Multimedia Resource and Training Institute provide digital skills training in 2024 More than two dozen language groups to benefit from $540,000 in grant funds
The City of Seattle is pleased to announce the annual Technology Matching Fund (TMF) award recipients for 2025. This year, 14 community organizations will receive $540,000 in TMF awards to provide digital equity programs and services to Seattle residents facing barriers to accessing and using technology.
The TMF program is a unique partnership between the City of Seattle, community organizations across the city, and corporate partners, who are providing $85,000 in support to help fund more projects through the program, including a $60,000 investment from Comcast. An estimated 4,110 residents, spanning 32 language groups, will be served Citywide through these projects.
“I’m proud to announce these critical investments in our community to help close the digital divide and ensure everyone can access good jobs and learning opportunities. The Technology Matching Fund represents our commitment to creating a tech-empowered and equitable future for all,” said Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. “Through strong public-private-community partnerships, we are breaking down barriers, reaching underserved populations, and making meaningful progress towards our One Seattle vision that every neighborhood and resident has the opportunity to thrive.”
Last year’s technology study sheds light on the ongoing need for additional funding and programs to address digital inequalities. The 2024 Technology Access and Adoption Study revealed a significant digital divide for low-income households, older adults, residents with disabilities, BIPOC populations, and immigrants and refugees:
- 42% of individuals living in poverty report having basic digital skills compared to 78% of all Seattle residents.
- 20% of individuals living in poverty share devices across their household compared to 5% of all Seattle residents.
- 89% of individuals living in poverty have access to the internet at home compared to 98% of all Seattle residents.
“This year’s recipients of the Technology Matching Fund are equipping our community members with the tools they need to succeed,” said Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth, Chair of the Parks, Public Utilities, and Technology Committee. “Whether it’s enabling families to connect with schools, empowering individuals to find jobs, or fostering digital literacy, these programs help pave the way for stronger, more connected foundations for families across our city.”
Seattle’s Technology Matching Fund grant program offers up to $45,000 for qualifying non-profit organizations with digital equity projects. Applicants must match at least 25% of their funding request with cash, time, or other contributions. This year’s community match for these projects is $391,260.
“Keeping pace with technology’s constant evolution is challenging enough, but for those without fundamental digital skills, the starting line feels impossibly far away,” said Seattle Chief Technology Officer Rob Lloyd. “The Technology Matching Fund changes that story. By supporting community-driven solutions, it gives individuals not just the tools but the confidence to participate and thrive in our increasingly digital world.”
This year, 38 organizations submitted applications. Those organizations not selected for this round of funding are eligible to submit again during the 2026 cycle.
Below is a list of 2025 award recipients:
Cambodian American Community Council of Washington
$33,500.00
Provide Khmer/Cambodian community internet-accessible tablets to low-income individuals and those with limited English skills; conduct workshops for adults and seniors; and provide one-on-one technical support during workshops and through outreach avenues.
Eritrean Association in Greater Seattle
$44,800.00
Provide the Eritrean community, primarily low-income and limited English speakers, with digital literacy skills for older adults, coding for youth, a computer lab, and digital navigator services.
Ethiopian Community in Seattle
$44,900.00
Provide Ethiopian community seniors with fixed broadband internet service, digital literacy training, commercial website subscriptions for small business owners, and digital navigator services.
Kandelia
$45,000.00
Provides caregivers of newly arrived refugee and immigrant students digital literacy classes and small group and one-on-one instruction.
Lao Community Service Center
$45,000.00
Provide Lao refugees and immigrants, including seniors, low-income individuals, and recent immigrants, with digital literacy workshops, one-on-one or small group support, just-in-time assistance for immediate tech needs, and device support and training on laptops, smartphones, and hotspots.
Marvin Thomas Memorial Fund
$33,200.00
Provide low-income youth of Color educational platforms and collaborative tools, internet access, hotspots, and computers.
Multimedia Resources and Training Institute
$45,000.00
Provide low-income BIPOC residents, individuals with disabilities, and seniors with assistance in finding and applying for affordable connectivity, obtaining low-cost or free computing devices, and connecting to digital skills training and technical support.
National Asian Pacific Center on Aging
$45,000.00
Provides older adults from immigrant backgrounds who speak limited English with digital literacy classes and one-on-one assistance.
Refugee Women’s Alliance
$45,000.00
Provides an afterschool and summer Youth STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) program to immigrant and refugee youth with digital literacy training and navigation.
The Friendship Circle of Washington
$28,600
Provide teen and young adults with disabilities with group and one-on-one digital navigation training.
The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.
$45,000.00
Provide staff who are Deafblind with computer and technology skills training, access to community resources, and one-on-one training.
Corporate Partner Projects
Kin On Health Care Center
$30,000 funded by Comcast
Provide low-income Chinese-speaking seniors with one-on-one tutoring, small group tech classes, and a device and hotspot loan program.
Seattle Jobs Initiative
$30,000 funded by Comcast
Provides un/underemployed, predominantly immigrants/refugees and justice impacted, with training and devices; open lab time; and remote tutoring for one-on-one support.
Rainier Avenue Business Coalition
$25,000
Provide support to the Southeast Seattle small business community through one-to-one engagement with business owners to help them improve their business’s digital profile.
Applications were reviewed by 22 community volunteers from the Community Technology Advisory Board (CTAB), Washington State Library, Seattle Pacific University, and community-based organizations.
The City of Seattle’s Information Technology Department (Seattle IT) oversees the City’s Digital Equity Program. To learn more about digital equity programs like the Technology Matching Fund Grant program and past winners, reduced-cost cable and internet opportunities, and other programs, visit www.seattle.gov/tech. Seattle IT is a trusted partner that provides secure, reliable, and complaint technologies, enabling the City to deliver equitable and responsive services to the public.