Delaware Technology Access Project

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1999-2000 Grants grants awarded

GRANT GUIDELINES
There is a wide concern in the United States about ensuring that there will be broad community access to information technology and that no groups will be excluded. Being able to use and have access to computers to communicate, obtain information, and receive services from public and nonprofit agencies has become necessary for individuals. To make this possible it is necessary to build computer mediated telecommunication networks that create links among and between people at the neighborhood level; public and community service organizations; and educational and government institutions.

The primary objectives of the grants awarded under the Technology Access Project were to foster innovation and encourage cooperation among nonprofits, schools and libraries, neighborhood groups, governmental agencies and the private sector in promoting technology access in low-income communities. We're looking for potential solutions. The initial size of the grant making pool was $50,000, which was awarded to one or more organizations based on a two-stage, competitive process.

The Delaware Community Foundation only awards grants for charitable purposes to non-profit organizations having a 501(c)(3) designation by the Internal Revenue Service. Agencies must serve the state of Delaware and its residents without discrimination based on race, religion, gender, age, national origin or sexual orientation. No grants were made available to individuals.

GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS
There were no preconceived notions of how best to achieve our objectives. We intended to have a participatory grant making process and all concept papers and applications were considered public information. The process for awarding grants under the Technology Access Project comprised two phases:

1. Concept Papers
The first phase of the application process was submitting a concept paper on the proposed initiative. This was a one or two page narrative, not exceeding 1000 words. Papers included a statement of purpose, supporting rationale and prospective partners with detail provided on any specific target populations and implementation strategies. All concept papers received by January 28, 2000, were posted onto the Technology Access Project's website. Potential applicants were encouraged to read their competitors papers and either define their unique circumstances or begin looking at ways that efforts might be coordinated. It was hoped that this would become an evolutionary, value-added process.

2. Applications
Based on the final concept papers posted some or all interested parties were invited to apply for funding. The core of this application was the concept paper, as submitted or modified. Additional information included the designation of a funding agency, letters of endorsement from related partners, and budget detail. Final applications and supporting materials were due by February 11, 2000.

The Technology Access Project announced its grant awards at the "The Bridge Builders Conference Over the Digital Divide," which was held on February 17th and 18th, 2000, at the Wyndham Hotel in Wilmington.

ONCE A GRANT WAS RECEIVED
All grantees were required to submit a summary report and financial statement of activities to the Delaware Community Foundation within a year of receipt of a grant award. Funds could only be used for the purposes for which they were requested.

GRANTS AWARDED

Program Title Organization Contact

The Magic Web Latin American Community Center Mary Jo D'Angelo

Information Processing Center for Children Wilmington Free Library and Continental Guys Dr. Clarence Faulcon

Training Center for the Economically Challenged Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware George Krupinski

Networking Seniors Newark Senior Center Jean Williams

Training for Computer and Internet Access with Low-Income Home Purchase Program Brandywine Gateway Neighbors Alice Walker

Urban Cyber Café Christina Cultural Arts Center Rhonda Tsoi-A-Fatt and Kim Graham

Digital Learning Plus DiamondNet Steve Peuquet and Tom Campbell

OTHER NON-FUNDED PROJECT APPLICANTS

Application Title Organization Contact

Financial Literacy and Internet Technology for Everyone (FLITE) First USA Laura Scanlan

Expand Access to Online Databases Sussex Libraries and Delaware Technical & Community College Shirin Jamasb

Question and Answer Technical Support Project Education Connection (WHYY) Jay Cohen

Crossing the Digital Divide to Better Health Delaware Academy of Medicine Judy Gavatos

Enterprise Community Technology Center Network Catalyst Project - Wilmington Enterprise Community Jim Walker and Tim Gibbs