The 2025 Programs & Services Grant, offered by the Peter & Elizabeth Tower Foundation, supports initiatives that serve individuals aged 26 or younger affected by intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health challenges, or substance use disorders. The grant prioritizes organizations addressing the needs of historically marginalized communities, including Black/African-American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American/Indigenous Peoples, those with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people facing housing insecurity or immigration challenges.
Eligible applicants must currently operate in specific counties within Massachusetts (Barnstable, Dukes, Essex, and Nantucket) or New York (Erie and Niagara). Applicants should be not-for-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, public benefit corporations, public/diocesan school districts, or private/charter schools. Groups without non-profit status can apply through a fiscal sponsor. Organizations with recent grant awards may be less likely to receive funding, but those declined may reapply in subsequent cycles.
The Foundation has allocated $2.8 million for this program in 2025, divided into two cycles of $1.4 million each. Applicants may propose multi-year projects with annual budgets ranging from $15,000 to $50,000, typically not exceeding $150,000 in total, including administrative overhead. Overhead rates vary by project size: 20% for requests of $100,000 or less and 15% for those above $100,000. Colleges and universities are capped at a 10% overhead rate.
Funded projects should align with one or more of the Foundation's goals, which include early identification and support, community engagement, and capacity building for affected populations. The strongest applications demonstrate innovation, collaboration, and equity, incorporating input from affected communities. Proposals must outline new projects or enhancements to existing initiatives and cannot request support for general operating expenses or routine activities.
Preliminary grant requests are due on February 7, 2025, for the spring cycle and July 25, 2025, for the fall cycle. After submission, some applicants may be invited to participate in clarification calls. Decisions to approve or decline full proposals will be communicated by March 21 and September 5, respectively, with final decisions issued on June 6 and November 21, 2025.
Applicants are encouraged to consult with a Program Officer before applying to ensure alignment with the Foundation's goals and values. Applications should be submitted through the grants portal, and accommodations are available for non-written or alternative formats. For portal issues, technical support can be requested directly through the system administrators.
Projects addressing systemic challenges such as racism, classism, and ableism in tandem with the outlined focus areas are especially encouraged. The Foundation remains committed to supporting initiatives that improve the well-being of young people while fostering community collaboration and innovation.
