2022 Digital Equity Grants
Seattle IT is now accepting applications for 2022 Digital Equity Grants.
Digital Navigator Cohort Grant
Digital Navigator Cohort Grants provide up to $50,000 to qualifying non-profit organizations in Seattle. Grant recipients will participate in a cohort delivery-model with fellow grantees to offer coordinated digital navigator services citywide. Our goal for this funding is to increase internet access and adoption by funding organizations to provide one-on-one or small group, just-in-time assistance via phone service, email, text, video chat, and other communication methods. Digital navigators will provide on-demand services in the following areas:
- Accessing and using devices and the internet
- Assisting with basic digital navigation
- Troubleshooting technology issues
Participation in this cohort requires attendance at digital navigator training sessions and monthly cohort meetings. The City will provide outreach and community engagement support in order to promote digital navigator services.
Digital navigator services, as defined by this grant, do not include digital literacy skills classes, workshop, and tutoring. Funding for connectivity and devices can be included in proposals if in conjunction with digital navigator assistance. Services will also connect residents with City, other government, and community resources.
Technology Matching Fund
The Technology Matching Fund provides funds of up to $25,000 to qualifying non-profit ogranizations in Seattle for digital equity projects. City dollars are matched by the community's contribution of volunteer labor, materials, professional services, or cash. Projects should aim to increase internet access and adoption by:
- Empowering residents through digital literacy skills training and support.
- Ensuring affordable, available and sufficient devices and the support needed to use them effectively.
- Providing internet to low-income residents by expanding wi-fi or another means, and/or assisting with low-cost internet option awareness and enrollment support.
Proposals may include one area of service listed above or a combination of skills, devices and connectivity. Connectivity projects may include:
- Network routers, Wi-Fi access points, and repeaters
- Equipment to extend existing Wi-Fi outside of buildings
- Equipment to outfit a mobile Wi-Fi bus or van or other types of pop-up connectivity
- Indoor and outdoor free mobile internet solutions [for example, using public Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum].
- Portable internet hotspots
Applicants are encouraged to apply for either the Technology Matching Fund or Digital Navigator Cohort Grant. Please contact us if you have questions about which grant to apply for or need guidance on how to strengthen your proposal.
Virtual Workshops
Information Session
April 19, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Join by phone +1 (206) 207-1700. +1 (408) 418-9388
Access code: 249 687 82374
Password: 82792283 (from phones)
Missed the Information Session? View the recording Digital Equity Grants Information Session #1 - YouTube
Office Hours
Wednesdays, 12pm - 1pm, March 30 - May 11
Join by phone +1 (206) 207-1700, +1 (408) 418-9388
Access code: 2483 341 3113
Deadline
Application deadline May 13, 2022 at 12pm.
Contact
For more information, contact communitytechnology@seattle.gov or call (206) 379-0469
Internet for All
These funds are a key part of the City's Internet for All framework. The lack of access to internet-accessible devices and technical skills play a significant role in why some residents remain unconnected. Partnering with organizations that support communities in a holistic way is essential for reaching diverse populations that need digital support. Read the City of Seattle's Internet For All Strategies and Action Plan here.