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Micron Technology Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$11.5M
Grant Range
$7K - $1.2M

Micron Technology Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $11.5 million (2024)
  • Total Assets: $126.2 million (2024)
  • Success Rate: Data not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly specified
  • Grant Range: $7,000 - $1,200,000+ (varies significantly by program)
  • Geographic Focus: Global - communities where Micron operates (U.S. and international)

Contact Details

Foundation Address: 8000 S Federal Way, Boise, ID 83716-9632

Website: www.micron.com/about/environmental-social-governance/micron-gives

Social Media:

Key Leadership:

  • Rosita Najmi, Executive Director & Secretary
  • Sanjay Mehrotra, Director & Chairman (CEO of Micron Technology)

Note: The Foundation uses an online inquiry form for questions and does not publish direct contact phone numbers or email addresses.

Overview

The Micron Technology Foundation Inc. was established in 1999 as the philanthropic arm of Micron Technology, Inc., a global leader in memory and storage solutions. With total assets of $126.2 million and annual giving exceeding $11.5 million, the Foundation focuses on creating lasting social impact through equitable opportunities for underrepresented populations, STEM education access, and community enrichment. The Foundation operates in 35 locations globally, touching over 2.3 million lives in 2023. Recent strategic priorities emphasize workforce development in semiconductors and microelectronics, reflected in significant partnerships like the $5 million, five-year collaboration with the National Science Foundation to prepare STEM teachers. The Foundation received recognition for connecting underserved students to STEM opportunities and operates signature programs including Chip Camp, Girls Going Tech, and Careers in a High-Tech World.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

K-12 STEM Education

  • Chip Camp: Free day camp for middle school students (grades 4-8) featuring hands-on semiconductor and engineering activities. Offered globally in the U.S. and Asia, both in person and online.
  • Girls Going Tech: Program for middle school girls (grade 8) combining STEM activities with mentorship from women in technology fields.
  • Careers in a High-Tech World: Job shadow program for high school students (grades 10-12) to experience careers at Micron.

Higher Education Partnerships

  • Grant range: $1,000 - $1,200,000+
  • Focus: STEM teacher preparation, microelectronics workforce development, engineering diversity
  • Application method: Partnership-based, primarily through NSF collaboration and institutional relationships

Community Impact Grants

  • Grant range: $7,000 - $100,000+ (typical)
  • Focus: Basic human needs (housing, hunger relief), nonprofit capacity building
  • Application method: Invitation-only, identified through grassroots efforts

Employee Resource Group (ERG) Grants

  • Annual allocation: $500,000 distributed by employee resource groups
  • Focus: Nonprofits selected by ERGs in local communities
  • Application method: Internal nomination process

Priority Areas

Primary Focus Areas:

  • STEM education from elementary through university level
  • Engineering, science, chemistry, mathematics, and computer science programs
  • Equitable opportunities for underrepresented populations in STEM
  • Basic human needs (housing, hunger relief, food security)
  • Workforce development in semiconductors and microelectronics
  • Teacher preparation and retention in STEM fields

Geographic Priority: Communities where Micron employees live and work, including:

  • California: Folsom, Milpitas, San Diego
  • Colorado: Longmont
  • Florida: Melbourne
  • Georgia: Duluth
  • Idaho: Boise (headquarters)
  • Illinois: Chicago
  • Minnesota: Minneapolis
  • New Hampshire: Nashua, Stratham
  • New York: Hopewell Junction
  • Virginia: Manassas
  • Washington: Kirkland
  • International: Taiwan, China, Singapore, Japan, and other locations

What They Don't Fund

  • Direct funding to individuals in need (must go through eligible organizations)
  • Organizations without nonprofit or academic status
  • Programs outside their geographic focus areas
  • Projects unrelated to STEM education or basic human needs
  • General operating support for organizations not aligned with strategic priorities

Governance and Leadership

Key Officers (2024):

  • Sanjay Mehrotra, Director & Chairman (CEO of Micron Technology)
  • Rosita Najmi, Executive Director & Secretary

Executive Director Profile: Rosita Najmi serves as head of social impact and community engagement at Micron and executive director of the Micron Foundation. A development finance leader since 2001, she has driven global social, environmental, and economic development innovations across 30 countries. The Foundation announced her appointment to lead the organization's global impact strategy.

Former Leadership: Dee Mooney previously served as executive director of corporate citizenship at Micron Technology and led the Foundation's operations, emphasizing: "The Micron Foundation's mission is to enhance lives through people and philanthropy, and we focus on [science, technology, engineering, and math] and basic human needs."

Board Philosophy: All officers receive zero compensation from the Foundation. Leadership emphasizes strategic, mission-aligned giving that addresses community needs rather than responsive grantmaking.

On Diversity in STEM: Foundation leadership has stated: "Together, we stand as a beacon of empowerment, championing inclusivity and an unwavering belief in the power of every woman to shape her destiny." On the importance of diverse thinking in technology: "That is definitely where we want diverse thinking to come in, so we can approach the problems in a good way that helps us all."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Micron Foundation does not have a public application process. The Foundation explicitly states on their website: "We are not currently accepting unsolicited funding proposals or requests."

How Grants Are Awarded:

  • The Foundation identifies partners in site communities through grassroots efforts and partner interactions
  • Trustees exercise discretion in selecting grant recipients aligned with strategic priorities
  • Employee Resource Groups direct a portion of funding ($500,000 annually) to nonprofits they select
  • Some funding flows through intermediary organizations (e.g., Community Foundation for Northern Virginia manages the Micron Opportunity Fund)

Inquiry Process: If your organization aligns with the Foundation's giving areas and is located near a Micron site, you can submit an inquiry through the online form on the Micron website to share information about your organization or ask questions.

