Digital Inclusion Fund

Charitable fund led by KC Digital Drive and administered at the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation

A MORE CONNECTED COMMUNITY

Driving toward digital equity in the KC region

Based on findings from a recent funding landscape analysis white paper, KC Digital Drive is leading the fund’s relaunch effort in 2024 to support 501(c)(3) public charities, educational or governmental entities that focus on digital inclusion access, affordability and adoption to increase participation in digital society for Kansas City’s most underserved and/or disconnected residents. Initial funding is from the Health Forward Foundation, Kauffman Foundation, Kansas Health Foundation and Google Fiber.

The Fund is a charitable fund led by KC Digital Drive and administered at the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation with an Advisory Council that includes Dred Scott, President, Civic Council of Greater Kansas City; CiCi Rojas, President, Tico Productions; Adriana Pecina, Impact Strategist, Health Forward Foundation; Rachel Merlo, Head of Government and Community Affairs (Central + OC, CA), GFiber; and Aaron Deacon, Managing Director, KC Digital Drive.

In 2024, the Fund will grant up to $250,000 across 3 funding cycles in these areas:

Devices – applications open June 3
I.T. Support – applications open August 1
New Courses – applications open October 1

Each cycle has its own request for applications, application requirements and evaluation criteria. KC Digital Drive will provide applicant support through informational events, office hours and 1:1 assistance leading up to each grant cycle; and will provide tech support, and evaluation and reporting assistance to all grantees.

To learn more and apply online, visit kcdif.org.

Devices Grants Application Support: Office Hours

Tuesdays 9-11am on Zoom
Thursdays 9-11am at Park39

June 4 to July 11; Contact Leah Henriksen at lhenriksen at kcdigitaldrive dot org for more information.

History of the Fund:

Originally established in 2013 to address digital literacy and technology access, the Fund provided just under $1 million to 33 grantees over 5 cycles with funding from Google Fiber (or GFiber), the Sprint Foundation, The Illig Family Foundation, Polsinelli, Global Prairie and JE Dunn.

2024 Funders

Health Foward Foundation

Kansas Health Foundation

Kauffman Foundation

Google Fiber

Related News

From Tax Help to Tech Clinics: How Education Leaders Are Closing the Digital Divide

The Kansas City Coalition for Digital Inclusion (KCCDI) gathered for its May 2025 meeting with a focus on how digital access impacts the delivery of essential services. Speakers from the University of Missouri Extension, the City of Kansas City and LINC shared real-world examples of how digital barriers affect residents, and how local efforts are helping bridge the gap.

Devices Grants Tell Transformative Stories of Digital Access and Support (Part 1)

The KC Digital Inclusion Fund awarded $75,000 to expand digital opportunities for clients of 11 eligible nonprofit organizations, fostering a sustainable ecosystem for residents of Kansas City. These grant funds helped job seekers, youth, individuals in reentry, and seniors gain skills and access, showing how technology can create opportunity, independence, and improved quality of life.

Discovering the Power of Assistive Tools for Computer Access

KC Digital Drive created three short videos showcasing the Missouri Assistive Technology Demo Site at the LAMP Campus. These videos highlight adaptive tools like specialized keyboards, mice, and communication devices. The goal is to raise awareness and encourage community members to explore assistive tech for community partner’s staff and clients to promote accessibility.

Computer Repair Event by Per Scholas

Jun 2, 2025

Event Date: June 2nd, 2025 Time: 4:00 – 6:00 PM Location: Digital Services & Support Center LAMP Campus (1801 Linwood Blvd) Admission: Free __________ Per Scholas is here to help you with your technology problems! Come visit the Digital Services & Support Center on the first Monday of every month to help get your computer repaired. […]