Technolgy Matching Fund - Match Requirements

The Technology Matching Fund grant program requires a $1 to $1 match from the applicant organization. For example, if you request $5,000 grant, you must prove that your organization can come up with a matching contribution valued at $5,000 or more.

Your total match package can include items from any combination of the following categories:

In kind match:

• Volunteer labor valued at $15 per hour
• Professional services valued at the "reasonable and customary rate"
• Materials or supplies such as computers, furniture, software, or paper
• Additional cost of utilities for the space for your project
• Staff time dedicated to the project, but not paid for by TMF funds

Cash match:

• Money that you have collected and approved for use on your project
• Money that you will raise during the course of your project by fundraising
• Grants received from other foundations for your project

Match Restrictions

You are allowed to include $150 for application preparation in your match package (10 hours x $15 per hour)

The match can be in a different category than the money you are requesting. For example, a $5,000 grant to buy equipment can be matched with $3,000 in volunteer training time and $2000 in donated software.

Your match must be appropriate to the goals of your project.

You must obtain your match during the life of the project - neither before an award is made nor after the contract has ended. The one exception is for design work that was necessary to complete the proposal.

Your entire match cannot come from a single institution, like the school district or governmental agency. We recommend that at least 25% of your match come from the community you are serving.

The following sources are not eligible as match:

• Grant funding from other City of Seattle programs
• Staff time paid by other City departments
• Assistance from City staff to prepare your proposal
• Costs associated with an ongoing existing program
• Your time spent preparing your proposal in excess of 10 hours ($150 maximum)
• If you are paying someone with funds from the Technology Matching Fund, you cannot count any extra time or volunteer time that they spend on the project as a part of your match.

Match Documentation

Following are some examples of ways to demonstrate that your cash match, in-kind materials, and/or volunteer time is secured:

• Pledge letters or emails from individuals and organizations promising to donate time, materials or money to the project
• A written fundraising plan to secure additional project funds
• Copies of bank statements or checks
• Grant award letters
• Invoices for items secured for the project