FAQ
What does the Ruth Mott Foundation fund?
Proposals should fit one, or a combination, of our program areas: the arts, beautification, and health promotion. See letter of inquiry guidelines for more details. Projects must be in Flint or Genesee County.
What is the mission of the Ruth Mott Foundation?
The Ruth Mott Foundation’s mission is to advocate, stimulate, and support community vitality. Our commitment is to base the Foundation in its home community of Flint, Michigan.
Who can apply?
Grant awards are limited to qualifying charitable organizations or to a qualified fiscal sponsor with IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
When may we apply?
Concept papers are accepted throughout the year.
Does the Ruth Mott Foundation favor a particular kind of funding or project?
Your project must meet one or more of the criteria established for major grantmaking programs published in our guidelines.
What types of requests will not be considered?
Grant requests for the following purposes will not be considered: capital projects, major equipment, land purchases, deficit financing, loans or endowments, renovations, and individual scholarships or fellowships.
Do you make multi-year grants?
Yes.
How do we apply? What should be in our application?
Before submitting a full proposal, prospective grantees are asked to submit a concept paper on agency letterhead. See the letter of inquiry guidelines for more details. Please do not attach any additional supporting materials. Feel free to contact Foundation staff with questions regarding your project.
How many copies of our request should we send? Where should we send them?
The Ruth Mott Foundation requires two copies of the concept paper. Please address your concept papers to: Grant Administration, Ruth Mott Foundation, 111 E. Court Street, Suite 3C, Flint, MI 48502-1649. No faxed or email concept papers, please.
What happens after we have submitted our letter of inquiry?
The Foundation will respond promply with either a request for additional information, an invitation for a full proposal, or an explanation of why your project does not meet our funding criteria.
If we are a first time applicant are we less likely to receive a grant?
No. All proposals are considered based on the same criteria.
What should we expect following submission of our full proposal?
All proposals undergo extensive staff review. Prospective grantees are encouraged to provide the Foundation with as much lead time as possible to allow for complete review and evaluation, including a possible site visit. Proposals determined to be complete and consistent with Foundation guidelines and priorities will be scheduled for Board review and a final funding decision.
Why was our proposal rejected? Why didn't we receive a grant?
The Ruth Mott Foundation receives many requests, not all the requests will be selected for funding. Proposals should fit one or a combination of our program areas: the arts, beautification, and health promotion.
What is required of us after receiving a grant?
Grantees are required to submit a final report and evaluation to the Foundation. Program staff monitors all grants and grant reports and makes site visits as appropriate either before or after a grant is made or both. Upon completion of a project, program staff completes a final assessment as part of the Foundation’s grant closeout procedure.
Are the RMF and C.S. Mott Foundations related?
Ruth Rawlings Mott was married to Charles Stewart Mott from 1938 until his death in 1973. She served as a trustee on the Board of the C.S. Mott Foundation from 1944 to 1975, 31 years. During her lifetime, she administrered the Ruth Mott Fund making national and international grants in the arts, beautification, health and environment until the fund closed in 1997. Upon her death in 1999, the Ruth Mott Foundation was established to continue her philanthropic endeavors.
