Digital equity – Test News Blog

The City of Seattle Awards $400,000 to Help Improve Digital Equity

Photo courtesy YouthCare, a 2018 recipient

The Technology Matching Fund grants will be offered for the 21st year in a row to organizations in Seattle working on improving lives through technology literacy

The Seattle City Council unanimously approved $400,000 in Technology Matching Funds be awarded to 12 local organizations. These grants are given out annually to uphold the commitment by the City of Seattle as outlined in the Digital Equity Initiative. The goal of the initiative is to improve connectivity, digital skills training, and provide devices, and technology support to communities that might not have equitable access.

“Furthering technology equity and access is an important way to create opportunity for historically underserved neighborhoods,” said Mayor Jenny A. Durkan. “These investments allow our communities to capitalize on technology and job training while making a more inclusive city.”

This year, projects receiving funds will support a broad range of community-driven, collaborative solutions to achieve digital equity in Seattle. They will reach over 8,300 residents, including immigrants, refugees, seniors, youth, and people with disabilities.

“It’s a pleasure to be part of this process each year as we build this relationship with organizations that are making a difference in making technology more available to everyone,” said Seattle City Council President Bruce Harrell. “We inch closer to digital equity each year when we allocate this funding. I’m especially pleased to see this funding package emphasizes programs that work with adults and youths experiencing homelessness.”

City funding for the awards is matched by the community through additional cash, donations of hardware, software, supplies and labor. A one-half to one match is required of each organization receiving funding; however, the community contribution is often greater than the City’s support. This year’s projects are projected to provide more than $300,000 in community matching resources.

“It’s a pleasure to award these grants that help build vital skills like job hunting, helping kids with homework, and accessing government services,” said Tracye Cantrell, Acting Director of Seattle Information Technology. “Through increased outreach to the community, we saw a greater number of submissions this year from a diverse pool of applicants, which is exciting.”

The 2018 Technology Matching Fund award recipients and their projects:

Community Passageways: Technology Equity for Young Adults of Color
East African Community Services: 2018 Technology Matching Fund
Garinagu HounGua: Garifuna Digital Literacy Workshop Series
Helping Link: Mobile Computer and iPad Literacy Lab
Literacy Source: Open Doors – Increasing Basic Digital Literacy
Millionair Club Charity: Computer Lab Expansion/Update
PROVAIL: Adaptive Technology for Children with Disabilities
Seattle Neighborhood Group: Building Our Bridge: Crossing the Digital Divide
Somali Family Safety Task Force: 2018 Digital Literacy in West Seattle
South East Effective Development: Technology Builds Community
United Indians of All Tribes Foundation: Broadband and Public Computer/Internet Access
YouthCare: Employment Technology Supports for Homeless Youth (pictured above)

To learn more about the City of Seattle’s commitment to Digital Equity and the Technology Matching Fund, visit http://www.seattle.gov/tech/initiatives/digital-equity/technology-matching-fund.

Seattle is Committed to Preserving Net Neutrality

Jim Loter is the Director of Digital Engagement for the City of Seattle

On February 20th I was honored to have the opportunity to testify before the Washington State Senate Energy, Environment, and Technology Committee about the importance of net neutrality to the consumers of Seattle. I made the point that net neutrality was essential to achieving the digital equity and inclusion goals of the City of Seattle. Loss of net neutrality protections, I argued, would adversely affect lower income residents and business owners who cannot afford to pay higher rates simply to access certain sites, content, or services.

You can watch the full testimony here.

I was overjoyed when, 2 weeks later, Governor Jay Inslee signed House Bill 2282 to protect net neutrality rules at the state level and ensure that internet providers cannot manipulate internet speeds and access to content. The Washington Open Internet Law law was the first of its kind in the nation. The law will prohibit companies that offer internet services from blocking legal content and applications; it will prohibit them from throttling internet traffic; and it will prohibit them from prioritizing certain traffic in exchange for payment (“paid prioritization”). The law also requires internet providers to disclose to their customers information about network management practices, performance, and terms. The law goes into effect on June 6th.

At the national level. the US Senate is moving to a vote later this month that could block the FCC’s repeal of net neutrality. Today – Wednesday, May 9th – marks the start of a national “Red Alert” campaign on net neutrality. Many popular web sites will be displaying information designed to raise awareness and urge elected officials to vote to overturn the FCC’s decision. You can read more the Red Alert at https://www.battleforthenet.com and find out how to contact your elected officials about this upcoming vote.

Given that this week is also Digital Inclusion Week, it is especially important to remember that the loss of net neutrality is most detrimental to those who are already underserved by technology. Net neutrality is a critical component in ensuring that the most vulnerable populations have access to the information and services they need to fully participate in their community and in civic life. Here in Seattle, our commitment to digital inclusion via our Digital Equity Initiative and our commitment to preserving net neutrality go hand-in-hand. Help us by speaking up and by contacting your elected officials in DC about this important issue.

Technology Matching Fund Workshops: In Case You Missed It

Three workshops held recently for the Technology Matching Fund Grant (TMF) program provided valuable information for potential applicants. Couldn’t attend a session? No problem! Here’s a quick overview of the information presented:

What are the Technology Matching Fund Grants?

Each year the City of Seattle awards funds to organizations with community-driven projects that support digital equity. This year, around $400,000 will be awarded in grants of up to $50,000. Applicants must be working towards fulfilling the top goals of the program including:

Providing devices and technical support. This could include anything from smart phones to laptops. Many computer labs have been financially supported by TMF grants, but all device-driven projects are encouraged to apply.
Connectivity. Having access to the Internet is a major factor in improving digital equity.
Digital Skills Training. Knowledge is power in the world of technology. Projects that work to improve computer literacy by offering training and instruction are qualities considered favorable in the application process.

