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City of Seattle
Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor
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NEWS ADVISORY
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| SUBJECT: Seattle offers funds for community technology projects
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
1/31/2003 3:17:00 PM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
David Keyes (206) 386-9759
D'Anne Mount (206) 233-8736
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Seattle offers funds for community technology projects
SEATTLE — Seattle’s Department of Information Technology is seeking applications for the Technology Matching Fund (TMF). This year the City will award approximately 5 -10 grants up to $10,000 each from a total fund of $50,000. All Seattle neighborhood groups and organizations that provide citizen-driven projects to increase technology literacy and access for underserved communities are encouraged to apply.
The application deadline is 5 p.m., March 10, 2003. Applications and guidelines are available on-line at www.seattle.gov/tech/tmf, at Neighborhood Service Centers or by calling the Department of Information Technology, Community Technology at (206) 684-0600.
The Technology Matching Fund was established in 1997 to support the community’s efforts to close the digital divide and encourage a technology-healthy city. Seattle’s recent technology studies (www.seattle.gov/tech/indicators) show that although many residents have access to computers and the Internet, some groups — such as seniors, limited-English speakers, and those in low- to moderate-income households — are being left behind. The same studies also found that while basic computer literacy levels in Seattle are generally high, there is a continued need.
Local groups are encouraged to think creatively about how they can better use technology to meet the needs of their communities. "Many organizations are already providing clients with technology access and training," says Community Technology Planner David Keyes. "This year our goal is to help improve existing technology programs and services so that organizations can strengthen their ability to address key community needs."
Sample project lists are available, and applicants are encouraged to contact city staff with their ideas at communitytechnology@seattle.gov or by calling 206-684-0600.
If a group has a project idea but lacks the computer equipment, it should partner with an existing technology provider (see www.seattle.gov/tech/techmap.htm). Prior year grant recipients include:
- UW Women’s Center.
$5,303 to work with high school students to increase their literacy, confidence and frequency in using technology.
- Elderhealth.
$7,000 to give elderly and disabled caregivers access to the Internet to locate resources and to use computer technology for cognitive retraining and personal development
- Washington CASH.
$5,000 to teach computer literacy and technical business skills to low-income business owners.
For more information, an application or to review previous projects, visit the Citizens Technology Literacy and Access web site at www.seattle.gov/tech.
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Information Technology
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