FLINT, Mich., Feb. 14, 2017 – The Ruth Mott Foundation is pleased to announce the debut of a new award recognizing the exceptional leadership of someone making a difference in the lives of Flint residents.
To be eligible for the award, nominated individuals must perform their community 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 the Flint water crisis.
“We know Flint is home to innovative individuals working side by side with the community and who are taking a stand on matters that are important to Flint residents,” said Maryanne Mott, chair of the Ruth Mott Foundation Board of Trustees. “These leaders, with their bold ideas and deep commitment to community service, are helping to make Flint a more caring and equitable place.”
As this award is designed to honor leadership that takes place in and with the Flint community, individuals must be nominated by one or more community members. Nominations for the award are now being accepted until the deadline of 5 p.m. on March 17, 2017.
The award was initiated to celebrate leaders who embrace community engagement, develop authentic relationships with Flint residents and who possess leadership qualities that go beyond professional qualifications. Through the nomination form, the nominator must be able to show evidence of the impact of the individual’s work to improve the quality of life in the Flint community.
The winner of the Ruth Mott Foundation Leadership Award will choose a qualified nonprofit organization that will receive $25,000 to advance the winner’s work serving or advocating for the people of Flint.
“This new award highlights the essential role that community leaders play in improving the quality of life for Flint residents,” Ruth Mott Foundation President Handy Lindsey said. “It is our hope that this award will not only celebrate the leaders of today, but also inspire and help to grow the leaders of Flint’s future.”
The nomination process will be opened periodically by the Board of Trustees, and an award may not be given every year.
The award review process will be conducted by an ad hoc advisory committee of five distinguished community members led by Harriet Kenworthy, vice chair of the Ruth Mott Foundation Board of Trustees. Also on the committee are: Karen Aldridge-Eason, Foundation Liaison to the Governor’s Office; Genesee County Circuit Court Judge Duncan Beagle; Carma Lewis, President of Flint Neighborhoods United; and George Wilkinson, Group Vice President at the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce and a Flint pastor.
Award guidelines, eligibility requirements and nomination forms are available on the website.