The City of Seattle’s Technology Matching Fund (TMF) is now open for applications for the 2025 funding cycle, offering digital equity grants aimed at closing the digital divide and promoting technology access across underserved and underrepresented communities. These grants are a crucial element of Seattle's Digital Equity Program, which seeks to empower residents and enhance their technology skills for civic engagement, cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services. The initiative builds on a longstanding commitment to digital equity, with over $7 million awarded since the fund's inception in 1997. The program honors Bill Wright, a community leader who advanced digital access in Seattle’s Central District.

The 2025 funding timeline begins with the acceptance of applications on October 15, 2024. A preliminary application deadline is set for November 13, 2024, and the final application deadline is December 16, 2024. Award notifications will be made in March 2025. Applicants must submit their proposals through the City’s FLUXX portal, using the Chrome browser for an optimized experience. The portal requires creating an account, verifying it via email, and following specific instructions for submission.

Eligible projects should focus on community-driven approaches to improving digital equity, aligning with the city's goals of increasing access to technology, internet services, and digital literacy training. Grants are designed to support initiatives that address historical and ongoing barriers to technology access, ensuring that all Seattle residents can participate in the digital landscape. Special consideration is given to programs that integrate holistic support for diverse populations, thereby advancing the city’s Internet for All framework.

To assist applicants, the City of Seattle will host several informational sessions between October 28 and November 1, 2024. These sessions will provide an overview of the grant process and offer opportunities to engage with potential partners, including community organizations, city agencies, and library representatives. Interested parties can join the sessions via WebEx links provided by the city.

Organizations seeking guidance on the application process or requiring technical assistance can contact the Community Technology team at communitytechnology@seattle.gov. The TMF program encourages applicants to propose solutions that not only address immediate technology needs but also foster sustainable improvements in digital access for historically marginalized communities.