Digital Inclusion Fund Relaunches with Initial Grants Focused on Devices

Kansas City Plans to Bridge the Metro’s Digital Divide

The city of Kansas City sees an urgent need to bridge its digital divide, as local organizers relaunch the Digital Inclusion Fund with a focus on providing the city’s citizens with digital devices. The fund aims to offer up to $250,000 in grants across three cycles in 2024 for 501(c)(3) public charities, including schools, churches, and governmental entities. The first grant cycle, set to commence on June 3, is specifically focused on devices.

According to the Digital Inclusion Fund organizers, “Devices are a prerequisite for participating in digital life and are a fixed, hard cost that providers often don’t have the budget to cover”. This impending device grant aims to cover these costs and ensure digital accessibility across the city. These efforts are supported by the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, the Health Forward Foundation, the Kauffman Foundation, the Kansas Health Foundation, and Google Fiber.

Upcoming Grant Cycles

The Digital Inclusion Fund has two more grant cycles planned for 2024, following the initial device grant circle. The second cycle, which will start on Aug. 1, is set to focus on Information Technology (IT) support, followed by new courses grants (scheduled for an Oct. 1 start). Each cycle will come with its unique request for applications, application requirements, and evaluation criteria.

Dedicated Support for the Applicants

The Kansas City Digital Drive, the leading force behind the Digital Inclusion Fund, plans to provide applicant support through informational events, office hours, and one-on-one assistance. Following the awarding of the grant, they will continue their support by offering tech assistance, as well as evaluation and reportage aid.

A Persistent Barrier: The Digital Divide

“The digital divide continues to be a persistent barrier to participation in society in all its forms — from workforce and the economy, to social and cultural life, from democracy and political decision-making, to education and healthcare”, said Aaron Deacon, managing director of KC Digital Drive. He emphasized that although technology and access are key factors, they alone won’t resolve the underlying issues — demonstrating the need for the multi-faceted, systemic strategy embodied by the Digital Inclusion Fund.

The Digital Inclusion Fund’s History

Established in 2013, the fund initially aimed to address technology access and digital literacy. During its lifetime, it provided almost $1 million to 33 beneficiaries across five cycles. The fund’s revival aims to extend its focus beyond merely seeking to improve access and affordability to facilitating adoption and participation in digital society.

Rich Partnership for the Revived Fund

The rebooted fund will work with several key community partners and an advisory council to better serve Kansas City’s most underserved and disconnected residents. The members of this advisory council include civic leaders, community strategists, and representatives from major corporations committed to digital inclusion.

As the city of Kansas City takes a proactive step towards minimizing the digital divide amongst its citizens, the success of the initiative will certainly shine a spotlight on the role of technology as a fundamental societal need and a strong promoter of inclusion.