Tower Family Fund makes a small number of very large, targeted grants—primarily in Massachusetts and the Cape/Islands region—focused on capital projects, housing, community wellbeing and health. Their gifts support both institutional building projects (museums, hospital, learning centers) and mission-driven housing and care (senior/workforce housing, clinical research), with several island-specific awards that suggest a geographic affinity for Martha’s Vineyard and nearby coastal communities.
Tower Family Fund Inc gave a $1.071 million special grant to Stillpoint Martha's Vineyard Inc in 2024, a useful marker of how it concentrates large gifts on island and coastal institutions. Across the recent grants list, the funder supports workforce and senior housing, health and clinical research, and capital projects for museums, learning centers, and community organizations. Its grantmaking also reaches food security and recovery-related work, with named support for island nonprofits and regional service providers. The foundation’s recent largest awards include $1 million grants to Martha's Vineyard Hospital for workforce housing, Navigator Homes for senior housing, Harborlight Homes for housing, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for the Byrnes Family Clinical Research Fund. That mix shows a pattern of large, targeted awards that combine housing infrastructure with health-related institutional support. It also funds place-based cultural and civic organizations in Massachusetts and New York, suggesting a portfolio built around specific community assets rather than broad, open-ended giving. The structure of the giving is consistent with targeted project support, special grants, and campaign-related awards rather than a long list of small disbursements.
Housing is a clear priority. Tower Family Fund Inc gave $1 million to Martha's Vineyard Hospital in 2025 for a workforce housing grant, and another $1 million to Navigator Homes in Vineyard Haven for senior housing. It also awarded $1 million to Harborlight Homes for a housing grant, reinforcing support for both workforce and older-adult housing. The foundation also backs health and research institutions. In 2023, it gave $1 million to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for the Byrnes Family Clinical Research Fund, and it later provided $250,000 and $100,000 to Roswell Park Alliance Foundation for the Release the Breakthroughs Campaign and the immune monitoring program. Community life and learning appear in the portfolio as well. Power of Place Learning Communities Inc received $811,036 in 2025 for the Learning Community Project Grant, while Cape Ann Museum received $900,000 in 2024 for education center improvements.
Tower Family Fund Inc gives in relatively large increments: the typical grant size sits at $5,000 at the 25th percentile, $25,000 at the median, and $50,000 at the 75th percentile, while the recent list also includes many seven-figure awards. The pattern includes repeated support for the same organizations across multiple years, such as Burchfield-Penney Art Center, YMCA of the North Shore Inc, Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, and Power of Place Learning Communities Inc. It is a regular funder, not a DAF, and it funds individuals. The grant list shows a mix of special grants, challenge grants, general support, and project-specific awards.
$8M
$40.7M
$5.4M
$8.9M
Most grants fall between $5K and $50K, with a median of $25K.
25th Percentile
$5K
Median
$25K
75th Percentile
$50K
About 52% of grants go to recipients in NY.
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Concentrated giving: few (single‑digit) grants but very large dollar amounts, mostly one‑off or special/capital grants rather than many small operational grants; geographically focused in Massachusetts/Cape & Islands; supports both capital campaigns and programmatic infrastructure across health, housing and community institutions.
Notable grantees: Stillpoint Martha’s Vineyard, Inc., Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute, YMCA of the North Shore, Inc., Navigator Homes, Martha’s Vineyard Hospital
Giving is heavily regional and most often lands in New York, which accounts for 52% of grants to recipients in the state. Even so, many of the largest recent awards go to Massachusetts communities, especially Martha's Vineyard, Gloucester, Beverly, Vineyard Haven, and Burlington. The recipient country distribution is entirely U.S.-based, with 394 grants in the United States. Recent named recipients also include Buffalo, NY organizations such as Roswell Park Alliance Foundation and the Burchfield-Penney Art Center.
The recent grants list points to housing providers, hospitals and research institutions, museums, learning organizations, and community groups. Examples include Martha's Vineyard Hospital for workforce housing, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for clinical research, Cape Ann Museum for education center improvements, and Island Grown Initiative for general support and a food pantry.
Yes. Several recipients appear in multiple years, including Burchfield-Penney Art Center in 2023, 2024, and 2025; YMCA of the North Shore Inc in 2023 and 2024; Roswell Park Alliance Foundation in 2023 and 2024; and Power of Place Learning Communities Inc in 2024 and 2025.
The typical grant size is $5,000 at the 25th percentile, $25,000 at the median, and $50,000 at the 75th percentile. The recent awards also include much larger project and campaign grants, including multiple $1 million gifts.
New York is the top state by grant count, and 52% of grants go to recipients in the HQ state. Recent New York recipients include Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Burchfield-Penney Art Center, Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, and Artpark & Company.
