Welcome > What We Fund > Organizational Capacity-Building > Technology Initiative Request for Proposals (RFP) > Phase I

Phase I

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The Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation seeks to assist not-for-profit agencies with obtaining the technological expertise and equipment required to implement a strategic technology plan.

What Does the Foundation Want to Accomplish?

The Foundation seeks to strengthen the Tower Foundation’s community partners by enabling them to align their technology needs with their administrative and business needs, as outlined in strategic planning documents.

The Foundation’s Technology Planning and Implementation Initiative consists of two phases:

Phase I: The Foundation will provide funds for not-for-profit agencies to hire a technology consultant to conduct a technology inventory and needs assessment; and to develop a three-to-five-year technology plan.

Phase II: The Foundation will provide a dollar-for-dollar match (up to $125,000) to agencies wishing to implement an existing technology plan.

Who Can Apply for a Grant?

Organizations primarily serving residents of the following areas are eligible to receive Tower Foundation grants:

Massachusetts:

• Barnstable County
• Dukes County
• Essex County
• Nantucket County

New York:

• Erie County
• Niagara County 

The Tower Foundation makes technology grants to:

• not-for-profit organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation that are not private foundations or described as 509(a)(3) organizations,
• not-for-profit public benefit corporations,
• private and charter schools (diocesan and public school districts are not eligible to apply).

In addition to the above requirements, to be eligible for a technology grant, agencies must:

• provide programming that focuses primarily on:

• serving children, adolescents, and/or young adults up to age 26 with intellectual disabilities or learning disabilities, or
• preventing or treating mental illness and/or substance abuse among children, adolescents and young adults to age 26.

• have completed a strategic planning document within the past 36 months, explicitly identifying technology as a focal area.

How are Technology Planning Grants Structured?

Each grant will be for a one-year time period, to a maximum of $50,000. The amount of the award will vary based on the size of the organization and the complexity of the business needs as articulated in its strategic plan. Because of the wide range of agencies eligible for funding, the Foundation anticipates grant awards ranging from $5,000 to $50,000.

What Costs Can Be Covered by a Technology Implementation Grant?

The Tower Foundation will provide funds for costs associated with hiring an outside technology consultant to assist with this project. For the most part, grant funds will be used for outside consultants to:

• conduct a comprehensive hardware and software inventory;
• develop a technology needs assessment; and
• produce a technology plan with a one-to-three year time line.

What Won't the Foundation Fund? 

Technology planning grants do not cover costs associated with:

• staff time spent working on technology planning or implementation
• the development of an agency’s strategic plan 
• the purchase of computer hardware or software

In addition, the Foundation does not fund programs or projects that:

• provide private benefit for any grant recipient or affiliated person,
• attempt to influence legislation or intervene in any political campaign,
• contribute to non-technology-related capital improvements or capital campaigns,
• consist of scholarships, services, or treatment for specific individuals,
• consist largely of general operating support.

How Does My Organization Apply for a Grant?

The first step in applying for a technology grant is a screening telephone call. This call will provide an opportunity to clarify the intent, scope, and details of the technology initiative; establish an organization’s eligibility for the initiative; and to discuss an agency’s capacity and readiness to implement its strategic technology plan. Based on this telephone call, the Foundation will determine whether or not it wishes to request a full application from the agency. 

To be eligible for a technology grant in 2013, arrangements for this screening telephone call must be made prior to January 11, 2013 for the Summer Cycle, or June 28, 2013 for the Winter Cycle.

The Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals.

Applicants will be notified as to whether the Foundation is requesting a full proposal by January 25, 2013 for the Summer Cycle and July 19, 2013 for the Winter Cycle. A request for a proposal is not an indication of likely support. The deadline for grant proposals, if requested, is March 13, 2013 for the Summer Cycle, and September 13, 2013 for the Winter Cycle.

Where Can I Learn More About Technology Planning?

The following links provide helpful information about technology planning and its value for not-for-profit agencies:

MAP for Nonprofits:  http://ow.ly/6foYy

TechSoup Learning Center:  http://ow.ly/6fp0q

Westchester Not-for-Profit Technology Council:  http://ow.ly/6fpaZ

Foundation Contact Information

If you have questions about the Foundation’s Technology Implementation grant guidelines, or to arrange a screening call, please contact:

Don Matteson, Chief Program Officer
dwm@thetowerfoundation.org
(716) 906-8903

Notice for Prospective Applicants

By submitting this proposal to the Foundation, you, as the applicant or its duly authorized representative, hereby agree and consent that the Foundation may disclose to any employee, trustee or professional representative of the Foundation, or to other potential funding sources or their representatives for possible collaboration, this proposal and all supporting materials which have been or will be submitted in connection therewith, including but not limited to the applicant’s letter of inquiry.