Programs
Embracing change, retaining core values
Charles Stewart Mott's central belief in the partnership of humanity was the basis upon which the Foundation bearing his name was established. While this has remained a guiding principle, the Foundation has refined and broadened its grantmaking over time to reflect changing national and world conditions.
Through its four programs, and their more specific program areas, the Foundation seeks to fulfill its mission of supporting efforts that promote a just, equitable and sustainable society.
Inherent in all grantmaking is the desire to enhance the capacity of individuals, families or institutions at the local level and beyond. The Foundation hopes that its collective work in any program area could lead toward systematic change.
This site provides detailed information about the C.S. Mott Foundation's programs - Civil Society, Environment, Flint Area and Pathways Out of Poverty.
In addition to our four programs, we also fund Exploratory and Special Projects [XSP]. XSP grants support unusual or unique opportunities to address significant national and international problems. Under this program, including the program area for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, we make a limited number of small grants for projects falling outside our regular grantmaking programs. Proposals for XSP grants are by invitation only; unsolicited proposals are discouraged.
Through our Civil Society program, we fund non-governmental organizations in Central/Eastern Europe and South Africa. We strongly encourage organizations that are seeking funding from the Foundation to review all program information and application guidelines.