Isabel Foundation

IMAGINING WHAT IF Isabel and C.S. Harding Mott, of Flint, Michigan, set up and funded the Isabel Foundation (IF) as a family foundation focused on grantmaking to nonprofit organizations that support the faith of Christian Science. Their daughter, Claire Mott White, was the first president and set the tone and direction of the Foundation within the parameters designated by the articles of incorporation and in keeping with her parents’ charitable interests. Isabel “Gerry” Mott was a generous woman who loved art, beauty, healing and her church. She loved the Christian Science faith after having a remarkable healing in her late teens. Her husband, Harding, was also a devoted follower of Christian Science and was passionate about many organizations that support the religion. Approximately 75 percent of the Foundation’s annual grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations related to Christian Science, including camps, churches, schools, Christian Science nursing facilities, collaboratives, the Christian Science Monitor, and other initiatives with shared Christian Science values. Many of our grants over the past 25 years have reflected both Isabel and Claire’s love of art through contributions to the Flint Institute of Arts (FIA) and other Flint-area arts organizations. In addition to the FIA, we have a place-based focus with grants to many institutions over the years, including the Flint Cultural Center, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Flint, and other downtown Flint nonprofits. Today, Isabel and C.S. Harding’s grandchildren honor their grandparents’ legacy as the Isabel Foundation continues to imagine what IF through innovative grantmaking that respects the philanthropic intentions of the Foundation’s founders.