Technology Grants Available in Seattle

Grant funds are now available for Seattle organizations working on closing the digital divide. Seattle's Community Technology Program is seeking applications for the Bill Wright Technology Matching Fund for projects to increase technology literacy and access in Seattle communities. The city is also encouraging projects that use technology for community problem solving, civic engagement and community building.

The public is invited to attend grant information workshops on Wednesday, February 6 and Saturday, February 9. Program staff and past recipients will be available to answer questions about the grant program.

"We are committed to making technology accessible for everyone," says Mayor Greg Nickels, "It is critical to the future of our city and our economy. The help provided by these community technology grants opens the door to new opportunities for families and encourages the use of technology for building strong neighborhoods."

Seattle City Councilmember Bruce Harrell affirms, "As chair of the Energy & Technology Committee, I have made equal access to technology one of my top priorities. The Technology Matching Fund provides tools critical for educational attainment, career advancement and civic engagement to all families and communities."

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. The fund is administered by the Community Technology Program of the City of Seattle Department of Information Technology and is funded from city collected cable television franchise fees. The city named the matching fund in memory of Bill Wright, a Central District community leader who embodied the program's goal of creating digital opportunity for all and using technology tools to build strong neighborhoods. Since the program began, the city has contributed over $1,425,000 to 119 projects, which have matched the city's funds with contributions totaling more than $3,100,000.

Prior year grant recipients include:

• Youth Media Institute: $13,300 for youth of color to learn new media technologies and digital storytelling techniques give voice to their experiences, families and cultures and to encourage dialog about the changing face of their community.
• Salvation Army/Seattle Social Services: $7,400 for victims of domestic violence to gain access to technology at a safe location and to learn how to safely use Internet and e-mail services.
• Somali Community Services: $8,600 for Somali immigrants and refugees to learn basic computer skills for job readiness and independence, such as resume and simple business letter writing, and job, housing and resource searching on the Internet.

Other examples are available at www.seattle.gov/tech/tmf. The application deadline is March 10, 2008 at 5:00 p.m.