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City of Seattle
NOTE: This news release has been retained for historical use ONLY! While the text was accurate at the date of the release, the contact information may be out of date.
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NEWS ADVISORY
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| SUBJECT: Technology Matching funds now available
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
4/13/2000 |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Joan E. O’Brien - (206)615-1397
William Smith - (206)386-1103
Katherine Schubert-Knapp (206) 684-0909
Kathy Sugiyama (206) 684-0909
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Seattle seeks Technology Matching Fund applications
SEATTLE — Seattle’s Department of Information Technology is now accepting
applications for the Technology Matching Fund (TMF), which provides cash to Seattle
organizations and neighborhood groups to help fund citizen-driven information technology
literacy and access projects. This year, a total of $159,500 will be awarded in small -
(less than $5,000) and large-scale (up to $50,000) grants. The application deadline is
Monday, May 15, 2000. Applications are available on-line at http://cityofseattle.net/tech or by calling (206)684-0600.
The Technology Matching Fund was established to support the community’s efforts to
close the information technology literacy gap and build community technology learning
centers and public access sites. The need for the fund and citizen action has been
highlighted by numerous studies, including a recent federal report called "Falling
Through the Net: Defining the Digital Divide" (http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/digitaldivide/)
that shows the gap to be widening.
"Most projects start with a community need, then apply technology to solve
it," says Joan E O’Brien, management systems analyst. "For example,
projects may develop community computer labs, teach Internet and e-mail skills, use
technology for community organizing, create multi-media projects or help the public
understand policy issues, such as privacy on the Internet."
"We especially encourage applications for projects that provide or enhance
services to limited English speakers, increase marketing of community technology programs
and/or volunteer recruitment, and cross-neighborhood projects," O’Brien says.
"Of course other projects will be considered for funding and innovative projects are
always encouraged."
Sample project lists are available, and applicants are encouraged to contact city staff
with their ideas. Last year’s grant recipients included:
- The Boys & Girls Clubs of King County. $28,700 to provide start-up staffing for The
Techmobile, a 30-foot Winnebago adapted to serve as a mobile computer lab. It provides
access to computers and the Internet to children all across King County.
- The Real Change Homeless Empowerment Project. $5,000 to expand access hours to its Mac
workshop, providing computer literacy training in various applications.
For more information, an application or to review previous projects, visit the Citizens
Technology Literacy and Access web site at http://cityofseattle.net/tech
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Citizens Technology Literacy and
Access
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