Bill Wright Technology Matching Fund
Frequently Asked Questions

My organization is a school, can we apply for funds?

You cannot apply directly as a school for TMF funds. However, another organization such as a parent group, PTA or other nonprofit organization working on the project can apply. Generally, the TMF doesn't fund in school projects and infrastructure. It will fund projects that have a wider community impact, engaging students and/or community members.

My organization is located outside the City of Seattle, but my project will serve Seattle residents, can we apply for funds?

No, the organization applying for TMF funds must be located within the City of Seattle.

My organization does not have a 501 (c) (3) status, can we apply?

Yes, you are eligible to apply to the TMF, but you must have a fiscal sponsor for your project. You may select another group or individual to act as your fiscal agent. An individual can serve as your fiscal agent provided the person obtains a tax identification number and files an additional form with the IRS at the end of the year. It is more usual to arrange with a non-profit organization to act as your fiscal agent. Your project fiscal agent can either charge you for the service or donate time as a neighborhood in-kind match. The cost of fiscal agent services can be included in your project budget.

My organization has already received a Tech Matching Fund grant, can we apply again?

Yes, there is no restriction if you have already received a TMF grant. However, the TMF does not fund ongoing operations for an organization. It will pay for costs for new and distinct projects, as well as for the second phase or expansion of a project.

My project is located in a religious institution, are we eligible for funds?

Religious organizations are not eligible to apply for funds. However, a nonprofit organization participating in the project can apply. The applicant group must have a non-discrimination membership policy and actively seek the involvement of community members.

My project will have paid staff and contractors working on the project. If the same people also volunteer their time, can I count this as match?

It depends. When someone gets paid for one activity and volunteers providing a different service, you can count it as match. However, if they get paid and volunteer for the same service, you cannot count the extra volunteer time as match. If a contractor discounts services on your project, you can count the discounted portion as a match as long as you can demonstrate what the normal professional rate would have been. If your organization's paid staff contributes time to a project and is not reimbursed by the TMF, you can count this as match. Typically this match will come from cash from another grant or the organization's operating budget.

My project has received funds from the City of Seattle's Neighborhood Matching Fund, can we apply to the TMF too?

Yes, you may apply for funds from the TMF providing that you ask for funding for different aspects of the project. You cannot you cannot get funds from both the TMF and the NMF for the same budget items in your project.

Can I count the computers I'm using now in the space for the project as a match?

No, you cannot count existing equipment currently used by your organization as a match. You can, however, count any contributions that are new and used specifically for the project as a match. Another option is to determine the actual use of the computers by calculating their depreciated costs, but this is usually not worth it.

Can I include the value of the physical space of my project as a match?

You cannot count the physical location as a match, unless you rent new space specifically for the project and the space is used for the project alone. You may include the increase in facilities expenses incurred by the project, such as higher utility fees or additional janitorial services.

Will the TMF fund the creation of a website for my organization?

The TMF will fund a website project if it includes a clear educational component to increase technology literacy for your organization or your clients. TMF will also fund a website project that will be used for the purpose of community problem solving, civic engagement or community building.

Does the TMF fund projects that use technology other than computers and the Internet?

Yes, the TMF funds a broad range of projects that use computers and the Internet, as well as a variety of multimedia tools, assistive and adaptive equipment, handheld devices and other technologies.