Objectives: The Charles Steward Mott Foundation affirms its founder’s vision of a world in which each of us is in partnership with the rest of the human race. The Foundation is thus interested in projects strengthening the abilities of individuals to collaborate and work together towards common and shared goals. The Foundation promotes a just, equitable, and sustainable society.
Areas of Funding:
The Foundation’s programmes broadly develop in the areas of environment, social awareness, and the strengthening of civil society. Specifically, the Foundation provides financial assistance for projects targeting educational activities, civic participation, community management, and sustainable development. The Foundation works internationally, although only specific funding schemes are open to certain geographical areas. Accordingly, you should first of all ensure that the funding available for your area matches the aims and goals of your organisation (see below).
Geographic Focus: The Foundation works in several part of the world. An interactive map showing the exact areas of intervention and a list of available resources for the selected area can be accessed from here.
Programs or Prizes: There are 5 main programmes, each addressing one of the core issues targeted by the Foundation and also limiting the geographical scope of the Foundation’s work:
Programme |
Geographical Area |
Civil Society |
Central and Easter Europe, Russia, South Africa, USA |
Environment |
North America and International |
Flint Area |
Flint, Michigan, only (where the Foundation is) |
Pathways out of poverty |
USA only |
Special Initiatives |
USA and International |
1) Civil Society aims to fund activities willing to empower people and NGOs to take collective actions that promote and defend democratic values and also to promote a more robust culture of private giving for public good. Applicants must apply with a letter of enquiry; only selected applicants will be asked to submit a full proposal for funding consideration (see below). More information here.
2) Environment aims to fund activities willing to create the premises for more sustainable approaches to development that protect diversity and integrity of the ecosystem. Financial resources in this scheme are mainly available for organisations working in North America although additional funding is available for international projects. International applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of enquiry to assess the interest of the Foundation to financially assist their projects. More information here.
3) The programme Special Initiatives aims to give one-time financial aid towards the resolution of significant domestic or global concerns. The budget allocated for special initiatives is limited, therefore only few projects will get funding. To explore the interest of the Foundation in your project, you should submit a letter of enquiry. More information here.
How to Apply Information:
International applicants are invited to send a letter of enquiry via the Foundation’s online system; follow this link. The Foundation will answer within few weeks. Only selected candidates will be invited to submit a full proposal.
