City of Seattle awards $455k in ‘Technology Matching Fund’ grants to support digital equity efforts

Seattle Powers Digital Equity: $455K in Tech Grants to Bridge the Digital Divide

In a bold move to combat the persistent digital divide, the City of Seattle has unveiled a $455,000 investment in digital equity through its Technology Matching Fund (TMF) program. This initiative, now in its 28th year, will support 11 community organizations across the city, empowering underserved populations with the digital tools, training, and connectivity they need to thrive in an increasingly online world.

The TMF program, launched in 1997 under the Seattle Department of Information Technology, has long served as a cornerstone of the city’s commitment to digital inclusion. This year’s awards are expected to reach 20 different language groups, delivering services such as digital literacy training, device distribution, technical support, digital navigator assistance, and internet connectivity to communities that have historically been left behind.

“Too many of our neighbors have been left behind by the digital divide, creating challenges for them to get an education, a higher-paying job, or find communities and express themselves,” said Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson in a statement. “These grants will help bridge that gap.”

The funded projects must meet a critical requirement: each organization is required to match at least 25% of its grant request with cash, volunteer time, or other contributions. This year’s community match totals $168,136.90, amplifying the impact of public dollars and reinforcing the spirit of collaboration at the heart of the TMF program.

A Competitive Field with High Stakes

This year’s call for proposals drew 53 applications, reflecting the growing demand for digital equity initiatives across Seattle. The selection process was rigorous, with proposals evaluated on their potential to address systemic barriers to technology access, their alignment with community needs, and their sustainability beyond the grant period.

Corporate partners Comcast and T-Mobile contributed to this year’s funding pool, underscoring the importance of public-private collaboration in addressing complex social challenges. Their involvement highlights a shared recognition that digital equity is not just a municipal issue, but a societal imperative.

Meet the 2026 TMF Grant Recipients

The 11 awardees represent a diverse cross-section of Seattle’s nonprofit ecosystem, each tackling digital inequity through innovative, community-driven approaches:

Creation Culture – Youth Graphic Design Career Pipeline Program ($8,935)
This micro-grant supports young creatives from underserved backgrounds, providing them with hands-on training in graphic design and digital media to prepare them for careers in the creative economy.

Ada Developers Academy – Ada Build Live: Community ($45,000)
Ada Developers Academy, a tuition-free coding bootcamp for women and gender-expansive adults, will expand its community outreach efforts, offering coding workshops and mentorship to aspiring technologists.

Horn of Africa Services – Digital Access and Navigation for East African Immigrants and Refugees ($45,000)
This project focuses on providing culturally relevant digital literacy training and device access to East African immigrants and refugees, many of whom face language and technological barriers.

Chinese Information and Service Center – CISC’s Touch Screen Pilot Project ($44,928)
CISC will pilot the use of touch-screen technology to deliver digital literacy training to elderly Chinese-speaking residents, many of whom are not familiar with traditional computer interfaces.

Per Scholas Seattle – Expanding Access to Technology Career Training in Seattle ($45,000)
Per Scholas will expand its tuition-free tech training programs, offering courses in software engineering and IT support to unemployed and underemployed Seattle residents.

Friends of Little Saigon – Little Saigon Small Business Digital Literacy Project ($44,979)
This initiative will provide digital skills training to small business owners in Seattle’s Little Saigon neighborhood, helping them leverage technology to grow their businesses and reach new customers.

The IF Project – WE THRIVE Digital Access Initiative ($45,000)
The IF Project, which supports currently and formerly incarcerated individuals, will provide digital literacy training and device access to help participants reintegrate into society and pursue educational and employment opportunities.

Villa Communitaria – Familias Digitales en Acción ($45,000)
This project will deliver bilingual digital literacy workshops to Latino families, focusing on empowering parents to support their children’s education and navigate online resources.

Asian Counseling and Referral Service – Digital Literacy for the Community at ACRS ($45,000)
ACRS will offer digital skills training to Asian and Pacific Islander communities, with a focus on older adults and immigrants who may face cultural and linguistic barriers.

Renaissance 21 – Project She/Her/HEALTH by STGA ($45,000)
This initiative will provide digital health literacy training to women of color, focusing on how to access and evaluate online health information and telemedicine services.

Solid Ground Washington – Internet Access for Residents Exiting Homelessness ($41,266)
Solid Ground will provide internet access and digital literacy training to individuals transitioning out of homelessness, helping them stay connected and access essential services.

A Model for the Nation

Seattle’s TMF program is widely regarded as a national model for municipal digital equity initiatives. By leveraging community partnerships, requiring matching funds, and focusing on underserved populations, the program ensures that public investments are both impactful and sustainable.

The diversity of this year’s awardees—spanning race, ethnicity, age, and technical focus—reflects Seattle’s commitment to an inclusive digital future. From supporting young graphic designers to empowering elderly immigrants, the funded projects address the multifaceted nature of the digital divide.

Looking Ahead

As the 2026 grant cycle concludes, the City of Seattle is already looking ahead to the next phase of its digital equity strategy. With the rapid evolution of technology and the increasing centrality of digital skills in everyday life, the need for programs like TMF will only grow.

The success of this year’s grantees will be closely monitored, with outcomes measured not just in terms of numbers served, but in the tangible improvements in participants’ lives—whether that’s a new job, a stronger connection to community, or the confidence to navigate an online world.

In a city known for its tech prowess, Seattle is proving that innovation isn’t just about the next app or gadget—it’s about ensuring that everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, has the opportunity to participate in the digital age.

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