December 3, 2008
Wednesday
     

Motorola Celebrates Lessons from Abraham Lincoln’s Life with Dedicated Grant Program

Date: 02-12-2008
Type: press release
Category: Philanthropy/Corporate Contributions
Source: Motorola, Inc.
Organization:
Motorola, Inc.

Illinois Technology Company Partners with Civic Groups to Commemorate Bicentennial

SCHAUMBURG, IL - February 12, 2008 - Motorola Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Motorola, will partner with the Chicago History Museum to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. Working in collaboration, the groups will identify projects developed by civic, educational and cultural organizations that actively engage the public in the lessons from Lincoln's life.

"Lincoln's quest for education despite the most humble of origins reminds us all of our potential. His determination motivates us. His courage and leadership in the most difficult of times inspires us," said Eileen Sweeney, director of Motorola Foundation. "Motorola is proud to fund programs that bring to life Lincoln’s powerful legacy of education and excellence."

The $750,000 grant program will fund programs that focus on three themes:

  • Bringing History into the Future
    Motorola Lincoln Grants will support individuals or organizations using new technologies to educate students or their broader communities - particularly in civics, history, social studies -- or disciplines such as the fine arts. Preference will be given to those integrating lessons from Lincoln’s life.
  • Engaging in Current Events
    In recognition of Lincoln's engagement of the public in shaping policy, Motorola Lincoln Grants will support programs engaging young people or community members in national and local public policy issues and providing creative forums and innovative tools to facilitate debate and dialogue in the online and physical worlds.
  • Leadership Skills
    Lincoln's legacy as an agent of change will be honored with support of organizations that are creating change - of perceptions or actions -- in their communities with leadership programs for young people or the underserved that are based on collaboration, problem-solving and project management skills.
  • Motorola Lincoln Grants will be awarded in two grant cycles - the first in spring of 2008 and the second in the fall of 2008. Spring applicants will be notified in May 2008; fall applicants by September 2008. The awards will fund curriculum design, speech competitions and debates, community programming developed by educators in schools, community organizations, museums, arts and culture organizations and other non-profits exploring themes such as diversity, freedom, history and leadership.

    "A longtime champion of education in Illinois and around the globe, Motorola's special program will ensure the lessons from President Lincoln's life will be shared and celebrated today, and inspire tomorrow’s leaders," said Gary T. Johnson, Chicago History Museum president.

    "Offering a special funding initiative to commemorate the bicentennial of President Lincoln's birth demonstrates Motorola's commitment to values shared with the revered American leader," added Eileen Mackevich, executive director, Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.

    Organizations must apply for spring grants by March 30, 2008. The fall application deadline is July 30, 2008. To submit an application or for more information on the Lincoln grant program, please visit http://www.cybergrants.com/motorola/lincolngrant.

    About Motorola Foundation

    The Motorola Foundation is the independent charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola. With employees located around the globe, Motorola seeks to benefit the communities where it operates. The company achieves this by making strategic grants, forging strong community partnerships, fostering innovation and engaging stakeholders. Motorola Foundation focuses its funding on education, especially science, technology, engineering and math programming. For more information, on Motorola Corporate and Foundation giving, visit www.motorola.com/giving.

    About Motorola

    Motorola is known around the world for innovation in communications. The company develops technologies, products and services that make mobile experiences possible. Our portfolio includes communications infrastructure, enterprise mobility solutions, digital set-tops, cable modems, mobile devices and Bluetooth accessories. Motorola is committed to delivering next generation communication solutions to people, businesses and governments. A Fortune 100 company with global presence and impact, Motorola had sales of US $36.6 billion in 2007. For more information about our company, our people and our innovations, please visit http://www.motorola.com.

    About the Chicago History Museum

    The Chicago History Museum, a major museum and research center for Chicago and American history, is located at 1601 N. Clark Street. For more information call 312.642.4600 or visit us at www.chicagohistory.org. The Chicago History Museum is affiliated with the Chicago Historical Society.

    MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are registered in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. (C) Motorola, Inc. 2007. All rights reserved.

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