Come to Believe Announces Dowd Innovation Grants for 2025-2026
Since its inception, the Come to Believe Foundation has been resolutely dedicated to the replication of its two-year college model at colleges and universities across the country. However, CTB also understands the crucial importance of fostering innovation and continuous improvement within these colleges once they are established. With this in mind, CTB is pleased to announce a series of grants—known as Dowd Innovation Grants, named after CTB’s inaugural Board Chair, Amy Jo Dowd—designed to promote innovative programs and initiatives at CTB model colleges during the upcoming academic year.
In July 2025, CTB will make four $50,000 grants to four colleges implementing the CTB model, each designed to invest in an innovative program or initiative that is specifically designed to improve measurable student outcomes:
Arrupe College of Loyola University Chicago will invest in an evidence-based literacy program designed to address academic disengagement and promote retention.
Dougherty Family College will invest in a data-driven, peer-to-peer retention initiative designed to promote the use of various on-campus supports.
Founder’s College of Butler University will invest in access and affordability efforts for a cohort of students to address barriers to enrollment and retention.
Seton College of the University of Mount Saint Vincent will invest in academic supports and professional development opportunities for a cohort of pre-business students (known as “Santander Scholars”).
In addition to their direct impact on students, these grants will also create new knowledge that can be shared across CTB model colleges, thereby amplifying their impact across the country.
The grants to Arrupe College, Dougherty Family College, and Founder’s College are generously sponsored by the Carnegie Corporation while the Seton College grant is generously sponsored by Santander Bank.
The Dowd Innovation Grants are named after CTB’s inaugural board chair, Amy Jo Dowd, to honor her consistent focus on how CTB can most effectively drive improvement in student outcomes. These grants celebrate her legacy as board chair through their direct investment in outcomes-focused innovation and continuous improvement.
