The fund supports projects that reach technology underserved communities, thereby increasing "digital inclusion." The City's goals are to:

• Increase technology literacy
• Provide residents with access to computers, the Internet and other information technology
• Increase residents' use of technology for community problem solving, civic engagement and community building.

Background

The Technology Matching Fund (the TMF) program, established in 1997, supports community's efforts to close the digital divide and encourage a technology-healthy city. The program provides grants where the community's contribution of volunteer labor, materials, professional services, or cash is "matched" by the Technology Matching Fund. This program is administered by the Community Technology Program of the City's Department of Information Technology and is funded with cable franchise fees.

In 2004 the Fund was named in memory of Bill Wright, a Central District community leader who embodied our goal of creating digital opportunity for all and using technology tools to build strong neighborhoods.