Our Approach
The Tow Foundation funds innovative research and programs in arts, higher education, civic engagement, justice, and medicine/public health, with a focus on impactful, collaborative, and systemic change projects.
Funder: The Tow Foundation
Due Dates: No open deadlines; applications are by invitation only
Funding Amounts: Award size varies by project and program area; recent annual giving ranges from $545K (arts) to $6.6M (medicine/public health) per field
Summary: Supports innovative, collaborative programs and reforms in arts, higher education, civic engagement, equity and justice, and medicine/public health.
Key Information: The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals; prospective partners may introduce themselves via the contact form.
Description
The Tow Foundation is a private family foundation that invests in innovative programs and reforms across five key areas: arts and culture, higher education, civic engagement, equity and justice, and medicine and public health. The foundation emphasizes deep engagement, risk-taking, and direct collaboration with organizations and individuals driving societal change. Its approach includes funding both established initiatives and early-stage, groundbreaking projects, notably through its Innovation Fund.
The foundation's work is primarily focused in the Northeastern United States, and it has a notable history in juvenile and criminal justice reform. The Tow Foundation builds long-term relationships with its grantees and seeks to support projects that make meaningful, sustainable impact.
