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Motorola Solutions Foundation

Annual Giving
$13.3M
Grant Range
$5K - $0.1M
Decision Time
7mo

Motorola Solutions Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $13.3 million (2023)
  • Grant Range: Up to $50,000 (higher amounts considered for returning partners)
  • Decision Time: ~7 months (January inquiry to August notification)
  • Geographic Focus: North America with priority in key Motorola Solutions communities; global reach in 22 countries
  • Average Grant Size: $56,557
  • Annual Grant Awards: 236 (2023)

Contact Details

Address: 500 W Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60661-3671
Phone: 847-576-6200
Email: foundation@motorolasolutions.com
Website: https://www.motorolasolutions.com/en_us/about/motorola-solutions-foundation
Grant Portal: https://www.motorolasolutions.com/en_us/about/motorola-solutions-foundation/annual-grants.html
Contact Person: Matt Blakely, Director

The Foundation hosts informational calls in early December to help organizations understand their grant program, funding priorities, and key deadlines before the application cycle opens.

Overview

Established in 1953 in Illinois, the Motorola Solutions Foundation is the charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions, Inc. (EIN: 36-6109323). When Motorola separated into two companies in January 2011, the Motorola Foundation changed its name to Motorola Solutions Foundation. With assets of approximately $1.1 million and annual expenses exceeding $13 million, the Foundation has donated more than $100 million over the past decade and awarded nearly $300 million in grants since 1995. In 2023, the Foundation distributed $13.3 million to charitable organizations worldwide, with $10.3 million specifically directed through strategic grants benefiting first responder programs and technology and engineering education. The Foundation operates with a narrow focus aligned to the parent company's mission of creating safer cities and thriving communities, emphasizing support for underserved and underrepresented populations. In 2024, the Foundation was awarded Benevity's Community Impact Award, recognizing the inclusive and creative ways the Foundation makes a difference through giving, volunteering, and community investment programs.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Annual Strategic Grants Program: Up to $50,000 per initiative (higher amounts may be considered for returning partners). Applications open in January with inquiry submission deadline typically on January 22. The Foundation supports approximately 200 organizations per year and has awarded grants to more than 170 partners in 22 countries.

Bright Minds, Bold Futures Scholarship: In partnership with Calculated Genius, the Foundation awarded $100,000 in scholarships to 37 deserving students from underserved and underrepresented communities pursuing technology and engineering careers in 2024.

Innovation Generation Grants (STEM): Designed to increase students' skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and/or increase engagement in STEM career pathways. Supports innovative and hands-on STEM programs serving elementary through university students and teachers.

Employee Matching Programs:

  • Donations for Donors: Matches employee charitable donations
  • Donations for Doers: Matches employee volunteer hours with charitable donations
  • Nearly $800,000-$1 million annually in employee matching contributions

Priority Areas

Technology and Engineering Education:

  • Innovative, hands-on activities in design, coding, and robotics
  • Vocational skills, scholarships, certifications, and workforce placement opportunities in engineering, IT, and data science
  • Teacher training to enhance instruction in technology and engineering
  • Programs serving elementary through university students
  • Focus on underrepresented populations in STEM fields

First Responder Programming:

  • Mental wellness and stress management training for law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, and healthcare professionals
  • Scholarships to families of fallen first responders
  • Safety preparedness and response training to schools
  • Leadership development opportunities for underrepresented populations
  • Veterans support programs

Blended Programs: The Foundation prioritizes programs that integrate both first responder support and technology/engineering education.

Geographic Priorities: For Innovation Generation STEM grants, priority given to Motorola Solutions' communities in or around: Chicago, IL; Plantation, FL; Columbia, MD; Westminster, CO; Lawrenceville, GA; San Diego, CA; Seattle, WA; Salt Lake City, UT; Farmer Branch & Houston, TX; New York City, NY; Tempe, AZ.

What They Don't Fund

  • Event sponsorships through the annual grants program
  • Purchase of Motorola Solutions equipment
  • Multiyear grants (though organizations may reapply annually)
  • One-time events (prioritizes structured, ongoing engagement programs)
  • Projects with administrative fees exceeding 15% for school districts/universities or 20% for nonprofits/NGOs
  • Programs outside their narrow focus on first responders and technology/engineering education

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership:

  • Jason J. Winkler, President, Motorola Solutions Foundation; also serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Motorola Solutions
  • Karem Pérez, Executive Director, Motorola Solutions Foundation
  • Cynthia Yazdi, Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff for Chairman and CEO of Motorola Solutions; oversees worldwide marketing and communications for the corporation and the Foundation

Employee Involvement: More than 300 Motorola Solutions employees worldwide volunteer as grant reviewers, evaluating applications and receiving the ability to direct a grant to an eligible nonprofit in appreciation of their service. In 2024, employees in 48 U.S. states and across nearly 40 countries logged 60,000+ volunteer hours during Global Months of Service, representing a 30% increase from 2022 and generating $3.2 million in value for charitable organizations.

Key Quotes from Leadership:

Karem Pérez, Executive Director: "I'm incredibly proud of how our employees are strengthening the communities in which we live and work. These record-breaking volunteer hours and generous donations reflect our long-standing commitment to creating positive change … a commitment that's shared by our employees around the world."

Karem Pérez on scholarship recipients: "We're tremendously proud of all of the well-deserved Bright Minds, Bold Futures scholarship recipients who represent the next generation of diverse and tenacious innovators."

