The award period is currently closed.

2017 Awardee: Greg Gaines, Mr. Gaines Gardening Program PLUS

Greg Gaines holds a giant check for $25,000 after winning the Ruth Mott Foundation Leadership Award
Greg Gaines poses with his family
Maryanne Mott speaks at the 2017 Leadership Award Ceremony
Greg Gaines poses with then-RMF President Handy Lindsey, and Trustee Harriet Kenworthy
Greg Gaines receives a standing ovation
Photos from the 2017 Leadership Award Ceremony.
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The Ruth Mott Foundation Leadership Award periodically recognizes an individual doing work in Flint whose leadership and advocacy have made a difference in the lives of Flint residents and who has advanced one or more of the priorities adopted by the Ruth Mott Foundation: Youth, Safety, Economic Opportunity, Neighborhoods, or Flint Water.

As a leader, this individual must embrace community engagement and be committed to connecting with and relating to people of all backgrounds in a respectful and genuine way.

A 501(c)3 public charity identified by the individual and in good standing with the IRS will receive a grant of $25,000 to advance the winner’s work serving and/or advocating for the people of Flint.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • The individual must perform his or her work in the city of Flint, and the work must address one or more of the priorities adopted by the Ruth Mott Foundation: Youth, Safety, Economic Opportunity, Neighborhoods, or Flint Water.
  • Previous recipients of the award (both the individual and the organization) are not eligible to receive the award again until five years after receipt.

The nomination process will be opened periodically and an award may not be given each year. The individual must be nominated by one or more community members (other than the nominee), and the nominator must present evidence of the impact of the nominee’s leadership and work in the community. The nominator cannot be a paid employee of the individual nominated for the financial award. Board members, volunteers, and community members are among those eligible to make nominations. 

The award process will be overseen by an ad hoc advisory committee of five community members, including a representative of the Ruth Mott Foundation Board of Trustees. Like our grant proposals, each nomination for the Ruth Mott Foundation Leadership Award will be vigorously reviewed. The award will be approved by the Ruth Mott Foundation Board of Trustees.

Selecting a Nonprofit Organization

The nonprofit organization selected by the award winner MUST meet our eligibility requirements in order to receive the $25,000 award.

  • The chosen organization must have 501(c)(3) public charity status as determined by the Internal Revenue Service, and must be in good standing with the IRS.
  • The chosen organization must serve residents within the city of Flint. Flint does not have to be the only city served by this organization.
  • Previous recipients of the award (both the individual and the organization) are not eligible to receive the award again until five years after receipt.
  • Faith-based organizations are eligible, but must use the funds for secular purposes only.