Youth mental health and wellbeing – May 23

Posted by Tow Foundation on May 6, 2025

Tow Foundation invites applications from organizations serving improving youth mental health

Established in 1988 by Leonard and Claire Tow, the Tow Foundation aims to promote wellness and access to opportunities so that individuals and communities can thrive.

The foundation has issued a request for proposals for its 2025 Innovation Fund, which will award grants in support of efforts to improve youth mental health and well-being and serve young people between the ages of 0-25, as well as their families. Through the fund, the foundation hopes to inspire and invest in bold approaches and learn from exploring questions such as: What are the most challenging barriers youth and their families face in accessing support for mental health and well-being? What emerging innovations exist to address these barriers? What is the resulting impact of these innovations on youth and their families?

The fund takes a broad and inclusive approach when imagining the kinds of care and support that may have a positive impact on youth mental health and well-being, including interventions across the prevention to treatment continuum. Submissions are welcomed from a diverse array of organizations working in a variety of community, school, and clinical settings. For the purpose of this initiative, the word “innovation” could mean scaling proven efforts, attempting to apply existing efforts to new populations or geographies, or experimenting with a novel approach altogether. By not defining “innovation,” the foundation hopes to encourage creative thinking. Up to 10 grants will be awarded, each spanning three years, with funding amounts to range from $300,000 to $1 million. Grants will be made in the form of general operating support.

To be eligible, applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or have a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor; operate in one or more of the following states: California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New York, or Pennsylvania; demonstrate a track record of working to advance youth mental health and well-being and exploring innovative solutions that may not yet have proof of concept but show potential for transformative impact; and support communities or populations facing barriers to accessing support for mental health and well-being.

Interested nonprofit organizations should submit a brief first-round application introducing their work, alignment with fund priorities, and anticipated impact, due May 23, 2025. Upon review, selected applicants will receive a status update by June 30, 2025, and select applicants will be invited to submit a more detailed second-round application requiring additional information and documentation.

For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the Tow Foundation website.

Deadline: May 23, 2025 (Round one deadline)