To be eligible for a grant you must:

Seek to empower residents and communities with technology– especially those who are historically underserved or underrepresented.
Be a nonprofit or community group with a project located in Seattle.
Have a project that can be implemented September 2018 through November 2019.
Be able to match your award with contributions from the community (volunteer time, donated materials, donated professional services or cash).

Frequently Asked Questions from the Workshops:

My organization is not a 501 (c) 3. Can we still apply?
Yes, you can apply without a 501 (C) 3 status, but you will need to secure a fiscal sponsor by the time of contracting, which is usually in September or October.

We are working with a Fiscal Sponsor on our project. What is the going rate for those services?
Fiscal sponsors typically charge 3%-15%, to fiscally manage a project. You can include this as an expense on your project. If your Fiscal Sponsor waives their fee, you can count the value of the services as match.

My organization received a Tech Matching Fund grant last year. Can I apply again this year?
Yes, you may apply each year for a new project or an expansion of an existing project. We will not fund on-going operations for an organization.

My project will benefit Seattle residents, but my organization is not located in the City of Seattle. Can we apply?
No, an organization must be located in the City of Seattle to receive funds. You may be a partner in the project, but you cannot receive the funds directly.

My organization is a school. Can we apply for funding?
Yes, with a few limitations. The project must be for an after-school program or it should clearly involve community members besides the students. The application must come from a PTSA or other non-profit organization that you partner with.

We currently have a computer lab. Can we use the value of the computers as match?
No, you cannot count existing equipment currently used by your organization as a match. You can, however, count any new contributions that will be used specifically for the project as a match.

We received a Neighborhood Matching Fund grant? Can we use this as match?
No, you cannot match City funds with other City funds. You can list it as “sources not count as match” in your budget.

How are projects selected for funding?
An external review panel rates your proposal using the following criteria: Meets program goals (20 points), Budget (20 points), Project Clarity (20 points), Community Partnerships (15 points), Community Benefit (15 points) and Evaluation (10 points).

Click the image below to watch a series of videos produced by the Seattle Channel about the TMF program’s history

Technology Matching Fund Grants 2018 timeline:

Ready to apply? Click here

Questions? Email

Delia Burke
Vicky Yuki
David Keyes
Chance Hunt

Follow City of Seattle’s Community Technology Team on and

Follow City of Seattle’s Information Technology Dept. on and

Seattle to hold Digital Literacy Network meet-ups

Do you want to work together to push forward shared interests in cultivating a more digital literate Seattle for K-12 students, young adults, adults, and senior citizens? Come join us Nov 13, 15, or 17 to share your work and ideas for collaborating to improve digital skills for the community you work with. The Seattle Information Technology Department (Seattle IT) and the City’s Community Technology Advisory Board (CTAB) are convening two in-person and one online session to explore a digital literacy network.

The idea for a digital literacy network or something similar came up in the community input as we were developing Seattle’s Digital Equity Initiative. Similar groups have formed elsewhere, including Kansas City’s Coalition for Digital Inclusion Alliance and Philadelphia’s Digital Literacy Alliance. These coalitions are helping market educational opportunities, train trainers, recruit and place volunteers, develop funding, identify skills standards and assessment tools, exchange curriculum, and/or increase awareness of the need for digital literacy. These efforts can complement other broadband, education, STEM, immigrant/refugee, or social service coalitions. They involve a range of community based organizations, companies, public agencies, schools, foundations, and community members.

Seattle IT and CTAB are hosting three meet-ups the week of November 13-17 to learn who wants to be involved and what the needs and priorities would be. One meet-up will be in the north end, one in the south/west area, and one will be virtual (phone/internet).

Please join us for one of these dates:

Monday, November 13, 9-10:30 a.m. at Literacy Source, 3200 NE 125th St, Seattle, WA
Wednesday, November 15, 10-11:30 a.m. at Delridge Community Center, 4501 Delridge Way SW, Seattle, WA
Friday, November 17, 12-1 p.m. virtual meeting online

If you’re interested, please RSVP to david.keyes@seattle.gov with your name, organization, and which meet-up you would like to participate in. Please let us know if you need special accommodations or an interpreter. Feel free to invite others!

Seattle Information Technology recognized at NATOA Awards in Seattle

Pictured from left to right: Brian Roberts, Jose Vasquez, Delia Burke, Jim Loter, Chance Hunt, Vicky Yuki, Derrick Hall, David Keyes, Chris Alejana, Gabriel Garcia

Big honors were given out to Seattle IT at this year’s annual conference of the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) which took place in Seattle in September. The Digital Engagement Team was honored with two awards. Seattle IT’s Strategic Plan for Facilitating Equitable Access to Wireless Broadband was awarded the 2017 Community Broadband Strategic Plan of the Year. The Technology Matching Fund was awarded the 2017 Community Broadband Digital Equity Project of the Year.

Seattle Channel was named among the best municipal television stations in the nation when it received the prestigious Excellence in Government Programming along with eight other programming awards, including five first-place wins for programming.

Also recognized at the NATOA conference was Tony Perez, director of Seattle’s Office of Cable Communications. Perez, immediate past president and longtime member of NATOA’s Board of Directors, received NATOA’s 2017 Member of the Year award for his contributions to the field, including his leadership, policy development and strategic advice to ensure that communities benefit from the transformational nature of broadband technology.

NATOA is a national association representing the needs and interests of local governments in the areas of communications, broadband and technology. NATOA’s annual government programming awards honor excellence in broadcast, cable, multimedia and electronic programming produced by local government agencies. This year, NATOA received more than 900 entries submitted in 65 categories by local governments across the country.