Last year’s Technology Matching Fund recipients with Seattle City Council President Bruce Harrell and members of the Community Technology team
The City of Seattle offers funding to improve digital equity
The Technology Matching Fund grants will be offered for the 21st year in a row to organizations in Seattle
SEATTLE (March 12, 2018)— The City of Seattle Technology Matching Fund program invites community organizations and nonprofits to apply for grants up to $50,000 each. The grants are designed to help improve digital equity through projects that support the community.
“From computer labs to STEM programs, job training, and teaching parents how to use a laptop or tablet, the work of these technology grants help connect communities that have limited access to technology year after year,” said Seattle Council President Bruce Harrell. “We look forward to hearing the projects this year’s applicants present.”
“We are making great strides in technology, but not all of Seattle’s population is sharing in these gains,” said Community Technology Manager Chance Hunt. “We are committed to stem the swell of economic disparity by providing better access.”
The City seeks applications for projects that increase access to free or low-cost broadband, empower residents with digital literacy skills, and ensure affordable, available, and sufficient devices and technical support. The fund gives matching dollars for community-driven projects. City funds are matched by the community’s contribution of volunteer labor, materials, professional services, or funding.
“Improving access to the internet and digital devices is a complex task in Seattle,” said Acting Director Tracye Cantrell, Seattle Information Technology. “These grants work towards ensuring that many more in the community are developing their computer literacy and getting some of the technology support they need from the City of Seattle.”
Three workshops have been set up to guide those interested in applying for a Technology Matching Fund grant. The workshops are free and will provide an overview of the grant program, explain how to apply, and guide attendees to submitting a successful application. The classes are not required for an application to be submitted, or a grant to be awarded. First time applicants are encouraged to attend one of the three scheduled classes:
Monday, March 26: 2:30 – 4 p.m.
2100 Building, 2100 24th Ave South, 98144
Thursday, March 29: 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Neighborhood House High Point, 6400 Sylvan Way SW, 98126
Saturday, March 31: 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Phinney Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., 98103
Interpretation and accommodations are available upon request by calling (206) 233-2751 or emailing communitytechnology@seattle.gov.
Application materials and more information are available at www.seattle.gov/tech/tmf/.
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