Mott Foundation

It’s great to see the progress of renovations of Brownell STEM Academy and Holmes STEM Middle School! Some of the campus improvements include upgrading the facade on each building, renovating the early childhood wing at Brownell, and installing a new track and community playground. Construction has also begun on a new community hub, referred to as “The Cube,” located on campus between the two schools. The Mott Foundation was pleased to grant $14 million to Flint Community Schools to support the $40 million renovation of the innovative STEM campus.?

A $10 million grant from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation to U-M will enable C.S. Mott Children's Hospital to renovate space within the Brandon Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Reese Partlow Pediatric Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (PCTU), which admits patients in need of critical cardiac care and complex heart procedures. The Mott Foundation has been a steadfast supporter of children’s health at U-M for six decades, and this latest grant will ensure that the patients and families we serve will experience the most advanced, life-changing care for years to come. Learn more here: https://michmed.org/KkGGn

The Mott Foundation’s Nick Deychakiwsky recently co-presented with consultant Larry McGill at a conference of the Community Foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand in Christchurch, New Zealand. They discussed the role of the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals in empowering the work of community foundations. Learn more.

PBS NewsHour recently aired a disturbing story about the growing crisis of PFAS compounds — the so-called forever chemicals — contaminating surface waters and drinking water supplies across the U.S. It featured Michigan residents who are advocating for a faster cleanup of PFAS contamination at Wurtsmith Air Force Base, in Oscoda. One of those advocates featured in the PBS story co-chairs the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network, which Mott supports. That group’s work has accelerated cleanup activities at Wurtsmith and informed new national limits on PFAS compounds in drinking water.

Neal Hegarty recently gave an interview about the impact of Mott’s grantmaking at the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment - CAPSI at Wits University in Johannesburg, South Africa. Part of CAPSI’s Conversations on African Philanthropy podcast series, Hegarty’s talk discussed Mott’s support for philanthropic infrastructure organizations around the world, as well as the importance of local perspectives in African philanthropy.

Over the past decade, Mott has supported efforts to increase access to renewable energy in sub-Saharan Africa. Mott staff recently attended an event in Uganda that celebrated a new solar power project that will benefit 1,500 farmers. This work also could be a model of sustainable energy use for agricultural processes in other countries. ?

When you shop at a small business, your money supports your neighbors, your family and your friends. Small businesses in Flint showcase creativity, excellent customer service, dedication to their craft and commitment to their community. Small Business Saturday is coming up on Nov. 30. When you think about your holiday shopping list — and shopping throughout the year — consider shopping small and shopping local, because when you keep your money in the community, the entire city benefits.? ? This is the third video in the “This is Flint” series, celebrating the vibrant people, programs and places that are the heart of our city. Stay tuned for more videos featuring neighborhoods, restaurants, coffee shops, arts and culture, and more!

Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties broke ground in Flint today for its new village of smaller homes that will serve as transitional housing for local veterans. Residents, veterans, staff, volunteers and other community partners braved the rain to celebrate Sacred Heart Village, which will be located at 719 E. Moore St. The Mott Foundation was pleased to grant $500,000 in support of the project, which also will feature a community resource center. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gvJfQ27K.

We are thrilled to announce that our President & CEO, Dr. Ja’Nel Jamerson, has been reappointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to serve on the Early Childhood Investment Corporation’s Executive Committee where he will serve as the chairperson for 2025. This prestigious appointment reflects Ja’Nel’s unwavering dedication to advancing equitable education and ensuring that every child in Michigan has the foundation to thrive. In his work at the Flint Center, Ja’Nel has championed innovative initiatives that build pathways for success from cradle to career. His role on the Early Childhood Investment Corporation will continue to amplify Flint’s voice on a statewide level, influencing policies and investments that directly impact the youngest learners in our community. This reappointment is not only a testament to Ja’Nel’s expertise but also a recognition of the vital work being done in Flint to foster thriving children, families, and communities. Together, we are driving systemic change that supports educational excellence across Michigan. Congratulations, Ja’Nel, on this well-deserved honor! #FlintKidsThrive #LeadershipInAction #EarlyChildhoodEducation #EducationalExcellence

Michigan has about 2 million deer, which is far too many, according to state officials. The majestic animals wreak havoc on crops, spread disease and cause thousands of car-deer accidents every year. Despite years of trying, the state has been unable to meet its goal of a much smaller deer herd. The reasons why are complicated, according to an article by Bridge Michigan, a nonprofit news outlet that Mott supports.