The Mott Foundation funds grants in the United States and, on a limited geographic basis, internationally. While we’re open to new ideas and projects, funding for unsolicited requests is very limited. If you’re interested in submitting an idea to us for funding, the first step is to complete a letter of inquiry (LOI) form. Your LOI will help our program staff determine the relevance of your proposed project to our programs and provide you with advice on whether to submit a full proposal.

Prior to submitting an LOI, we ask you to learn more about our programs, funding interests, funding limitations and guidelines for organizations located outside the United States.

If, after reviewing all of the information, you determine that your organization and project fit within our guidelines and interests, please click on the link at the bottom of this page to access the LOI form.

Programs

Take an in-depth look at what we fund through each of our grantmaking programs by exploring the links below:

• Civil Society
• Education
• Environment
• Flint Area

What we do not fund

• No grants or loans to individuals.
• No grants (except in the Flint area) for capital development, research, project replication or endowment unless these activities grow out of work already being funded by Mott.
• No grants (except in the Flint area) for local projects unless they are part of a Mott-planned national demonstration or network of grants.
• No grants for projects that duplicate, or significantly overlap, the work of federal, state or local governmental agencies.
• Film and video projects, books, scholarships and fellowships rarely are funded.

Geographic limitations

In addition to funding organizations in the United States, Mott’s Civil Society program provides grants internationally to support national, regional and global-level organizations working to protect the space for civic engagement, enhance community philanthropy development and increase access to justice in communities around the world. Our Education program funds projects solely in the United States. Our Environment program primarily funds organizations in the Great Lakes region, but also makes grants to selected organizations in other countries to help ensure that international investment and trade support sustainable development and reduce environmental degradation. Our Flint Area program funds a broad range of projects in the city of Flint and Genesee County, Michigan. Each of our four programs has clearly stated guidelines, which we encourage you to review before submitting an LOI.

Submitting Inquiries

Using our online LOI form is the best way to introduce your work to us and ensure a timely response. However, if you prefer to mail your information, please mark the envelope LETTER OF INQUIRY and mail to:

Office of Proposal Entry
Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
Mott Foundation Building
503 S. Saginaw Street, Suite 1200
Flint, MI 48502-1851
U.S.A.

The letter should describe the purpose and objectives of the project, general methodology and total cost of the project.