Harry A & Margaret D Towsley Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3.8 million (2024)
• Success Rate: 25.7%
• Decision Time: 6-8 weeks from deadline
• Grant Range: Median $25,000 (capital projects limited to 10% of total project cost)
• Geographic Focus: Michigan (86% of funding)

Contact Details

• Website: towsleyfoundation.org
• Address: 924 N Main St Ste 1, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-1067
• Online Application: Available through website

Overview

Founded by Margaret Dow Towsley in 1959, the Harry A & Margaret D Towsley Foundation continues Dr. and Mrs. Towsley's legacy of strengthening communities through effective philanthropy. With total assets of approximately $49 million and annual giving of $3.8 million in 2024, the foundation supports creative and sustainable approaches to problems in an ever-changing world. The foundation operates with a selective funding approach, approving only 25.7% of grant requests received, demonstrating their commitment to strategic and impactful giving focused primarily on Michigan communities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation distributes funding across five main categories:

• Education (47%): Educational initiatives and programs
• Health & Human Services (25%): Supporting community health and social services
• Civic & Community (12%): Community development and civic engagement
• Arts & Culture (9%): Cultural enrichment programs
• Environmental (7%): Environmental stewardship initiatives

Priority Areas

• Michigan-focused organizations
• Educational conferences hosted by applicants
• Capital projects (limited to 10% of total project cost)
• Organizations demonstrating:
  • Effectiveness and efficiency
  • Organizational sustainability
  • Strategic thinking
  • Environmental stewardship
  • Community collaboration

What They Don't Fund

• Individuals and private foundations
• Conference attendance or travel expenses
• Books and publications
• Political organizations
• Ongoing annual funding commitments

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is led by:

• Chairperson: Lynn T. White
• President: David Inglish
• Board: 9 total trustees, including an Honorary Chair Emeritus

The foundation seeks to maximize positive impact through strategic partnerships with charitable organizations that demonstrate strength in effectiveness, efficiency, and organizational sustainability.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the foundation's online electronic grant application form available on their website. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) qualified charitable organizations. Only one grant application per organization per cycle is accepted.

Decision Timeline

The foundation holds three board meetings annually with specific application deadlines:

• January 2, 2026 for the February 20, 2026 meeting
• May 29, 2026 for the July 17, 2026 meeting
• August 21, 2026 for the October 2026 meeting

The Grants Review Committee provides initial recommendations, with final decisions typically made at the year's final Board meeting. Decisions are generally made 6-8 weeks after application deadlines.

Success Rates

In 2024, the foundation received 160 grant requests totaling over $11.6 million. With a 25.7% approval rate, competition is significant. The median grant amount awarded is $25,000.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations must wait two years after receiving a previous grant or being declined before reapplying. Exceptions may be considered for organizations with multiple distinct functional units.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated priorities and funding patterns:

• Geographic alignment: 86% of funding goes to Michigan organizations, with 56% specifically to Southern Michigan
• Financial sustainability: The foundation explicitly encourages "financial sustainability and self-sufficiency" in funded organizations
• Strategic approach: Demonstrate creative and sustainable approaches to addressing community problems
• Collaborative efforts: Show evidence of community collaboration and partnership
• Reasonable requests: With a median grant of $25,000, align request amounts with typical funding levels
• Complete documentation: Submit all required documents including IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter, project budget, audited financial statements, current annual report, and website link
• Focus on impact: Clearly articulate how the project will maximize positive community impact

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Highly competitive: With only a 25.7% success rate, applications need to be exceptionally strong
• Michigan focus essential: 86% of grants go to Michigan organizations; out-of-state applicants face significantly higher competition
• Moderate grant sizes: Target requests around the $25,000 median; capital projects limited to 10% of total cost
• Three annual opportunities: Plan submissions around the three annual deadlines
• Sustainability emphasis: Demonstrate long-term viability beyond grant funding
• No ongoing support: Foundation does not provide annual recurring grants
• Two-year waiting period: Plan funding strategies accordingly for reapplication restrictions

References

• Towsley Foundation Official Website (towsleyfoundation.org) - Accessed January 2026
• Towsley Foundation About Us Page (towsleyfoundation.org/about-us) - Accessed January 2026
• Towsley Foundation Grants Page (towsleyfoundation.org/grants) - Accessed January 2026
• GuideStar Profile (guidestar.org/profile/38-6091798) - Accessed January 2026
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/386091798) - Accessed January 2026