Grant For Technology Opportunities Program

The Grant for Technology Opportunities Program (GTOPs) is administered by the City of Austin’s Community Technology division. This program is designed to increase the community’s ability to participate fully in the digital society by supporting local nonprofit organizations with funding and resources. GTOPs is structured around the City of Austin’s commitment to digital equity, ensuring that residents have access to internet connectivity, digital devices, and the necessary skills to navigate technology effectively. The program was created to help close the digital divide within Austin and to empower communities through improved access and digital literacy. The purpose of GTOPs is to provide matching grant funds to Austin-based nonprofit organizations for projects that create opportunities for digital inclusion. Projects supported under this program must align with the City’s goals of expanding access to the internet, devices, and knowledge necessary for participation in modern digital society. The program specifically encourages innovative approaches that advance digital opportunities and address disparities in technology access and usage. GTOPs seeks to support organizations in increasing community members’ usage of communication technologies, enhancing digital skills, and fostering internet adoption. The funding program is divided into four pathways designed to accommodate projects of varying scope and scale. Core funding awards range between $10,000 and $35,000 and support larger projects. Mini funding awards range between $5,000 and $10,000 and are intended for smaller initiatives. Capacity funding provides smaller grants between $150 and $2,500 to help organizations strengthen their internal ability to deliver digital inclusion programs. Organizations may only receive one award per pathway in a given year. In total, the program allocates $400,000 annually across all pathways. Awards are granted to projects that clearly demonstrate alignment with GTOPs’ vision of equitable digital participation. Eligibility for GTOPs is limited to nonprofit organizations operating in Austin. The program does not extend funding to individuals, businesses, or government entities. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that their projects directly benefit Austin residents by improving access to internet services, providing devices, or offering training and education in digital skills. Each application is reviewed for how well it addresses GTOPs’ goals of digital access, adoption, and literacy. Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to review program materials, attend informational sessions, and seek guidance from program staff when needed. The application process requires interested organizations to submit proposals through the City of Austin’s portal. Specific deadlines and timelines vary by funding pathway and cycle, and applicants are encouraged to monitor the GTOPs website for updated schedules. As of now, no specific open or close dates were provided in the available material. Applications are reviewed by community grant reviewers and City staff to ensure alignment with program objectives and to evaluate the potential impact of the proposed projects. Evaluation criteria emphasize demonstrated community need, project feasibility, and alignment with digital equity goals. Key contact information is available for applicants who need assistance. The primary point of contact is Jesse Rodriguez, Business Process Specialist, who can be reached at 512-974-7676. The program’s offices are located at the DeWitty Center, 2209 Rosewood Avenue, Austin, Texas 78702, with mailing address at PO Box 1088, Austin, Texas 78767. Support is available Monday through Friday during business hours. Applicants are encouraged to reach out with questions or to request clarification on program requirements. Overall, GTOPs provides an important mechanism for supporting local nonprofits in their efforts to close the digital divide. By offering multiple funding pathways, the program accommodates a range of project sizes and organizational capacities. Its emphasis on matching funds ensures that community organizations share in the investment, while the program’s structure fosters accountability and impact. GTOPs plays a vital role in advancing the City of Austin’s vision of a digitally inclusive community where all residents have the tools and knowledge to participate fully in society.

tips and tricks are available, and a GTOPs 2022 launch webinar can be accessed for further understanding of the process.