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Supporting General Operations

Support

When nonprofits have the resources they need to serve children and their families, everyone can thrive. The Foundation believes that general operating grants give our partners flexibility to apply funds where they are most needed and where they will have the most impact. Recipients of these grants can use these funds to retain staff, plan events, purchase adaptive technology for children in need, or treat team members to a complimentary lunch—all important facets of continuing mission-critical work. In 2023, the Foundation launched a cohort-based general operating initiative. Program participants receive unrestricted grants of $70,000 annually over five years.

One of the general operating program participants is Northshore Education Consortium (NEC), the largest and longest-running provider of special education programs for children with emotional, behavioral and development disabilities in Massachusetts. In 2024, NEC used general operating funds to retain a social worker on staff, hire an inspirational speaker, conduct leadership trainings and provide outdoor adaptive sports experiences.

NEC Staff with David Garcia, NEC Staff Orientation, Sept. 2024
“Tower’s general operating funds have given us room to transport students to sports games, purchase assistive learning technology or even buy bagels for a staff meeting. We can do more for our students and stay true to our mission with fewer restrictions.”
– Fran Rosenberg, executive director, Northshore Education Consortium

Watch a celebration of Northshore Education Consortium’s 50th anniversary and learn about how they serve children and young adults in Massachusetts.