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Welcome > What We Fund > Substance Abuse

Substance Abuse

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

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)

The Foundation is committed to advancing the following goals through grants made in this category: 

  • 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.

Our Substance Abuse Grant Guidelines are issued on an annual basis with letters of inquiry due in mid-September. The grant guidelines provide information about the Foundation’s target population, funding priorities, and application procedure.

We encourage you to review the grant guidelines carefully and to submit a letter of inquiry should you have a program or project that qualifies. If your letter is selected for further consideration, you will be asked to complete a full grant application. Grant applications are accepted by request only.