Earlier today, the Peter & Elizabeth Tower Foundation sent the following announcement out via our e-newsletter. It describes the Foundation’s response to the current political and funding climate, more specifically the uncertainty around federal funding and the assault on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Dear Grant Partners and Community Members:
You’ve no doubt been following recent federal budget cuts and policy changes that threaten critical services for vulnerable populations. Many of you have shared your concerns directly with us. We know these developments create anxiety about the future of essential services you provide.
After careful consideration — informed by feedback from our recent partner survey, individual conversations with grant partners, and analysis of the evolving landscape — our Trustees have voted to reallocate all remaining grant funds for 2025 — approximately $4.9 million — to emergency response.
This means we’re canceling our regular grantmaking cycles for the remainder of 2025. We know this news will disappoint many organizations eager to seek grants for projects they know will make significant differences for the people they serve. We share that disappointment, but we also see that recent developments have created what can be called, without exaggeration, an existential crisis for many organizations serving some of our most vulnerable populations. We can’t ignore that crisis.
These redirected funds will be divided among four categories:
- General operating support to organizations serving our core populations (children, adolescents, and young adults affected by intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health, and/or substance use disorders) within our geographic focus areas (Barnstable, Dukes, Essex, and Nantucket Counties in Massachusetts; Erie and Niagara Counties in New York State). (We anticipate awarding approximately $2.7 million in this category.)
- Systemic response: Organizations actively combating threats to essential services in our fields of interest. This could include advocacy organizations or critical infrastructure providers on a local, regional, state, or national level. (We anticipate awarding approximately $1.2 million in this category.)
- Shared Services: Established collaboratives that provide organizational efficiencies (e.g., shared back-office functions, joint purchasing, or resource sharing) primarily benefiting organizations serving our core populations in our geographic focus areas. These must be fully operational collaboratives established prior to this grant opportunity, not those in planning stages. Collaboratives of any size are eligible. (We anticipate awarding approximately $500,000 in this category.)
- Reserve: Funds held in reserve to respond to unanticipated threats or opportunities, including contributions to community response funds should they be formed. (We anticipate holding approximately $500,000 in this category.)
We’ll distribute general operating grants by way of a simplified application and expedited review process, which we’ll develop with community partner input from across our catchment area. We expect to award systemic response and shared services grants by invitation — please make us aware of any such work you’re involved with as soon as you’re able. We’ll share further details about application guidelines and processes in late June or early July. Please be patient; like you, we’re formulating our responses as we go.
Although we’re reviewing how this shift affects our current grants, know that we will honor all existing funding commitments. Current grant partners should feel free to contact your Program Officer with questions about implications for your current grant. Our goal is to ensure continued support while also addressing the broader emergency needs.
The Tower Foundation remains deeply committed to supporting organizations serving children, adolescents, young adults, and their families affected by intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health challenges, and substance use disorders. Our commitment is unwavering. We remain equally committed to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Please know that our door remains open if you need to discuss specific concerns or challenges. You can reach us at info@thetowerfoundation.org.
Moments of crisis can feel overwhelming, but they also bring out the incredible resilience and dedication of people like you and organizations like yours. We remain inspired by your resolve and ongoing commitment to serving our communities’ most vulnerable people, and we are honored to be your partner in this work.
Stay strong and be encouraged.
Sincerely,
The Tower Foundation Team
Tracy Sawicki, Kathy Andriaccio, Chuck Colston, Megan MacDavey, Don Matteson, and Nick Randell