Motorola Solutions Foundation: Annual Grant Cycle, Request for Information, Due: Jan 23, 2025

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Motorola Solutions Foundation: Annual Grant Cycle

• Date Posted: n/a
• Deadline: Jan 23, 2025
• Funding Institution(s): Motorola Solutions Foundation
• Brief Description: The 2025 grant cycle is officially open. Organizations who would like to participate in the grant cycle must submit an inquiry form by January 23, 2025. In early-December 2024, the Foundation will host informational calls to help organizations better understand our grants program, funding priorities and key deadlines.
  • Technology & engineering education: From engaging students through hands-on engineering activities like computer science, coding and robotics to providing scholarship and workforce placement for underrepresented and underserved groups, we’re committed to creating opportunities for future innovators.
  • Changing the Face of Computer Science: Although computer science has become foundational to every industry and field of study, representation and participation of underrepresented and underserved groups in computer science is still far from balanced. We're proud to support organizations like Code.org in changing the face of computer science.
• Link: https://www.motorolasolutions.com/en_us/about/motorola-solutions-foundation/annual-grants.html

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Alignment with NumFOCUS Mission

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1. Promoting Technology and Engineering Education

• The Motorola Solutions Foundation prioritizes education in areas like computer science, coding, and robotics—fields closely aligned with NumFOCUS-sponsored projects like Python and other data science tools.
• The focus on hands-on, engaging learning experiences mirrors the mission of PyData and NumFOCUS's educational outreach initiatives.

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2. Focus on Diversity and Inclusion

• Supporting underrepresented and underserved groups in STEM aligns with NumFOCUS's commitment to increasing diversity and inclusion in open source scientific computing.
• The Foundation’s support for organizations like Code.org resonates with NumFOCUS’s goal of creating equitable access to technology and education.

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Potential Impact on NumFOCUS Programs

Educational Outreach

• The funding can support NumFOCUS workshops, hackathons, or scholarship programs targeting underrepresented communities in STEM.

Open Source Development

• NumFOCUS can develop or enhance open-source tools designed to facilitate education in coding, robotics, and data science, aligning with the Foundation’s goals.

Workforce Development

• Grants could be used to build workforce readiness programs integrating NumFOCUS-supported tools, preparing underserved groups for STEM careers.

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Strategic Fit

• The Foundation’s emphasis on technology for future innovators aligns with NumFOCUS's role in supporting foundational technologies for data science and engineering education.
• This partnership would strengthen NumFOCUS’s impact in education, representation, and skill-building within diverse communities.

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Next Steps

1. Submit the Inquiry Form:

   • Deadline: January 23, 2025.

2. Participate in the Informational Call:

   • Date: Tuesday, December 10, 2024
   • Time: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM EST.

3. Develop a Proposal:

   • Emphasize NumFOCUS’s impact in STEM education and inclusion, showcasing past initiatives and partnerships that align with the Foundation's goals.