The reopened Kansas City Area Fund is expected to help residents struggling with a lack of simple technology resources. The Internet and the opportunities that come with it are already easily accessible devices that are taken for granted among our neighbors. .
Thanks to the KC Digital Inclusion Fund Device Grants program, 11 nonprofit organizations in the region recently received funding to purchase devices for students, social services clients, seniors, patients, residents, parishioners, members, and parents. We won a total of $75,000.
KC Digital Drive’s Aaron Deacon sits on stage at the 2022 event celebrating KC Digital Drive’s 10th anniversary. Photo by Channa Steinmetz, Startland News
Many community organizations work tirelessly to support the individuals and families they serve, but lack the resources to provide technology that makes a big difference in the lives of their clients. is the Managing Director of KC Digital Drive and the Fund’s Advisory Board.
“The large number of applicants who applied far in excess of available funding demonstrates needs that have a wide and profound impact,” he said. “When we relaunched the fund in June, we started with device grants because they are essential to connecting people to digital opportunities.”
“If you don’t have a device, you’re just left out of the digital economy,” Deacon added.
ICYMI: Digital Inclusion Fund relaunches with first device-focused grant
In the Kansas City metropolitan area, 158,000 households (19%) do not have a desktop or laptop computer at home. This is fully 25% less than high-income households. 17% of low-income individuals rely solely on smartphones, compared to 5% of other individuals.
Not having a computer at home is a significant barrier to getting an education, developing workforce skills and accessing health care, Deacon said. The KC Digital Inclusion Fund Devices Grants program aims to address this gap by providing the most needed electronic devices to those who need them most.
Black Family Technology Awareness Association (BFTAA) grantee Rosalyn Sykes teaches a class on digital literacy. Participants will be given a laptop device upon successful completion of 15 hours of training. Photo provided by: KC Digital Drive
According to the fund, 2023 device grantees will demonstrate a clear need for technical support and maximize impact on an external review panel comprised of entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and industry experts. The company has laid out strong plans to integrate these devices into its programs.
The winners are:
Applications were reviewed by an external panel of reputable nonprofit and corporate experts familiar with the challenges of the digital divide.
“It’s clear that the digital divide remains very large for many in our community, and I’m inspired by like-minded organizations and leaders who continue to work together and work together to reduce that divide.” said Kayleigh Peil, Director of Development. Linda Hall Science, Engineering, and Technology Library. “Participating in the screening and selection process was very impactful for me as I always seek to better understand the needs of the community.”
In terms of numbers:
43 organizations applied for funding Requested a total of $592,482 in funding Requested 1,318 devices 11 eligible organizations applied for a total of $75,000 in funding
KC Digital Drive will lead the fund, which will be managed by the Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City with an advisory board and will be funded by $175,000 provided by Health Forward Foundation, Kauffman Foundation, Kansas Health Foundation, and GFiber (Google Fiber). We helped raise initial funds.
Two additional grant cycles will be funded later this year, including IT support and new digital skills courses.
