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Welcome > What We Fund > Substance Abuse > Annual Substance Abuse Grant Guidelines

Annual Substance Abuse Grant Guidelines

*** The Substance Abuse Annual Grant Cycle for 2013 is now closed ***

PDF 2013 Substance Abuse Grant Guidelines--Download the PDF Version  (137 KB)


The Tower Foundation seeks to prevent or alleviate substance abuse among children, adolescents, and young adults (to age 26).

How Does the Foundation Define Substance Abuse?

The Tower Foundation defines substance abuse as:

The use of illegal drugs or the use of prescription or over‐the‐counter drugs or alcohol for purposes other than those for which they are meant to be used, or in excessive amounts. Substance abuse may lead to social, physical, emotional, and job‐related problems. (National Cancer Institute)

What Does the Foundation Want to Accomplish?

The Foundation has identified four goals it will pursue through its substance abuse funding. Grants will be awarded to projects that show the greatest promise of advancing one or more of these goals:

  • Community members understand the prevalence and harmful effects of alcohol and drugs, and work to address them.
  • Resources for substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery are readily available.
  • Families provide safe environments that support healthy choices about alcohol and drugs.
  • Young people make healthy choices about alcohol and drugs.

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 grants to:

  • not-for-profit organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation that are not private foundations
  • not-for-profit public benefit corporations
  • public and diocesan school districts
  • private and charter schools

What Types of Projects Will the Foundation Consider?

  • Projects must focus on children, adolescents, or young adults (up to age 26).
  • The Tower Foundation encourages multi-year grants with budgets ranging from $25,000 to $75,000 per year.
  • The majority of grant funds should be for expenses that are new to the organization as a result of the proposed project.

While open to a range of projects that have the potential to advance its four substance abuse-related goals, the Foundation will give preference to projects focusing on the following:

  • Screening and assessment: Programs designed to identify individuals at high risk or in need of treatment for substance abuse and refer them to appropriate treatment.
  • Community-Based education and supports:
    • Individual education and supports: Education for community members regarding the effects and treatment of substance abuse, including programs employing evidence-based substance abuse prevention curricula; as well as person-centered supportive services for individuals in recovery.
    • Family education and supports: Programs promoting family members’ awareness about the problems of drug and alcohol abuse; structured education, support, and resources to help families prevent a family member’s substance abuse or intervene, seek treatment, and promote recovery.
    • Professional education: Professional development for health, education, youth, and substance abuse treatment professionals.

  • Transition/service navigation: Programs to assist individuals seeking treatment for/in recovery from substance abuse by connecting them to resources to help stabilize them and prevent relapse.

What Won’t the Foundation Fund?

The Foundation does not fund programs or projects that:

  • provide private benefits for any grant recipient or affiliated person
  • attempt to influence legislation or intervene in any political campaign
  • contribute to 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 grant is submitting a letter of inquiry not to exceed five pages (see outline below). The Foundation will review each letter of inquiry to determine whether to request a more detailed proposal. The Foundation will accept only one letter of inquiry per organization.

To be considered for a grant in 2013, letters must be received by 4:30 p.m. on September 7, 2012.

Send Letters of Inquiry to:
2013 Substance Abuse Annual Cycle
The Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation
2351 North Forest Road – Suite 106
Getzville, NY 14068

E-mailed or faxed copies will not be accepted.

The Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals.

Applicants will be notified by October 19, 2012 as to whether the Foundation is requesting a full proposal. A request for a proposal is not an indication of likely support. The deadline for grant proposals, if requested, is November 28, 2012.

2013 Substance Abuse Annual Cycle - Time Line
  Letters of Inquiry Due   September 7, 2012
  Proposal Invitations Mailed   October 19, 2012
  Proposals Due (If Requested)   November 28, 2012
  Proposal Decisions Mailed   March 15, 2013
  Grant Funds Available   April 2013

Foundation Contact Information

If you have questions about the Foundation’s Substance Abuse grant guidelines, please contact:

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

Complete Instructions and Application Information

All of the requested information must be received in order to be considered for a Substance Abuse grant. For instructions and complete application, click here.


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.