Karem Pérez on impact: "From our Foundation's grantmaking to the dedication of employee volunteers, we're driving meaningful change for communities. Seeing the impact of our work remains our driving force, and we're energized for the year ahead."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Foundation operates a two-stage application process accessed through their online proposal management system:

Stage 1 - Inquiry Form: Complete and submit by 11:59 p.m. Central on the published deadline (typically January 22). The inquiry includes a summary of the program, target population, and expected outcomes. Organizations must first complete an eligibility quiz to confirm alignment with the Foundation's priorities.

Stage 2 - Full Application (Invitation Only): Only approved inquiries will be invited to submit a full grant application in late March. Full applications require detailed project plans, budgets, impact metrics, and supporting documentation.

Pre-Application Support: In early December, the Foundation hosts informational calls to help organizations better understand the grant program, funding priorities, and key deadlines.

Decision Timeline

  • Early December: Informational calls for prospective applicants
  • January 22: Inquiry form submission deadline (11:59 p.m. Central)
  • Late March: Full application deadline for invited organizations only
  • Late August: Grant award notifications

Total Timeline: Approximately 7 months from initial inquiry to final notification

No extensions are provided for the initial inquiry deadline.

Success Rates

While specific success rate percentages are not publicly disclosed, the Foundation:

  • Supports approximately 200 organizations per year
  • Made 236 awards in 2023
  • Made 219 awards in 2022
  • Made 217 awards in 2021

The two-stage process (inquiry followed by invitation-only full application) suggests competitive selection, with inquiries reviewed for alignment with priorities, impact potential, and organizational capacity.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations may apply for a grant year after year. The Foundation does not accept multiyear grants, but welcomes annual reapplications from both successful and unsuccessful applicants. No specific waiting period is required for unsuccessful applicants to reapply in subsequent grant cycles.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Foundation's documented guidance and priorities:

Demonstrate Clear Alignment: The Foundation emphasizes understanding their narrow focus areas before applying. "It's important to understand the Foundation's areas of focus, process, timeline and priority locations prior to applying." Successful applications clearly articulate how the project aligns with either first responder programming or technology/engineering education.

Show Measurable Impact: The Foundation requires all funded programs to participate in evaluation and reporting processes. Applications should include clear impact metrics, evaluation strategies, and demonstrate how success will be measured. Strong applications detail expected outcomes and how progress will be tracked.

Emphasize Structured, Ongoing Programs: The Foundation explicitly states they prioritize "structured, ongoing engagement programs rather than one-time events." Programs with sustained impact and long-term engagement are more competitive than single events or short-term initiatives.

Highlight Organizational Capacity: The Foundation looks for organizations that demonstrate "strong financial health and clear impact metrics, and partner with other nonprofits or institutions for sustainability." Applications should showcase organizational stability, track record, and collaborative partnerships.

Target Underserved Populations: The Foundation's strategic grants prioritize programs where "the majority directly benefit underserved and underrepresented communities." Clearly identify how your program serves these populations, particularly in STEM fields for education programs.

Values Alignment: The Foundation seeks organizations that align with their values of "accountability, innovation, impact, diversity and inclusion." Applications should demonstrate these values throughout the proposal.

Geographic Connection: While not exclusive, the Foundation invests "in communities where their employees live and work." Programs in priority metropolitan areas (Chicago, Plantation FL, Columbia MD, Westminster CO, Lawrenceville GA, San Diego, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Farmer Branch/Houston TX, NYC, Tempe AZ) may have strategic advantage.

Budget Considerations: Keep administrative fees to 15% or less for schools/universities and 20% or less for nonprofits. Ensure the budget does not include purchase of Motorola Solutions equipment, which is explicitly prohibited.

Examples of Successful Approaches:

  • Girl Scouts of the USA: FIRST Robotics program providing hands-on STEM learning to approximately 600 girls
  • Techbridge Girls: After-school program offering hands-on activities and career exploration in STEM fields for underserved girls plus professional development for teachers
  • Science Buddies: Reinforcing STEM Pathways program providing science exploration resources to millions of students worldwide
  • Community-based first responder training with state-of-the-art simulation equipment
  • Free 20-week Tech Fundamentals course for 270 U.S. military veterans providing technical skills and certifications

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Narrow focus is critical: The Foundation has an explicitly narrow focus on first responders and technology/engineering education. Do not apply if your program falls outside these areas, regardless of merit.

  • Two-stage process requires strategic inquiry: Only organizations invited after the inquiry stage can submit full applications. Invest time in a compelling, concise inquiry that demonstrates clear alignment and impact potential.

  • Plan for long timeline: With a 7-month process from inquiry to notification, plan your project timeline and funding needs accordingly. Applications in January won't see decisions until late August.

  • Employee reviewers matter: More than 300 Motorola Solutions employees volunteer as grant reviewers. Consider how your program might resonate with employees passionate about STEM education or first responder support.

  • Demonstrate sustainability: The Foundation values partnerships and sustainability. Show how your program will continue beyond the grant period and what collaborative relationships support it.

  • Geographic strategy: While not required, programs in priority metropolitan areas where Motorola Solutions has significant presence may align better with the Foundation's mission to support communities where employees live and work.

  • Annual grants enable multi-year relationships: Though individual grants are for one year only, the Foundation welcomes annual reapplications. Successful grantees can build long-term relationships through consistent performance and impact reporting.

References

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