City of Seattle Digital Equity Grant 2024 – Washington

The City of Seattle is requesting applications for the 2024 Digital Equity Grant.

Donor Name: City of Seattle

State: Washington

City: Seattle

Type of Grant: Grant

Deadline: 10/05/2023

Size of the Grant: $35,000

Grant Duration: 1 year

Details:

Goals

Digital Equity Grants aims to increase internet access and adoption through:

• Digital literacy classes and/or workshops: Provide digital literacy skills training to new technology users.
• Devices and technical support: Provide devices (for example: laptops, Chromebooks, tablets, desktop computers, smartphones, assistive technology) and the support needed to use them effectively.
• Internet connectivity: Provide internet to low-income residents by expanding WiFi or another means (for example: hotspots, routers, or WiFi access points).
• Digital navigator services: Provide one-on-one or small group, just-in-time assistance in person, virtually, via phone/text/email to help residents (1) use their devices (computers, laptops, and smartphones); (2) connect to the internet; and (3) sign up for low-cost internet plans.

Technology Matching Fund projects may include a combination of the above digital equity categories. The primary focus of the project must be one of the following:

• digital literacy classes and/or workshops;
• devices and technical support; or
• internet connectivity.

Digital Navigator Grant projects provide digital navigator services. Grants will be awarded to organizations committed to partnering with the City to accomplish the following:

• Assist residents navigate and apply to city affordability programs
• Help improve City services through focus groups and reporting
• Assist inequitably impacted populations that are least likely to access City services, which may include providing language access

Funding Information

• $545,000 is available for digital equity grants.
• Each organization is eligible for a maximum of $35,000.
• 25% Community Match is required, based on the amount of the funding request. For example, if your organization is requesting the maximum grant amount of $35,000, the required match is $8750.
• Projects must be completed within one year.

Eligible Expenses

• Infrastructure and Broadband
  • Computers, laptops, tablets, mobile devices, and printers
  • Assistive and adaptive devices
  • 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].
  • Internet service, including hotspots
  • Software and online subscription services
  • Multimedia production equipment (cameras, audio)
  • STEM/Maker/robotic equipment
• Personnel
  • Professional services, such as outside instructors, technical support or evaluators
  • Staff costs to implement the project
  • Intern costs to implement the project
• Other
  • Warranties on equipment
  • Insurance costs specific to the project
  • Printing costs
  • Project supplies
  • Peripherals (headphones, mouse, cables)
  • Fiscal agency fees up to 10% of the award
  • Stipends for project-related work
  • Food expenses limited to 20% of the award and not to exceed $1,250 per project.

Eligibility Criteria 

• Non-profit organizations
• Neighborhood groups
• Parent-Teacher-Student Associations (PTSA)
• Business groups
• Community-based organizations.

Ineligibility 

• Individuals
• For-profit businesses
• Religious organizations
• Major institutions, government agencies, hospitals, universities, schools
• Political groups
• Organizations outside the City of Seattle.

For more information, visit City of Seattle.