Community organizations and nonprofits are invited to apply for funding to increase digital equity. Administered by the Community Technology Program of the City of Seattle’s Department of Information Technology and funded with cable franchise fees, the Technology Matching Fund provides grants for local technology projects.
The City has $470,000 available for matching awards of up to $30,000 each. Funds are matched by the community’s contribution of volunteer labor, materials, professional services or funding. The deadline to apply is March 19.
“As a city, Seattle is known for technology and innovation, yet too many residents do not have sufficient internet access or the skills necessary to participate fully in today’s economy,” said Mayor Ed Murray. “This funding leverages the resources of the community by matching time and funding.”
Funds will be awarded in July to organizations who will improve digital equity by connecting traditionally-underserved populations, empower residents with digital literacy skills, and encourage diverse communities to use technology for civic participation.
Application materials and more information are available at www.seattle.gov/tech/tmf/.
To see the fund in action, watch this short CityStream segment from 2013.
