The Bill Wright Technology Matching Fund (TMF)

We are no longer accepting applications for the 2009 TMF. The next grant round with be in the spring of 2010.

TMF Program Information

This program is administered by the Community Technology Program of the City of Seattle Department of Information Technology and is funded with cable franchise fees. The Technology Matching Fund (the TMF) grant program was established in 1997 to support the 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 will be "matched" by cash from the Technology Matching Fund. Funds are provided on a reimbursement basis.

In 2004 the City named the Technology 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.

Program Goals

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.

Funds Available

The fund has one application cycle per year. The City will award grants of up to $20,000 from a total fund of $250,000 in 2009. Grants are awarded for distinct projects that can be completed within one year. You will be required to match the value of the City's money with cash time or other contributions. Your match must be equal or greater than the amount you are requesting from the fund.

Eligiblity Requirements

The following groups are eligible to apply for Technology Matching Funds:

• 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations located in Seattle serving Seattle residents
• Nonprofits who are not 501(c)3 designated, but who have a fiscal agent
• Ad hoc groups of residents who form organizations to work on a specific projects
• Community councils, neighborhood associations, or groups of businesses that draws their memberships from a commonly recognized geographic neighborhoods in Seattle
• Community-based organizations with a majority of its members residing or operating in Seattle and who seek to improve the quality of life for a particular community in Seattle

Applicant groups must have a non-discrimination membership policy and actively seek the involvement of community members and/or business proprietors.

The following groups are not eligible to apply directly for funds:

Non eligible groups may participate as partners or contribute match to the projects of eligible applicants.

The following kinds of projects are not eligible for funding:

• Projects that duplicate an existing private or public program
• Projects that conflict with existing City policy. For more information on the City’s Charter, Municipal Code and legislation
• Civic engagement projects that seek only to increase lobbying for a particular position

Application Scoring

A committee made up of Seattle residents from the City's Citizens Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Board (CTTAB) will review your application. They will rate your proposal using a set of selection criteria. Review this criteria to help create a strong application. The committee will then select finalists to be invited to an interview. This step helps the review committee learn more about the projects and clarify any questions they may have. After all the interviews, award decisions will be made.

Application Submission

Your application package must include the Application Form and Budget Spreadsheet and attachments, if applicable.

You may include other materials to help reviewers better understand your proposal and strengthen your appplication. Some examples of useful attachments include:

• Community support letters
• Volunteer pledge sheets
• Current program schedule of classes
• List of existing equipment
• Equipment purchases showing budget research
• Brochures, flyers or other promotional materials

You may add space as necessary to complete the questions on the forms. You can submit your application by email or in a hard copy format. We request that you please email as much of your application as possible

Deliver your application to:

Delia Burke, Technology Matching Fund Manager
City of Seattle, Department of Information Technology
700 5th Avenue, Suite 2700
P.O. Box 94709
Seattle, WA 98124-4709
communitytechnology@seattle.gov
206-233-2751

You can also submit your application to a Neighborhood Service Center. For a list of Neighborhood Service Center locations.

All applications must be easy to photocopy. Do not staple or bind hard copy applications.

Application Assistance

Community Technology staff is available to help in the following ways:

• Proposal Review
  
  If you would like the Community Technology staff to review your proposal prior to the application deadline, please call Delia Burke at (206) 233-2751 or email delia.burke@seattle.gov. We will provide feedback on ways to strengthen your proposal.



• Questions?
  
  If you have questions about the grant program or would like to discuss your project idea, please contact Delia Burke at (206) 233-2751 or delia.burke@seattle.gov, or other Community Technology Program staff.
  
  

Download the 2009 Application Forms and Guidelines

2009 Application Form (Word)
2009 Guidelines and Resources (PDF)
2009 Budget Form (Excel)

Granting Timeline

Following are key dates for the 2009 Technology Matching Fund cycle:

Looking for Ideas and Project Examples?

You can take a look at descriptions of the projects funded in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. We have also compiled some examples to illustrate possible projects. The Neighborhood Matching Fund database also offers useful descriptions of completed Neighborhood Matching Fund projects. For technology projects, search for specific technologies (i.e., computers or video). You can also review a list of CTCs in the area if you are interested in partnering with an existing technology provider.

Other City Funding Opportunities

Many departments in the City offer funding opportunities for your projects.