Funding Amount

More than US $250,000

Deadline

Deadline not published

Grant Type

Foundation

Can we apply?

Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.

Other requirements

  • The geographic area of primary interest is Michigan.
  • Educational conferences hosted by the applicant are eligible.
  • Capital project grant requests may not exceed 10% of the total cost of the project.
  • If approved, these grants are normally paid in equal annual installments over a 3 to 5 year period.

Not eligible / not funded

  • Not eligible: Individuals and private foundations are not eligible for grants, loans or scholarships.
  • Not eligible: Grants are generally not made for conference attendance, travel, books, publications, films, tapes and other communications media.
  • Not eligible: Projects or organizations that are political or seek to influence legislation are not eligible.
  • Not eligible: Programs
  • Not eligible: Organizations on an annual
  • Not eligible: Ongoing basis
  • Not eligible: Organizations that have previously submitted grant requests to the Towsley Foundation may not submit another grant request until at least two years have elapsed since the date of the final payment on a prior grant and/or the date of a letter advising the declination of a grant request.
  • Not eligible: Exceptions may be made by the Foundation for organizations with separately functioning units or funds covered under the same tax exemption number.
  • Not eligible: Discretionary grants or matching gift requests initiated by a Foundation trustee are not considered in determination of the two-year wait period.

Overview

The Towsley Foundation Grants support initiatives that enhance community welfare and sustainability, focusing on diverse fields such as education, health, and the arts within Michigan. With a commitment to effective philanthropy, the foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate creativity and strategic impact. Eligible organizations must operate in Michigan and adhere to specific funding guidelines, fostering financial sustainability. Grants are allocated based on project merit and organizational capacity, reinforcing the foundation's mission to improve lives through thoughtful partnerships.

Since 1960, the Foundation has provided more than $96 million, primarily to charitable organizations within Michigan.
Effectiveness, sustainability, strategic thinking, environmental awareness and collaboration are among the strengths we encourage in our grantees. Unfortunately, our limited financial resources do not allow the Foundation to support all the grant requests that it receives. Applicants should not view a letter declining support as a judgment on the merits of the proposal.

Eligibility

The geographic area of primary interest is Michigan.Educational conferences hosted by the applicant are eligible.Capital project grant requests may not exceed 10% of the total cost of the project. If approved, these grants are normally paid in equal annual installments over a 3 to 5 year period.

Ineligibility

Individuals and private foundations are not eligible for grants, loans or scholarships.Grants are generally not made for conference attendance, travel, books, publications, films, tapes and other communications media.Projects or organizations that are political or seek to influence legislation are not eligible.The Foundation does not fund programs or organizations on an annual or ongoing basis.Organizations that have previously submitted grant requests to the Towsley Foundation may not submit another grant request until at least two years have elapsed since the date of the final payment on a prior grant and/or the date of a letter advising the declination of a grant request. Exceptions may be made by the Foundation for organizations with separately functioning units or funds covered under the same tax exemption number. Discretionary grants or matching gift requests initiated by a Foundation trustee are not considered in determination of the two-year wait period.

What Harry a and Margaret D Towsley actually gave

Source: IRS Form 990-PF, 2025

Grants in 2025
111
Total given
$3.81M
Median grant
$20K
Range
$1,000–$270K
  • By dollars: Michigan 97%, California 2%, Maryland <1%. Top recipient cities: Ann Arbor, MI; Ypsilanti, MI; Detroit, MI.
  • 0% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
  • 51% of recipients were new grantees, not repeat recipients.

Example grants

  • Interlochen Center for the Arts · Interlochen, MI

    Program support

    $270K

  • Freedom River · Whitmore Lake, MI

    Program support

    $200K

  • Um Kellogg Eye Center · Ann Arbor, MI

    Program support

    $200K

  • Um Belleville High SBHC · Ann Arbor, MI

    Program support

    $155K

  • Um Ford School of Public Policy · Ann Arbor, MI

    Program support

    $150K

IRS Form 990-PF, 2025. Amounts as reported by the funder. Full 990 history →

Focus Areas & Funding Uses

Fields of Work

  • Nonprofits
  • Education
  • Healthcare
  • Arts
  • Environment
  • Community development

Categories

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