Motorola Solutions Foundation Innovation Generation (National)
What This Grant Funds
Motorola Solutions Foundation's Innovation Generation program also operates as a national grant program, funding STEM education for underserved youth across the United States. (Illinois schools also have access to a state-focused program due to Motorola Solutions' Chicago headquarters — see the Illinois Focus grant in this series.) The national program funds curriculum, equipment, and programs that build technology skills for students who lack access to quality STEM education.
Who Is Eligible in Illinois
Illinois K-12 schools and nonprofits serving underserved youth are eligible through the national program. Organizations that have not yet established a relationship with the Illinois-focused program, or those serving communities outside Motorola Solutions' primary Illinois footprint, may have better success through the national track.
Funding Amounts
Grants range from $25,000 to $100,000 nationally. Competition is national, so Illinois applicants should build a strong case for impact and equity.
How Forward Education Products Qualify
The national Innovation Generation program, like the Illinois focus, values technology access for underserved youth. Forward Education's micro:bit kits and MicroChat AI curriculum are directly relevant — they provide hands-on coding and AI literacy tools in a format accessible and engaging for students with limited prior technology exposure.
How to Apply and Key Deadlines
Apply through the Motorola Solutions Foundation's national grant portal. The annual cycle is typically announced in the first half of the year. Letters of inquiry may be required before full applications. Align your application to Motorola Solutions' STEM equity priorities and provide clear outcome metrics.
Keep in Mind
The national program is more competitive than the Illinois focus program. Illinois schools should consider both tracks and apply to the one that best matches their community profile. Demonstrating prior STEM program success significantly improves national-track applications.
