Funding Sources

This list of possible funding sources serves as a starting point to look for funding. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or comprehensive list. 

 Community Technology
These sources specifically fund community technology programs or equipment. In the past, these sources have funded community technology in the traditional sense—nonprofits that operate computer labs for open access or for teaching residents how to use computers and the Internet. 

 Program Services
These sources fund services such after-school enrichment, job skills development, community development, health education, and civic participation–all services that community technology programs have provided. These funding sources are often overlooked by community technology activists because the funding source targets a specific type of service and may not mention technology specifically.  Many community technology programs have begun to apply for these types of funding as a way to broaden their funder base. When applying to these sources, it may be possible to demonstrate that technology can be used to more effectively provide a specific type of service.

 Community Foundations 
Because community technology is a relatively young field, community foundations may not know about community technology programs nor the value they can provide in neighborhoods.  It is worth inviting staff out to see what a center does and beginning conversations with them about potential funding.