Yes. The funder is classified as funding individuals, in addition to grants to organizations. The recent grants list primarily shows organizational recipients, but the funder’s classification indicates it also supports individuals.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MARTHA'S VINEYARD HOSPITAL | OAK BLUFFS, MA | $1,000,000 | 2025 | WORKFORCE HOUSING GRANT |
| NAVIGATOR HOMES | VINEYARD HAVEN, MA | $1,000,000 | 2025 | SENIOR HOUSING |
| HARBORLIGHT HOMES | BEVERLY, MA | $1,000,000 | 2025 | HOUSING GRANT |
| POWER OF PLACE LEARNING COMMUNITIES INC | BURLINGTON, MA | $811,036 | 2025 | LEARNING COMMUNITY PROJECT GRANT |
| SAWYER LIBRARY FOUNDATION | GLOUCESTER, MA | $300,000 | 2025 | NEW BUILDING FUND |
| CHILMARK PRESCHOOL | CHILMARK, MA | $250,000 | 2025 | CONSTRUCTION FUNDING |
| BURCHFIELD-PENNEY ART CENTER | BUFFALO, NY | $125,000 | 2025 | GRANT AGREEMENT |
| YMCA OF MARTHA'S VINEYARD | VINEYARD HAVEN, MA | $105,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| CONSERVATION LAW FOUNDATION | BOSTON, MA | $100,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| ROCKPORT MUSIC INC | ROCKPORT, MA | $100,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| BUFFALO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA | BUFFALO, NY | $100,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| GLOUCESTER MARINE GENOMICS INSTITUTE | GLOUCESTER, MA | $100,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT, SUPPORT FOR DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS |
| COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR GREATER BUFFALO | BUFFALO, NY | $100,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| NEW PROFIT INC | BOSTON, MA | $100,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| KENAN CENTER | LOCKPORT, NY | $100,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| ESSEX COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | DANVERS, MA | $100,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| PATHWAYS FOR CHILDREN | GLOUCESTER, MA | $100,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| BURCHFIELD-PENNEY ART CENTER | BUFFALO, NY | $100,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| ISLAND GROWN INITIATIVE | VINEYARD HAVEN, MA | $100,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT, FOOD PANTRY |
| GLOUCESTER MARINE GENOMICS INSTITUTE | GLOUCESTER, MA | $100,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| MEDSTAR GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL - MENTAL HEALTH INNOVATION CENTER | WASHINGTON, DC | $100,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| ARTPARK & COMPANY | LEWISTON, NY | $100,000 | 2025 | ARTPARK BRIDGES PROGRAM & GENERAL SUPPORT |
| MARTHA'S VINEYARD COMMUNITY SERVICES INC | VINEYARD HAVEN, MA | $75,000 | 2025 | HEALTHY AGING MV |
| WALNUT HILL SCHOOL OF THE ARTS | NATICK, MA | $75,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| FEEDMORE WNY | BUFFALO, NY | $70,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL | BOSTON, MA | $60,000 | 2025 | RECOVERY RESEARCH INSTITUTE |
| CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL | WALLINGFORD, CT | $60,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| PENIKESE SCHOOL INC | WOODS HOLE, MA | $50,000 | 2025 | GIRLS' SCIENCE AND NATURE SUMMER CAMP |
| OPPORTUNITIES COLLABORATIVE FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS INC | AMHERST, NY | $50,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| OPEN DOOR CAPE ANN FOOD PANTRY | GLOUCESTER, MA | $50,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| CIRCUIT ARTS INC | WEST TISBURY, MA | $50,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| NIAGARA LUTHERAN HEALTH FOUNDATION | LANCASTER, NY | $50,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| THE FIELD FUND | CHILMARK, MA | $50,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| BUFFALO AKG ART MUSEUM | BUFFALO, NY | $50,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| BETH ISRAEL LAHEY HOSPITAL CORP | BEVERLY, MA | $50,000 | 2025 | ADDISON GILBERT HOSPITAL & BEVERLY HOSPITAL GENERAL SUPPORT |
| WELLSPRING HOUSE INC | GLOUCESTER, MA | $50,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| GLOUCESTER STAGE CO | GLOUCESTER, MA | $50,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT, NEW PIER SUPPORT |
| ISLAND GROWN INITIATIVE | VINEYARD HAVEN, MA | $40,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF BUFFALO FOUNDATION | BUFFALO, NY | $40,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL | BOSTON, MA | $40,000 | 2025 | ARMS RECOVERY COACH PROGRAM |
