Devices Grant Program 2024

Devices Grants are offered to support devices, like computers, on which someone accesses the internet. Lack of such a device and the skills to use it are barriers to internet access, even when there is plenty of network capacity available to connect to. Donor Name: KC Digital Inclusion Fund State: Kansas, Missouri County: Cass County (MO), Clay County (MO), Jackson County (MO), Johnson County (KS), Leavenworth County (KS), Miami County (KS), Platte County (MO), Ray County (MO), Wyandotte County (KS) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: Desktop computers, laptop computers, tablets, and smartphones are all types of devices that are used to access the internet and are eligible devices for this grant program. Other devices that may help expand or deliver the network—like hotspots, routers, or servers—are not eligible for this grant. This grant is intended to support user interface devices, not actual connectivity, so while phones may be eligible, data plans are not. The DIF aims to advance a more systemic strategy toward addressing the digital divide, fill specific programmatic gaps, signal strong ongoing community commitment to this work, attract new local money to this cause beyond existing funders, and strengthen Kansas City’s competitiveness for state and federal dollars.  Funding Priorities The DIF will support projects related to providing access to technology, digital literacy training, internet connectivity solutions, and other initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide. Priority will be given to projects that target populations with limited access to technology and digital resources. Devices Grants should:  Align to a specific program, not just to an organization or a covered population.  Help outcome-oriented direct-service organizations overcome technology barriers to better fulfill their mission. Focus Area  Access to Network Funding Information Funding available up to $75,000 Award Range $1,000 – $20,000. Grant Period Up to 6 months (to be completed by March 31, 2025). Eligibility Criteria To be eligible, applicants must be direct-serving 501(c)(3) public charities, educational or governmental entities serving people in need within the 9-county Greater Kansas City region (Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte and Ray in Missouri, and Johnson, Leavenworth, Miami, and Wyandotte in Kansas).  Applications are evaluated by a panel of reviewers selected by the Fund’s appointed Advisory Council. Grantees are notified by KC Digital Drive of award status via email on/around August 26, 2024. Announcements are made public on the DIF website, and via other media. The grant period of performance may vary by Grantee, but should be completed by March 31, 2025. For more information, visit KCRDIN.