said de la Cruz.
The Essex County Veterans Fund
Through the Essex County Veterans Fund, ECCF is committed to investing $300,000 by 2027 and establishing a transformative grantmaking and capacity-building program that will strengthen nonprofits meeting the critical needs of local veterans.
But the vision reaches further. ECCF, with the support of generous donors, aims to raise $5 million by 2030 to ensure that veterans in Essex County have the support, resources and opportunities they deserve for generations to come.
“We are so honored to support the organizations working to ensure that our local veterans are connected to each other, that their stories are documented for future generations to hear, and that they feel supported and cared for,” said Amy Moran Lowe, ECCF’s vice president of programs. “Right now, we have the collective opportunity to make a significant difference in the quality of life for our local veterans and their families.”
The Grantees
Congratulations to the Spring 2026 grantees of the Essex County Veterans Fund:
Beverly Vietnam Veterans Inc, Post 1, for a community event honoring veterans July 29 – Aug. 2 at Beverly High School. Entertainment, speakers, therapy horses, demonstrations, special presentations and more.
Blue Star Families of New England, for a late-summer event for military veterans and their families at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem. In addition to honoring the birthplace of the National Guard, the event will include a special museum tour, speakers, food and more.
E.F. Gilmore DAV, to connect and support veterans in Swampscott, Peabody, Salem and Gloucester and to support underserved veterans, like those experiencing homelessness, female and LGBTQ veterans.
Economic Development & Industrial Corporation of Lynn, for the annual Veterans Fishing Derby.
Friends of the Grand Army of the Republic Hall and Museum of Lynn, to host one bean supper for 60 participants to revive this Civil War tradition, and also to invest in the equipment necessary to host additional programming in the G.A.R. Building in the future.
Home Base, for the Home Base Adventure Series, which offers free events, many in Essex County in partnership with local organizations, for veterans, service members, military families and families of the fallen for activities to strengthen family bonds before, during and after military deployment at no cost.
Jewish War Veterans North Shore Post 220, Peabody, for the 250th Anniversary of America ‘Old Glory’ event,including a large-scale replica of the first American flag.
New England PGA Foundation, LLC, for PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriot Everywhere), a program designed to support veterans living with physical and emotional through the game of golf and a developmental 6-week curriculum, delivered by PGA of America Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency at local golf centers.
North Andover Historical Society, to provide ongoing, regular programming that highlights veterans’ experiences across different time periods and to offer a dedicated space for them to discuss and share their stories.
North Shore Community College, Danvers and Lynn, for its Veteran Community Engagement and Success Program, which supports veterans transitioning to higher education, especially those balancing work, family, and academics or those without GI Bill benefits.
North Shore Juneteenth Association and partners, Lynn, to host a Workforce Development Fair connecting veterans, youth and community members to employment, training, and career pathways. The initiative centers veterans as both participants and mentors while strengthening intergenerational workforce readiness and economic opportunity across Essex County.
Veteran Pathways of New England, to sustain its Essex County Veteran Community Connection Program—delivering monthly community Canteen meals, peer support, benefits navigation, and civic and wellness engagement activities for veterans in Methuen, Lawrence, Haverhill, North Andover, and surrounding Essex County communities.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1093, Ipswich, to produce a history of the incredible stories of valor under fire and service to our nation by Ipswich veterans that includes photography, videography and interviews.
If you are interested in helping ECCF and local nonprofits support our local veterans, please consider donating to the Essex County Veterans Fund at www.eccf.org/veterans-support/.
