Innovation Fund

The Tow Foundation has announced the launch of its 2025 Innovation Fund, a new grant opportunity focused on expanding access to care and support for youth mental health and well-being. Established in 1988 by Leonard and Claire Tow, The Tow Foundation is a family-led philanthropic organization committed to promoting wellness and expanding opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive. The Foundation supports nonprofit organizations and visionary leaders seeking to address persistent inequities and empower individuals. The 2025 Innovation Fund intends to award grants to up to ten nonprofit organizations that are serving young people between the ages of 0 and 25, as well as their families. The Fund seeks organizations that are exploring innovative solutions, whether by scaling proven approaches, applying known efforts to new populations or geographies, or trying entirely novel strategies. The Foundation defines innovation broadly and encourages creative thinking to address challenges related to youth mental health and well-being. Grants will range from $300,000 to $1,000,000 over a three-year period, from December 2025 to December 2028, with some flexibility. The funding will be provided as general operating support. Grantees will be expected to participate in two update calls per year, submit a final report, and may be invited to an in-person celebratory event, with associated costs covered by The Tow Foundation. Additional learning or capacity-building support may also be offered to grantees. Eligible applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or have a fiscal sponsor with that status. Organizations must operate in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New York, or Pennsylvania. Applicants should demonstrate a record of working to advance youth mental health and well-being and propose innovative initiatives that, even if not fully proven, show potential for transformative impact. Priority will be given to organizations supporting communities that face barriers to mental health care access. The application process includes a brief first-round application introducing the organization's work and its alignment with the Innovation Fund’s priorities. First-round applications must be submitted via The Tow Foundation's website by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 23, 2025. All applicants will receive a status update by June 30, 2025. Selected organizations will then be invited to submit a second-round, more detailed application. An informational webinar will be held on May 7, 2025, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, where prospective applicants can learn more and ask questions. All inquiries should be directed to innovationfund@towfoundation.org.