The City of Austin’s Grant for Technology Opportunities Programs (GTOPs) offers $400,000 a year through four distinct grant pathways. GTOPs was created to encourage and extend digital equity  through new and creative community initiatives. The Core grant, the largest grant pathway, is now open and accepting letters of interest until Jan. 8, 2023 from nonprofits operating in the Austin area.  

Local nonprofits can submit a maximum of three letters of interest for the GTOPs Core grant. Once the letters are reviewed and feedback given on those ideas, interested local nonprofits can submit one application.

“Our GTOPs grants have made a tremendous difference in the community,” said Rondella Hawkins, the City of Austin’s Telecommunications and Regulatory Affairs Officer. “It’s provided seed money and assistance to set up computer literacy classes, help with workforce development and job placement as well as providing computer devices for those in need.”

The four grant pathways are:

• GTOPs Core – awards up to $275,000 a year with grants awarded between $10,000 and $35,000 per organization. It is geared towards larger organizations working on a new program or intensive project. The Core grant application deadline is Feb. 12, 2023.
• GTOPs Mini – awards up to $50,000 a year with grants between $5000 and $10,000 a year. It is designed to support smaller organizations working on a shorter-term digital inclusion project. The applications process begins April 1, 2023.
• GTOPs Capacity – a non-client-serving micro grant of $25,000 a year. It awards between $150 to $2,500 to help nonprofits build capacity by funding technology infrastructure, staff training and development opportunities. Interested local nonprofits can begin applying May 1.
• GTOPs Connect – awards one $50,000 grant to an organization helping individuals and families eligible for Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) benefits. This support can be monthly internet cost support, device support, or support with signing up for the ACP program. June 23, 2023 is the first date that applications can be submitted.

Additional information and help, including a video with grant writing tips, is available at Grant for Technology Opportunities Program | AustinTexas.gov

Since its inception in 2001, the City of Austin has awarded more than $3 million in matching GTOPs grants to 197 organizations. The GTOPs community investments were combined with other funds resulting in $13 million worth of unique initiatives and projects for expanding digital inclusion in Austin. These include workforce development programs, creative media training, computer labs, STEM programming and technology training programs for people with learning challenges.