The Tow Foundation Innovation Fund Grant

The Tow Foundation Innovation Fund Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: The Tow Foundation Inc
Amount: US $300,000 - US $1,000,000
Last Updated: May 11, 2025

Summary

The Tow Foundation Innovation Fund aims to enhance youth mental health by providing grants between $300,000 and $1 million to nonprofit organizations. This initiative seeks innovative solutions to improve access to mental health care for youth aged 0-25, addressing barriers and fostering community support. The foundation invites diverse applicants to propose bold approaches that can lead to transformative impacts, focusing on both proven and novel strategies in various settings.

Overview

NOTE: Submit a brief first-round application (Pre-proposal Deadline). Select applicants will be invited to submit a more detailed second-round application (Full Proposal Deadline). Our Mission To promote wellness and access to opportunities so that individuals and communities can thrive. Grounded in our work in Connecticut and New York, we support visionary leaders and nonprofit organizations that serve historically marginalized populations, help individuals contribute to their communities, and champion advancements and experiences that make it possible for all people to live healthy and joyous lives. Innovation Fund The Tow Foundation is pleased to announce a new grant opportunity for nonprofit organizations innovatively expanding access to the care and support that youth need to thrive. The Innovation Fund intends to make grants, ranging from $300,000 to $1 million over three years, to up to 10 organizations that are improving youth mental health and well-being and serving young people between the ages of 0-25. Through the Innovation Fund, the Foundation hopes to inspire and invest in bold approaches, and to learn from exploring questions like: What are the most challenging barriers youth and their families face in accessing support for mental health and well-being? What emerging innovations exist to address these barriers? What is the resulting impact of these innovations on youth and their families? The Innovation Fund takes a broad and inclusive approach when imagining the kinds of care and support that may have a positive impact on youth mental health and well-being. This includes interventions across the prevention to treatment continuum. We welcome submissions from a diverse array of organizations working in a variety of community, school, and clinical settings. For the purpose of this initiative, the word “innovation” could mean scaling proven efforts, attempting to apply existing efforts to new populations or geographies, or experimenting with a novel approach altogether. By not defining “innovation,” we hope to encourage creative thinking.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Organizations applying for funding must meet the following threshold criteria:Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or have a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor.Operate in one or more of the following states: California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New York, or Pennsylvania.An organization may be based in any U.S. state or territory, but must have active, relevant programming or presence in one of the six states listed to be eligible.Demonstrate a track record of working to advance youth mental health and well-being and are exploring innovative solutions that may not yet have proof of concept but show potential for transformative impact.Support communities or populations facing barriers to accessing support for mental health and well-being.Grants will be made in the form of general operating support.