The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation has announced an initiative to award 100 grants, each valued at $1,926, to encourage young residents of Flint, Michigan to develop community-focused projects. This funding aligns with the foundation’s 100th anniversary, commemorating its founding in 1926 by automotive pioneer C.S. Mott.
The Mott Foundation is inviting children and teenagers in Flint to submit project proposals that demonstrate how the funds will benefit their community. To qualify, applicants must be supported by an educator or program organizer. Ridgway White, president and chief executive officer of the foundation, expressed enthusiasm about the potential of Flint youth, stating, “Flint kids are changemakers and future entrepreneurs. I’m excited to see how they want to help their community and what projects they’ll propose.”
Application Process and Grant Distribution
Grants will be awarded in two cycles throughout the year, with application deadlines set for February 20, 2024, and October 9, 2024. This timeline allows students to design and implement their projects during the academic year. The foundation will employ a unique “relay grant” system wherein the first five selected projects will help choose the next five, continuing until all grants are distributed. Up to 50 projects may be funded in each application round.
Eligible participants include students from kindergarten through 12th grade who are enrolled in a Flint school, part of the Flint Center for Educational Excellence’s Network for School Excellence, or involved in a community-based 501(c)(3)mott.org/youth-choice-awards.
Foundation’s Commitment to Flint and Beyond
The announcement of these grants coincides with the Mott Foundation’s broader initiative to allocate $2 billion to support charitable efforts over the next decade, with more than 60% of this funding focused on Flint. The foundation has committed to celebrating its centennial with various grants and community events throughout the year.
Since its inception, the Mott Foundation has made substantial contributions to charitable causes, having awarded over $4.4 billion since its founding. This legacy began with a $320,000 gift of General Motors stock, a company where C.S. Mott served on the board for sixty years. As the foundation moves forward, it aims to foster innovation and community development among Flint’s youth, reinforcing its commitment to the area that has shaped its history.
