Eleven Community Organizations to Receive $455,000 in Grants to Bridge Gaps in Digital Access
(SEATTLE, WA) — The City of Seattle announces the 2026 recipients of its annual Technology Matching Fund (TMF) grants. This year, eleven community organizations will share $455,000 in funding to provide programs and services that help Seattle residents overcome barriers to accessing and using technology.
The TMF program is a partnership between the City of Seattle and community organizations improving digital literacy and skills for underserved communities. Comcast and T-Mobile will also contribute to this year’s grants. The projects are expected to serve 20 different language groups.
“Too many of our neighbors have been left behind by the digital divide, creating challenges for them to get an education, a higher-paying job, or find communities and express themselves,” said Mayor Katie Wilson. “We can do better. Our city’s Technology Matching Fund equips Seattle residents with powerful tools and key digital skills to help them thrive. To our neighbors: This is your city, and there’s a place for you here.”
A recent report from the City, the Technology Access and Adoption Report, highlights the digital divide faced by certain groups, including low-income households, older adults, people with disabilities, BIPOC communities, and immigrants and refugees. Key findings include:
- Only 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 just 5% of all Seattle residents.
- 89% of individuals living in poverty have internet access at home, compared to 98% of all Seattle residents.
Council President Joy Hollingsworth highlighted the importance of this year’s TMF grants, saying, “These programs are reaching community members where they are—both in their neighborhoods and in their native languages—to deliver essential digital skills and training. From helping families stay connected with schools to equipping individuals with tools to secure jobs and build digital literacy, these initiatives are laying the groundwork for stronger, more connected families throughout our city.”
The Technology Matching Fund provides grants of up to $45,000 to qualifying non-profit organizations with digital equity projects. To receive funding, applicants must match at least 25% of their request with cash, volunteer time, or other contributions. This year, the community match for these projects totals $168,136.90.
“The Technology Matching Fund grants reflect a long-standing public commitment to digital equity, community partnership, and opportunity for all, especially for residents and neighborhoods that have too often faced barriers,” said Seattle Chief Technology Officer Rob Lloyd. “We are grateful to the Community Technology Advisory Board, our Community Reviewers, the Department of Neighborhoods, Comcast, and T-Mobile for Government for helping make this year’s grants possible. We also appreciate CTAB’s continued guidance as we work to strengthen both community engagement and focus on outcomes in the years ahead. Congratulations to this year’s recipients for carrying forward such important work for the people of Seattle.”
This year, 53 organizations submitted applications for TMF grants, which were carefully reviewed by community members. Organizations that were not selected are encouraged to reapply during the 2027 funding cycle.
“At the Department of Neighborhoods, we believe communities themselves are best positioned to identify solutions that meet their needs,” says Deputy Director Sam Read, Department of Neighborhoods. “The Technology Matching Fund supports organizations that are helping neighbors build digital skills and access technology. These projects reflect the power of communities working together to make Seattle more inclusive and connected.”
Seattle Department of Neighborhoods partnered with Seattle IT to launch a collaborative pilot for this year’s Technology Matching Fund to expand outreach and increase applicant awareness in communities across the city.
Kudos to the eleven organizations using this funding to empower communities across Seattle by providing digital literacy training, devices, technical support, digital navigator services, and internet connectivity.
2026 Award Recipients:
Creation Culture, Youth Graphic Design Career Pipeline Program, $8,935
Ada Developers Academy, Ada Build Live: Community, $45,000
Horn of Africa Services, Digital Access and Navigation for East African Immigrants and Refugees, $45,000
Chinese Information and Service Center, CISC’s Touch Screen Pilot Project, $44,928
Per Scholas Seattle, Expanding Access to Technology Career Training in Seattle, $45,000
Friends of Little Saigon, Little Saigon Small Business Digital Literacy Project, $44,979
The IF Project, WE THRIVE Digital Access Initiative, $45,000
Villa Communitaria, Familias Digitales en Acción, $45,000
Asian Counseling and Referral Service, Digital Literacy for the Community at ACRS, $45,000
Renaissance 21, Project She/Her/HEALTH by STGA, $45,000
Solid Ground Washington, Internet Access for Residents Exiting Homelessness, $41,266
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The City of Seattle’s Information Technology Department (Seattle IT) manages the Digital Equity Program, which includes the Technology Matching Fund. To learn more about the TMF, past winners, reduced-cost internet programs, and other digital equity initiatives, visit www.seattle.gov/tech.
Seattle IT puts powerful information and tools in the hands of people to unleash brilliance in service to our community.
Since its founding in 1991, the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods has supported community-led projects and programs that strengthen connections, build trust, and help neighbors shape the future of Seattle together.