Seattle Invests in Digital Equity: Technology Matching Fund Now Open For Applications

Seattle’s (WA) Technology Matching Fund is now open for applications from community and nonprofit groups for grants of up to $50,000 in service of work that improves digital equity. The city is seeking “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,” officials announced. City funds for these grants are to be matched by contributions from the community, which could come in the form of volunteer labor, materials, professional services or return funding. 

This marks the 21st consecutive year for the fund, which likely ranks as one of the longest-running digital inclusion efforts in the country. This year, Seattle also upped its financial contribution for the program when its city council voted to award as much as $430,000 through it. Officials have estimated that this year the fund will help more than 6,000 residents of underserved or underrepresented communities in Seattle gain access to technology and digital skills.