For those in the technology industry, Boise is nearly synonymous with Micron, one of the state’s largest employers. Micron Foundation is a major force in the state’s corporate philanthropy, and Philanthropy Northwest is thrilled to announce its lead sponsorship of the upcoming Annual Conference in the City of Trees October 2-4. 
 
“I like how Philanthropy Northwest has listened to and acted on feedback from the last year to tailor a track for specific roles, particularly connecting wealth advisors with foundations to talk about investing for greater impact,” said Dee Mooney, executive director, Micron Foundation. “Of course, we’re also incredibly proud of our community and excited to host our peers from around the region.” When asked about insider tips for making the most of a trip to Boise, Mooney suggested that conference goers might want to check out the Idaho Shakespeare Festival or take a walk in the Boise Foothills before the conference begins. “I was also happy to see the Basque Block is part of the festivities – my pro tip: order the croquetas,” she said. “The Basque heritage and culture here is very strong, and the food is a huge part of the experience."
 
Created by Micron nearly 20 years ago, the Micron Foundation inspires the next generation of innovators and hopes to address the workforce pipeline issue through STEM education. Since its inception, the Micron Foundation has contributed $88 million to improve access to STEM education and to invest in the communities across the globe where Micron employees live and work through the “Charity of Choice” program, which includes an employer match for personal giving. In the past month, Micron Foundation helped Boise State University break ground on a new Material Sciences building, volunteered at the USA Science & Engineering Festival Expo with a well-visited robotics/manufacturing exhibit and sponsored the 2018 Taiwan Railway of Popular Science, bringing hands-on STEM activities to rural areas in that country where students have less access to these experiences.
 
Micron Foundation leaders say they are most excited that the conference will help them establish new connections with like-minded leaders and organizations from the Northwest and turn conversations about philanthropy into action.“There are so many opportunities to inspire change in our areas of giving,” Mooney said. “It will be great to hear how others maintain their focus while keeping the door open to new ideas and also learn how they push these new opportunities forward.”