Towsley Foundation Grants

Towsley Foundation Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Harry A. & Margaret D. Towsley Foundation
Amount: More than US $250,000
Last Updated: July 25, 2025

Summary

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.

Overview

About Us The Foundation trustees seek to continue Dr. and Mrs. Towsley’s legacy of strengthening communities and improving lives through effective philanthropy. We hope to support those who offer creative and sustainable approaches to problems of the ever-changing world. What do we fund? Arts & Culture (8%)Civic & Community (12%)Education (51%)Environmental (6%)Health & Human Services (23%) Where do we fund? Southern Michigan (56%)Central Michigan (19%)Northern Michigan (6%)Upper Michigan (3%)National (16%) Since 1960, the Foundation has provided more than $96 million, primarily to charitable organizations within Michigan. Grants We seek to partner with charitable organizations to accomplish common objectives for improving the lives of people and communities. 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. The Foundation encourages financial sustainability and self-sufficiency.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. 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.