The City of Seattle announces the 2026 recipients of its annual Technology Matching Fund (TMF) grants. This year, eleven community organizations will share $455,000 in funding to provide programs and services that help Seattle residents overcome barriers to accessing and using technology. 

The TMF program is a partnership between the City of Seattle and community organizations improving digital literacy and skills for underserved communities. Comcast and T-Mobile will also contribute to this year’s grants. The projects are expected to serve 20 different language groups. 

“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. We can do better. Our city’s Technology Matching Fund equips Seattle residents with powerful tools and key digital skills to help them thrive. To our neighbors: This is your city, and there’s a place for you here.” 
-Mayor Katie Wilson.

A recent report from the City, the Technology Access and Adoption Report, highlights the digital divide faced by certain groups, including low-income households, older adults, people with disabilities, BIPOC communities, and immigrants and refugees. Key findings include: 

  • Only 42% of individuals living in poverty report having basic digital skills, compared to 78% of all Seattle residents. 
  • 20% of individuals living in poverty share devices across their household, compared to just 5% of all Seattle residents. 
  • 89% of individuals living in poverty have internet access at home, compared to 98% of all Seattle residents. 

“These programs are reaching community members where they are—both in their neighborhoods and in their native languages—to deliver essential digital skills and training. From helping families stay connected with schools to equipping individuals with tools to secure jobs and build digital literacy, these initiatives are laying the groundwork for stronger, more connected families throughout our city.” 
–Council President Joy Hollingsworth highlighted

The Technology Matching Fund provides grants of up to $45,000 to qualifying non-profit organizations with digital equity projects. To receive funding, applicants must match at least 25% of their request with cash, volunteer time, or other contributions. This year, the community match for these projects totals $168,137.

Two people sitting on at a desk with a lab top computer and looking at a mobile phone together

“The Technology Matching Fund grants reflect a long-standing public commitment to digital equity, community partnership, and opportunity for all, especially for residents and neighborhoods that have too often faced barriers. We are grateful to the Community Technology Advisory Board, our Community Reviewers, the Department of Neighborhoods, Comcast, and T-Mobile for Government for helping make this year’s grants possible. We also appreciate CTAB’s continued guidance as we work to strengthen both community engagement and focus on outcomes in the years ahead. Congratulations to this year’s recipients for carrying forward such important work for the people of Seattle.”  
–Seattle Chief Technology Officer Rob Lloyd.

This year, 53 organizations submitted applications for TMF grants, which were carefully reviewed by community members. Organizations that were not selected are encouraged to reapply during the 2027 funding cycle. 

“At the Department of Neighborhoods, we believe communities themselves are best positioned to identify solutions that meet their needs. The Technology Matching Fund supports organizations that are helping neighbors build digital skills and access technology. These projects reflect the power of communities working together to make Seattle more inclusive and connected.” 
-Deputy Director Sam Read, Department of Neighborhoods.

Seattle Department of Neighborhoods partnered with Seattle IT to launch a collaborative pilot for this year’s Technology Matching Fund to expand outreach and increase applicant awareness in communities across the city.   

Kudos to the eleven organizations using this funding to empower communities across Seattle by providing digital literacy training, devices, technical support, digital navigator services, and internet connectivity. 

2026 Award Recipients 

  • Creation Culture, Youth Graphic Design Career Pipeline Program, $8,935 
  • Ada Developers Academy, Ada Build Live: Community, $45,000 
  • Horn of Africa Services, Digital Access and Navigation for East African Immigrants and Refugees, $45,000 
  • Chinese Information and Service Center, CISC’s Touch Screen Pilot Project, $44,928 
  • Per Scholas Seattle, Expanding Access to Technology Career Training in Seattle, $45,000 
  • Friends of Little Saigon, Little Saigon Small Business Digital Literacy Project, $44,979 
  • The IF Project, WE THRIVE Digital Access Initiative, $45,000 
  • Villa Comunitaria, Familias Digitales en Acción, $45,000 
  • Asian Counseling and Referral Service, Digital Literacy for the Community at ACRS, $45,000 
  • Renaissance 21, Project She/Her/HEALTH by STGA, $45,000  
  • Solid Ground Washington, Internet Access for Residents Exiting Homelessness, $41,266  

Technology Matching Fund Background 

The Technology Matching Fund program was established by Resolution 29673 and 31919 in 1997 to support the community’s efforts to close the digital divide and encourage a technology-healthy city. Over $7 million has been awarded since 1998. The fund continues the legacy of Bill Wright, a Central District community leader who embodied the program goals of creating digital equity and opportunities for all, and of using technology tools to engage residents, improve communications and strengthen communities. Bill Wright developed Midtown Commons, one of the early technology access and education centers in Seattle. 

Department of Neighborhoods 

Founded in 1991, the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON) serves as the bridge between City government and the communities of Seattle. DON helps residents access government resources, participate in decision-making, and take part in shaping the future of their neighborhoods. By fostering community leadership and investing in local solutions, DON builds stronger, more connected, and more equitable communities across Seattle.  

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