FLINT, MI — Ten groups, including three Flint-based foundations, have pledged to donate a total of $125 million to restore the community in the aftermath of the Flint water crisis.
Foundations across the country announced their support for the plan of support, which identifies six areas of relief for residents affected by lead exposure both immediately and in the long term.
Ridgway White, president of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, said he believes it’s a comprehensive plan to help residents recover from the crisis, and most importantly, it shows that they are not alone in coping with the lasting effects.
“We basically felt we needed to craft a narrative of hope for the citizens of Flint,” White said. Some funds will also support experts who make sure the community is benefiting from a 21st century approach to the integrated management of drinking, storm and waste water.
Family health needs Foundations will bolster the Flint Child Health and Development Fund with a dollar-for-dollar match up to $5 million through Dec. Mona Hanna-Attisha kicked off the fund, established at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, to provide financial support throughout the next two decades for interventions that will help Flint children overcome effects of lead exposure. It will support job and entrepreneurship, building on Flint’s cultural and creative heritage.
White said these ten groups will provide the support Flint families will need to deal with the affects of the water crisis for decades.
“Flint’s water crisis is far from over. We envision a vibrant Flint with a robust economy, dynamic culture, and healthy, thriving residents, and we’re committed to achieving these goals.”
The Mott Foundation is donating up to $50 million the first year, and up to $100 million, total, over five years. The grants will benefit all six areas, as well as K-12 education, according to the release.
Other Flint-based foundations that have pledged donations include The Hagerman Foundation and the Ruth Mott Foundation.
The Hagerman Foundation pledged to provide $1 million over the first year to support the non-profit sector and economy. The group also plans to support education, health and wellness for children and their families for years to come.
The Ruth Mott Foundation committed $1 million to the Flint water crisis, with funding directed toward short- and long-term needs of adults and children exposed to lead.
Handy Lindsey, president of the Ruth Mott Foundation, said the money will immediately help residents, but it’s also an investment into the future.
“This collaboration among the foundations will right away help Flint move forward from this terrible tragedy while also ensuring investment in a better future for Flint residents,” Lindsey said. Kellogg Foundation to support children’s education, health and well-being, backed by significant investments in community engagement.
Up to $2.5 million from the Kresge Foundation to support select nonprofit partners, community development, and health and human services. The group also plans to explore opportunities to support future community engagement.
$1 Million from Carnegie Corporation of New York to support education needs of children in Flint.
$1 Million from the Ford Foundation for health needs of the Flint community.
$1 million from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation will go to the Flint Child Health and Development Fund and to an evaluation of how the community is recovering now and long-term.
$500,000 now and potential for $1.5 million over next three years from the Skillman Foundation to support civic capacity, childhood health and nutrition and childhood literacy.
