Welcome to the third part of the Technology Matching Fund & Digital Navigator Cohort Grant blog series! In this series, Seattle IT will be covering the Technology Matching Fund and Digital Network Cohort Grant which is a project to build onto Seattle’s Digital Equity Statement and how qualifying non-profits can apply.
With the exciting launch of the Technology Matching Fund and Digital Navigator Cohort Grant, the question remains: how do I apply? Complete with a new easy to apply application system and virtual meeting to answer your questions, Seattle IT is making it easy to help end the digital divide!
Seattle IT will be providing meetings to answer questions and walk applicants through the application process. To apply, you must create a new account and register by going to: https://seattle.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new. From there, you will be led to complete all the application sections and submit your application online. When applying you may include other materials that helps people understand your proposal, such as:
- Documentation of partner or volunteer commitments
- Curriculum
- Program schedules and/or fliers
- List of current technology
- Cost quotes on budget items
Non-profit organizations, neighborhood groups, parent-teach-student associations (PTSA), business groups and community-based organizations are encouraged to apply. However, individuals, for-profit businesses, religious organizations, major institutions, political groups or organizations outside the City of Seattle are not eligible to apply for the grant. School based projects are eligible; however, the proposal must come from a Parent-Teacher-Student Association or community-based organization. Funds may not be used for in-school projects that do not engage the larger community in a meaningful way.
For all applicants, digital equity grant projects are required to have a fiscal agent. An organization may act as their own fiscal agent or use another organization to manage the pass through of grant funds. Individuals who obtain a tax identification number and comply with IRS rules can serve as a fiscal agent. Fiscal agency fees are eligible project costs or can be applied to your match contribution. Seattle IT also encourages organizations to actively work to make programs and services inclusive. All projects must demonstrate a good faith effort to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991 which extends civil-rights protection to persons with disabilities.
Important Dates
- Applications Accepted: March 14, 2022
- Preliminary Application Review: Ongoing
- Application Deadline: May 13, 2022
- Award Notification: June 2022
- Projects Begin: July 2022
- Seattle Digital Equity Grants – Information Session #1: Wednesday, March 23, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
- Seattle Digital Equity Grants – Information Session #2: Tuesday, April 19, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Office Hours: Wednesdays, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., March 30 – May 11
If you have any questions, you can call or text 206-379-0469 or email communitytechnology@seattle.gov. Please stay tuned for part four of Seattle IT’s Technology Matching Fund and Digital Navigator blog series where Seattle IT will be covering our past winners!