About the Ruth Mott Foundation

The Ruth Mott Foundation established its grantmaking programs in January 2001 with four trustees and two staff members, and just two months later, rolled out its first docket of grants: $1,291,014 was paid to 32 organizations.

At the same time, Applewood, the historic estate of CS and Ruth Mott which is operated by the Foundation, is responsible for maintaining the home, grounds and outbuildings, and for coordinating public events on the property.

In the past five years, the Foundation has grown to more than 26 staff and 240 volunteers. Activities are overseen by six trustees who award grants three times a year. Acting as mentor, partner, and catalyst, the Foundation promotes community vitality through support of programs focused on arts, beautification and health promotion. In 2005 it’s funding commitment for programs was $6.5 million.

Applewood has continued to develop popular public events such as the Fall Harvest Festival and the holiday walk. It also has a broad outreach program in place, sharing the Foundation’s commitment to stewardship of the land, as first embraced by the Motts, with school children and community groups.

As Applewood and the grantmaking programs have evolved and matured together, the Foundation has become an important resource in Genesee County – just as Mrs. Mott designed it to be. Today it is both a major funding source for the revitalization of the area and, through Applewood’s activities, a center for community engagement, enrichment, and celebration of the area’s rich heritage and diversity.

This website gives you an inside look at all that the Foundation does, plus a window to the activities and accomplishments of its grantee partners, and additional resources for information about the great city of Flint.