Applewood – Ruth Mott Foundation

The Ruth Mott Foundation was established by Ruth Mott, a philanthropist and wife of automotive industrialist Charles Stewart Mott. The Foundation’s mission is to advocate, stimulate, and support community vitality. We do that in various ways, including grantmaking and through Applewood: The Charles Stewart Mott Estate. The enduring legacy of Ruth and C.S. Mott is their extraordinary commitment to civic participation, and we strive to embody this spirit in our work at Applewood. C.S. Mott built Applewood in Flint in 1916 as a family home and gentleman’s farm. It was Ruth’s wish that Applewood someday be opened to the community as a place of beauty and learning and as a tribute to C.S. Mott’s legacy.

Applewood: The Charles Stewart Mott Estate is open seasonally from May through October to the public (free of charge) as a place of learning and beauty and as a tribute to the legacy of C.S. Mott. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. At Applewood, the Ruth Mott Foundation provides garden and house tours and conducts public programs, workshops, trainings, convenings, and field trips. Applewood’s programs, activities, and events share the legacy of Ruth and C.S. Mott by showcasing the Motts’ commitment to civic participation. Today, Applewood encompasses the original historic home and barn, acres of flower-filled gardens, stately trees, expansive lawns, and the heritage apple orchard for which it was named. We invite you to come explore Applewood!