Getting on Their Radar

Location Matters: The Foundation prioritizes communities where Micron team members live and work. Organizations in Boise, ID (headquarters) and other major Micron locations (Folsom CA, Milpitas CA, San Diego CA, Longmont CO, Manassas VA, etc.) have higher visibility.

Employee Connections: The Foundation has a matching gift program through Benevity where they match employee contributions dollar-for-dollar to qualified nonprofits and schools. Having Micron employees as volunteers, board members, or donors can create a pathway for Foundation awareness.

NSF and Federal Partnerships: For higher education institutions, the Foundation's $5 million partnership with the National Science Foundation creates opportunities for co-funded grants focused on STEM teacher preparation and microelectronics workforce development. Monitor NSF grant opportunities that mention Micron as a partner.

Community Foundation Intermediaries: In some regions (e.g., Northern Virginia), the Foundation works through community foundations to manage grant programs. Contact your regional community foundation to inquire about any Micron-funded programs.

Demonstrate Impact in STEM or Basic Needs: Organizations with proven track records addressing STEM education gaps, supporting underrepresented populations in technology, or meeting basic human needs (housing, hunger) in Micron communities align with funding priorities.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly specified and vary by funding opportunity. The Foundation operates on a proactive identification model rather than a responsive application cycle.

Success Rates

Application Volume: The Foundation made 18 grants in 2023, 13 in 2022, 23 in 2021, and 32 in 2020. Success rates are not publicly disclosed given the invitation-only nature of most grants.

Context: In typical years, the Foundation distributes approximately $10-11 million globally. During exceptional circumstances (e.g., the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic), giving reached $24 million with a special COVID-19 Relief Fund.

Reapplication Policy

Given the invitation-only nature of the Foundation's grantmaking, there is no formal reapplication policy for unsolicited proposals. Organizations that have received funding in the past may be considered for renewed support based on impact and ongoing strategic alignment.

Application Success Factors

Strategic Alignment is Essential: The Foundation operates with clear priorities: STEM education, equitable opportunities for underrepresented populations, and basic human needs. Projects must demonstrably advance one or more of these focus areas. Proposals tangential to these priorities are unlikely to receive consideration.

Geographic Proximity to Micron Sites: The Foundation prioritizes communities where employees live and work. Organizations should emphasize their connection to Boise, ID, or one of the 14+ other Micron U.S. locations. International organizations should be located near Micron's Asia-Pacific facilities.

Proven Track Record with Underrepresented Populations: The Foundation explicitly seeks to "provide equitable opportunities for underrepresented populations." Recent grants show emphasis on programs serving K-6 students in high-need districts, girls and women in STEM, and communities facing economic barriers. Organizations should provide concrete data on who they serve and disparities they address.

Measurable Impact on STEM Workforce Pipeline: Foundation leadership emphasizes workforce development, particularly for semiconductors and microelectronics. Programs that demonstrate clear pathways from K-12 or higher education into STEM careers, with metrics on student outcomes, align with strategic priorities.

Recent Funding Examples Show Preferences:

  • Nazareth University ($1.2M): NSF Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship program providing up to $20,000/year for STEM teacher candidates serving high-need districts
  • Belong! ($7,000): Weekly K-6 STEM sessions through year-long LEGO Challenge with public culminating projects
  • BGH Foundation/BlackGirlsHack ($7,000): Hands-on cybersecurity education introducing ethical hacking careers
  • Interfaith Sanctuary: Workforce training classroom at shelter creating pathways to jobs
  • Idaho organizations ($895,000 total): Idaho Foodbank, St. Luke's Health Foundation, Boys and Girls Club - basic needs in headquarters community

Language and Terminology: Use Foundation vocabulary: "enriching communities," "creating lasting social impact," "equitable opportunities," "increasing access to STEM education," "underrepresented populations." Avoid jargon unrelated to these themes.

Partnership and Collaboration Models: The Foundation values partnerships with established institutions (NSF, community foundations, universities). Proposals that show collaboration with other credible organizations or that serve as intermediaries for Foundation priorities may be viewed favorably.

Employee Engagement Opportunities: While not explicitly stated, the Foundation's employee matching gift program and ERG grant program suggest they value employee engagement. Opportunities for Micron employees to volunteer or serve on boards may strengthen relationships.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • This is an invitation-only funder: Do not submit unsolicited proposals. Focus on relationship-building and getting on their radar through employee connections, community foundations, or federal partnership opportunities (NSF).

  • Location is critical: Proximity to one of Micron's 35+ global sites significantly increases funding likelihood. Organizations in Boise, ID have particular advantage as the headquarters community.

  • STEM education is the dominant priority: Over 75% of funding supports K-12 STEM programs, teacher preparation, or workforce development in technology fields. Basic human needs receive secondary emphasis.

  • Think workforce pipeline, not just enrichment: The Foundation's recent $5M NSF partnership and focus on microelectronics workforce development indicate interest in programs with clear pathways to STEM careers, not just general science enrichment.

  • Underrepresented populations are central to mission: Every program description emphasizes equity and access for underrepresented groups. Data demonstrating service to these populations is essential.

  • Employee connections create visibility: The Foundation matches employee gifts dollar-for-dollar and has ERGs directing $500K annually. Cultivating relationships with Micron employees in your community can create pathways to Foundation awareness.

  • Be patient and strategic: With only 18 grants made in 2023 from $11.5M in total giving, individual grants can be substantial but opportunities are limited. Focus on building authentic relationships rather than chasing quick funding.

References

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