| COMMUNITY MISSIONS OF NIAGARA FRONTIER INC | NIAGARA FALLS, NY | $40,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| DANA-FARBER CANCER INSTITUTE | BROOKLINE, MA | $35,000 | 2025 | HALE FAMILY CENTER FOR PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH & PATIENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE |
| RAW ART WORKS INC | LYNN, MA | $30,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| STILLPOINT MARTHA'S VINEYARD INC | CHILMARK, MA | $30,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| CEPA ART GALLERY | BUFFALO, NY | $30,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| THE SCHOONER ADVENTURE | GLOUCESTER, MA | $30,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| PINNACLE COMMUNITY SERVICES | NIAGARA FALLS, NY | $30,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| GLOUCESTER EDUCATION FOUNDATION | GLOUCESTER, MA | $30,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| NORTHSHORE EDUCATION CONSORTIUM | BEVERLY, MA | $30,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| NIAGARA UNIVERSITY | NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, NY | $25,000 | 2025 | ACADEMIC SUCCESS CENTER |
MARTHA'S VINEYARD HOSPITAL
$1,000,000WORKFORCE HOUSING GRANT
NAVIGATOR HOMES
$1,000,000SENIOR HOUSING
HARBORLIGHT HOMES
$1,000,000HOUSING GRANT
POWER OF PLACE LEARNING COMMUNITIES INC
$811,036LEARNING COMMUNITY PROJECT GRANT
SAWYER LIBRARY FOUNDATION
$300,000NEW BUILDING FUND
CHILMARK PRESCHOOL
$250,000CONSTRUCTION FUNDING
BURCHFIELD-PENNEY ART CENTER
$125,000GRANT AGREEMENT
YMCA OF MARTHA'S VINEYARD
$105,000GENERAL SUPPORT
CONSERVATION LAW FOUNDATION
$100,000GENERAL SUPPORT
ROCKPORT MUSIC INC
$100,000GENERAL SUPPORT
BUFFALO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
$100,000GENERAL SUPPORT
GLOUCESTER MARINE GENOMICS INSTITUTE
$100,000GENERAL SUPPORT, SUPPORT FOR DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR GREATER BUFFALO
$100,000GENERAL SUPPORT
NEW PROFIT INC
$100,000GENERAL SUPPORT
KENAN CENTER
$100,000GENERAL SUPPORT
ESSEX COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
$100,000GENERAL SUPPORT
PATHWAYS FOR CHILDREN
$100,000GENERAL SUPPORT
BURCHFIELD-PENNEY ART CENTER
$100,000GENERAL SUPPORT
ISLAND GROWN INITIATIVE
$100,000GENERAL SUPPORT, FOOD PANTRY
GLOUCESTER MARINE GENOMICS INSTITUTE
$100,000GENERAL SUPPORT
MEDSTAR GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL - MENTAL HEALTH INNOVATION CENTER
$100,000GENERAL SUPPORT
ARTPARK & COMPANY
$100,000ARTPARK BRIDGES PROGRAM & GENERAL SUPPORT
MARTHA'S VINEYARD COMMUNITY SERVICES INC
$75,000HEALTHY AGING MV
WALNUT HILL SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
$75,000GENERAL SUPPORT
FEEDMORE WNY
$70,000GENERAL SUPPORT
MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
$60,000RECOVERY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL
$60,000GENERAL SUPPORT
PENIKESE SCHOOL INC
$50,000GIRLS' SCIENCE AND NATURE SUMMER CAMP
OPPORTUNITIES COLLABORATIVE FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS INC
$50,000GENERAL SUPPORT
OPEN DOOR CAPE ANN FOOD PANTRY
$50,000GENERAL SUPPORT
CIRCUIT ARTS INC
$50,000GENERAL SUPPORT
NIAGARA LUTHERAN HEALTH FOUNDATION
$50,000GENERAL SUPPORT
THE FIELD FUND
$50,000GENERAL SUPPORT
BUFFALO AKG ART MUSEUM
$50,000GENERAL SUPPORT
BETH ISRAEL LAHEY HOSPITAL CORP
$50,000ADDISON GILBERT HOSPITAL & BEVERLY HOSPITAL GENERAL SUPPORT
WELLSPRING HOUSE INC
$50,000GENERAL SUPPORT
GLOUCESTER STAGE CO
$50,000GENERAL SUPPORT, NEW PIER SUPPORT
ISLAND GROWN INITIATIVE
$40,000GENERAL SUPPORT
THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF BUFFALO FOUNDATION
$40,000GENERAL SUPPORT
MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
$40,000ARMS RECOVERY COACH PROGRAM
COMMUNITY MISSIONS OF NIAGARA FRONTIER INC
$40,000GENERAL SUPPORT
DANA-FARBER CANCER INSTITUTE
$35,000HALE FAMILY CENTER FOR PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH & PATIENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
RAW ART WORKS INC
$30,000GENERAL SUPPORT
STILLPOINT MARTHA'S VINEYARD INC
$30,000GENERAL SUPPORT
CEPA ART GALLERY
$30,000GENERAL SUPPORT
THE SCHOONER ADVENTURE
$30,000GENERAL SUPPORT
PINNACLE COMMUNITY SERVICES
$30,000GENERAL SUPPORT
GLOUCESTER EDUCATION FOUNDATION
$30,000GENERAL SUPPORT
NORTHSHORE EDUCATION CONSORTIUM
$30,000GENERAL SUPPORT
NIAGARA UNIVERSITY
$25,000ACADEMIC SUCCESS CENTER