FLINT, Mich. — Flint residents are being invited to apply for neighborhood improvement grants as part of a new initiative that celebrates the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation’s 100 years of work in the community.
According to a Jan. 20, 2026, press release, the Mott Centennial Neighborhood Improvement Initiative aims to support high-impact, neighborhood-designed projects that create positive, lasting and visible changes in Flint neighborhoods.
The initiative is a collaborative effort between Genesee County Habitat for Humanity and the Neighborhood Engagement Hub, focused on projects that activate or improve public outdoor spaces while fostering connections among residents and enhancing quality of life.
The $600,000 grant will fund individual neighborhood projects with awards of up to $20,000 and support Habitat and NEH in guiding residents and community groups through the application and implementation process.
“A neighborhood is more than just where people live. It’s where community is formed. It’s where friends gather, children play and residents support one another,” said Ridgway White, president and CEO of the Mott Foundation. “Residents have told us time and time again that strengthening neighborhoods is a priority for them. We’re excited to see what ideas they come up with to make a difference in their neighborhoods.”
The program builds on Habitat’s Flint BRAND initiative, launched in 2016 and supported by the Mott Foundation since 2017. The new centennial initiative will replace BRAND beginning in 2026.
“The BRAND program is built on a simple belief: When residents lead, neighborhoods thrive. We’re deeply grateful to the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation for including us in their 100-year celebration and expanding their support this year,” said Tom Hutchison, Habitat executive director. “Because of their investment, we’re able to offer grants of up to $20,000, empowering residents to bring their ideas to life, strengthen community pride and continue building the Flint we all know is possible.”
Eligible projects must take place within Flint city limits and focus on improving public outdoor spaces. Proposals must be neighborhood-specific and led by a group of at least five unrelated community members, with at least three group leaders residing in the neighborhood where the project will occur. Projects may not be located on private property.
The application deadline is Friday, Feb. 27.
To help residents prepare applications, three informational sessions will be held at the Neighborhood Engagement Hub, located at 3216 Martin Luther King Ave. Sessions are scheduled for:
- Monday, Jan. 26, at 10 a.m.
- Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 2 p.m.
- Friday, Jan. 30, at 10 a.m.
Staff from Habitat and NEH will be available to answer questions, brainstorm project ideas and provide application support.
Residents interested in applying or attending an information session are asked to contact the Neighborhood Engagement Hub at 810-584-5022 or email michelle@nehflint.org to schedule a consultation or confirm attendance.