We believe long-term funding offers grantees stability, which allows them to focus on important work and pursue innovation. We fund the core activities of our grantees, rather than requiring them to shape projects around shifting priorities. We believe our grantees are experts in their fields and well-equipped to make the critical decisions that guide their work.

In addition to making grants through our four program teams — Civil Society, Education, Environment and Flint Area — we also support unusual or unique opportunities to address significant national and international problems. Proposals for these Exploratory and Special Projects grants are by invitation only.

Because we focus on grantmaking that aligns with the goals and objectives of our program teams, and because we stick with issues and organizations for the long haul, there are limited funds to support new work in any given year. For these reasons, as of January 2025, the Foundation does not accept unsolicited letters of inquiry or proposals.