Tower Foundation Seeks Proposals for Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Programs

Tower Foundation Redirects $4.9 Million in Grants for Emergency Response

Boston, MA – August 3, 2025 – The Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation has announced a significant reallocation of its remaining 2025 grant funds,dedicating approximately $4.9 million to emergency response initiatives. This strategic pivot aims to address critical needs exacerbated by federal funding cuts, a challenging fundraising landscape, and opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

The foundation’s emergency response funding will be distributed across four key categories. General operating support, totaling around $2.7 million, will bolster organizations serving core populations within the foundation’s designated geographic areas that are most severely impacted by these adverse conditions. A significant portion, approximately $1.2 million,will be allocated to systemic response efforts,supporting organizations actively confronting threats to essential services within the foundation’s fields of interest. This funding is by invitation only. Additionally, $500,000 has been earmarked for shared services and collaboratives focused on enhancing organizational efficiencies and fostering collaboration among aligned non-profits, also by invitation only. A reserve of $500,000 has been set aside for unforeseen challenges or opportunities.

The foundation plans to issue 45 awards, each amounting to $60,000. To be eligible, grant partners must currently provide prevention, treatment, and/or recovery services for individuals aged 26 and younger.These services must benefit at least one of the following populations: individuals wiht intellectual disabilities (including those on the autism spectrum), individuals with specific learning disabilities, individuals with mental illness or mental health challenges, and individuals with substance use disorders.

Ideal candidates for these grants will serve one or more of the aforementioned populations and also belong to historically marginalized communities. This includes, but is not limited to, Black/African-American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American/Indigenous peoples, individuals with disabilities, those experiencing housing insecurity, immigrants and refugees, and the LGBTQIA+ community.

Geographically, the Tower Foundation will only consider applications from organizations providing services in Barnstable, Dukes, Essex, or Nantucket counties in Massachusetts, or Erie or Niagara counties in New York.

eligible applicants include non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status that are not private foundations, as well as non-501(c)(3) organizations that have secured a fiscal sponsor. Detailed program guidelines and application instructions are available on the Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation website.

how will the proposed program demonstrate a clear understanding of the specific substance use challenges within the target community, supported by relevant statistics?

Tower Foundation Seeks Proposals for Prevention, treatment, adn Recovery Programs

The Tower Foundation is actively soliciting proposals for innovative programs focused on substance use disorder prevention, comprehensive treatment, and sustained recovery support. This initiative aims to expand access to vital services and improve outcomes for individuals and communities impacted by addiction. This article details the proposal requirements, funding priorities, and key areas of interest for potential applicants.

Understanding the foundation’s Priorities

The Tower Foundation recognizes the multifaceted nature of addiction and prioritizes programs that address the underlying causes,provide evidence-based interventions,and foster long-term wellness. Key areas of focus include:

Early Intervention & Prevention: Programs targeting youth and at-risk populations to prevent initiation of substance use. This includes school-based programs, community awareness campaigns, and family support initiatives.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Expanding access to MAT for opioid and alcohol use disorders, integrating it with behavioral therapies.

Behavioral Health Integration: Programs that seamlessly integrate substance use treatment with primary care and mental health services.

Recovery Support Services: Initiatives that provide ongoing support for individuals in recovery, including peer support groups, housing assistance, and employment training.

Trauma-informed Care: Programs that recognize and address the impact of trauma on substance use disorders.

Harm Reduction Strategies: Supporting evidence-based harm reduction approaches, such as naloxone distribution and syringe exchange programs.

Proposal Requirements & Submission Guidelines

All proposals must adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Eligibility: Non-profit organizations, community-based organizations, and academic institutions are eligible to apply.
2. Proposal Format: Proposals must be submitted electronically as a PDF document.
3. Content Requirements:

Executive Summary: A concise overview of the proposed program.

Needs Assessment: A clear demonstration of the identified need within the target community. Include relevant statistics on substance use rates and related consequences.

Program Description: A detailed outline of the program’s goals, objectives, activities, and timeline.

Evaluation plan: A robust plan for evaluating the program’s effectiveness, including measurable outcomes. Utilize data-driven approaches.

Budget: A comprehensive budget outlining all program expenses.

Organizational Capacity: Details demonstrating the applicant’s ability to successfully implement the proposed program.

1. submission Deadline: All proposals must be submitted by November 15, 2025.
2. funding Amounts: Grant awards will range from $50,000 to $250,000, depending on the scope and impact of the proposed program.

Focus Areas for Specific substance Use Disorders

The Tower Foundation is particularly interested in proposals addressing the following substance use disorders:

Opioid Use Disorder: Given the ongoing opioid crisis, programs focused on prevention, treatment, and recovery from opioid addiction are a high priority. This includes access to naloxone,medication-assisted treatment,and long-term support.

Alcohol Use Disorder: Programs addressing alcohol addiction, including early intervention, detoxification, and relapse prevention.

Stimulant Use Disorder: Initiatives targeting the growing problem of stimulant addiction, such as methamphetamine and cocaine.

Co-occurring Disorders: Programs that address the complex needs of individuals with both substance use disorders and mental health conditions. Dual diagnosis treatment is crucial.

Innovative Approaches & Emerging Trends

The Foundation encourages proposals that incorporate innovative approaches and address emerging trends in the field of addiction treatment. This includes:

Telehealth & Digital Health: Utilizing technology to expand access to care, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Online therapy and remote monitoring are examples.

Peer Recovery Support Services: Leveraging the lived experience of individuals in recovery to provide support and mentorship to others.

Integrated Care Models: Combining substance use treatment with other healthcare services, such as primary care, mental health care, and social services.

Addressing Social Determinants of Health: Recognizing the impact of factors such as poverty,housing instability,and food insecurity on substance use disorders.

Real-World Example: The impact of Integrated Care

A recent study published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine demonstrated the effectiveness of integrated care models in improving outcomes for individuals with opioid use disorder. The study found that patients who received integrated care – combining MAT with behavioral therapy and primary care – had substantially higher rates of remission and lower rates of relapse compared to those who received traditional treatment. This highlights the importance of a holistic approach to addiction treatment.

Benefits of Securing Tower Foundation funding

Receiving funding from the Tower Foundation offers numerous benefits to organizations working in the field of substance use disorders:

Financial Support: Provides critical funding to implement and expand vital programs.

Increased Visibility: Enhances the organization’s reputation and visibility within the community.

Networking Opportunities: Connects organizations with other leaders and experts in the field.

Technical Assistance: Offers access to technical assistance and resources to improve