Dowd Innovation Grants

Overview:
The Dowd Innovation Grants are designed to promote innovative programs and initiatives at CTB model colleges. Named after CTB's inaugural Board Chair, Amy Jo Dowd, these grants celebrate her legacy through direct investment in outcomes-focused innovation and continuous improvement.

Geographic Scope: United States (CTB model colleges only)

Eligibility:

• Must be a college implementing the CTB (Come to Believe) two-year college model
• Colleges currently implementing the model include:
  • Arrupe College of Loyola University Chicago
  • Dougherty Family College
  • Founder's College of Butler University
  • Seton College of the University of Mount Saint Vincent

Focus Areas:
Grants are designed to invest in innovative programs or initiatives specifically designed to improve measurable student outcomes, including:

• Evidence-based literacy programs
• Data-driven peer-to-peer retention initiatives
• Access and affordability efforts
• Academic supports and professional development

What They Fund:

• Innovative programs and initiatives at established CTB model colleges
• Programs targeting student retention and academic engagement
• Evidence-based interventions with measurable outcomes

Additional Information:

• Grants create new knowledge that can be shared across CTB model colleges, amplifying impact
• 2025-2026 grants were sponsored by Carnegie Corporation of New York (three grants) and Santander Bank (one grant)
• Examples of 2025 grantees:
  • Arrupe College: Evidence-based literacy program for academic disengagement and retention
  • Dougherty Family College: Data-driven peer-to-peer retention initiative
  • Founder's College: Access and affordability efforts for cohort of students
  • Seton College: Academic supports and professional development for pre-business students (Santander Scholars)