CTIA Wireless Foundation

CTIA Wireless Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1991 by CTIA member companies, based in Washington, D.C. It initiates and oversees philanthropic programs that harness wireless technology to benefit American communities. Its Accelerator Partnerships program supports nonprofit and mission-driven enterprises, helping tech-focused social entrepreneurs build capacity. The Foundation has maintained an ongoing partnership with Fast Forward, an accelerator focused on scaling early-stage tech nonprofits. The Foundation's flagship initiative, Catalyst, is a competitive grants program awarding over $200,000 annually in unrestricted funding to early-stage social entrepreneurs using 5G and wireless technology. Winners receive $100,000, $50,000, or $25,000 grants, with $10,000 honorable mentions; since 2019, it has supported 30+ entrepreneurs reaching over 30 million people, prioritizing applicants who are women, people of color, or veterans.