Best Technology Grants in District of Columbia

Booz Allen Foundation

Empowering the next generation through advanced technology

Our mission is to leverage the power of advanced technology to improve generational resilience and inspire the future workforce.

At the Booz Allen Foundation, we’re dedicated to empowering human potential and driving wider social impact in a spirit of passionate service. Driven by a purpose to be a force for positive change, we help imagine, invent, and deliver new ways to better serve the public and the world. The Foundation was established in 2017 as a separate legal entity. It holds tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax code and is focused on empowering social change by uniting nonprofit, industry, and government partners.

Our Program Areas

Our philanthropic investments today focus on championing advanced technology readiness and literacy while maintaining a steadfast commitment to the safety and wellness of students. This commitment is ever-present in our drive for innovation

We focus on empowering military-connected youth with advanced technology skills to thrive in a digital future.

We’re focusing resources and efforts in specific neighborhoods in Washington, DC, and San Diego to amplify impact.

We’re proud to support amazing nonprofits that are committed to advancing technology readiness in their communities.

Training providers and workforce development organizations in the District of Columbia can seek funding to run IT and cybersecurity training and job placement programs for youth ages 18–24. The District of Columbia Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice offers up to US $200,000 to deliver certification-based training, mentorship, and employer-driven instruction in digital literacy and emerging technologies.

Local churches in the Kentucky Conference seeking support for stewardship, leadership development, or technology upgrades can apply for CFA Ministry Grants, with awards up to US $500 per project. Grants from the Kentucky Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church may benefit congregations enhancing AV technology and digital tools, including those serving communities similar to the District of Columbia.

U.S.-based nonprofits, fiscally sponsored projects, and eligible LLCs with budgets under $1 million working at the intersection of disability rights, justice, and technology can apply for Borealis Philanthropy’s DIF x Tech Fund, awarding US $25,000 - US $70,000. Organizations in the District of Columbia advancing technology access and digital literacy for disabled people may be strong candidates.

Hawaii high school graduates pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in medicine, science, technology, engineering, or mathematics at accredited U.S. colleges can receive scholarship support for their studies through the Otto & Aegun Hensens Educational Fund. Administered by Hawai'i Community Foundation, this need-based aid may benefit students from District of Columbia–area schools who meet Hawaii residency and graduation requirements.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on STEM education, digital literacy, technology, and workforce skills can seek support for projects in the District of Columbia and across C Spire’s service region. Focused on strengthening tech education and broadband access, the C Spire Wireless Foundation invites proposals that build a stronger, tech-ready workforce.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on STEM education, digital literacy, technology skills, or workforce development can apply for sponsorship support from C Spire Wireless Foundation. Focused on technology access and digital literacy, the foundation invites District of Columbia tech education programs, along with others in its service region, to seek support for community-benefiting projects and events.

Undergraduate students in STEM and NOAA-related fields in the District of Columbia can access funding through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, receiving up to US $40,000 plus a paid summer internship. This Hollings Scholarship supports academic study, hands-on technology and science experience, and preparation for environmental and public service careers.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups can seek funding for technology education, digital literacy, and related community programs, including those serving District of Columbia. Affirm Cares provides support for initiatives in technology access and training, financial literacy, housing insecurity, civic engagement, community development, and small business development with measurable, scalable impact.

Eligible incorporated entities, tribal organizations, governments, cooperatives, and other legal entities can seek $100,000 - $5,000,000 to build broadband infrastructure in unserved rural areas, improving connectivity for homes, businesses, and critical facilities. Grants from USDA: Rural Development (RD) help expand technology access and digital literacy while supporting economic recovery, equity, and climate resilience in rural communities.

The Festus & Helen Stacy Foundation provides grants to non-profit organizations worldwide, especially those focusing on evangelism, leadership development, holistic ministries, and media outreach. Established in 1980, the foundation aims to support projects that address the needs of the marginalized and promote generous giving. Grants are typically awarded for specific initiatives in South Florida, nationally, and internationally, particularly in emerging nations. Organizations must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) to be eligible.

The OpenAI A People-First AI Fund supports U.S.-based nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on AI literacy, community innovation, and economic opportunity. It aims to enhance public understanding of AI, promote participatory design in AI applications by communities, and expand access to meaningful work through inclusive practices. Organizations at all stages of AI adoption are encouraged to apply, especially those addressing the needs of traditionally marginalized populations. This initiative emphasizes equitable distribution of AI benefits.

District of Columbia organizations working on science, education, or technology access and digital literacy can access funding through Promega Corporation’s corporate giving program. Eligible U.S. and Canadian groups may seek support for community-focused initiatives, including experimental projects and arts or cultural programs that spark creativity and innovation in technological and educational enrichment.

Nonprofits and for-profit organizations focused on technology access, digital literacy, and workforce readiness for youth, on-demand workers, or small businesses in the U.S., including the District of Columbia, may be eligible for this accelerator. Focused on technology access and digital literacy, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Foundation offers US $100,000, HP technology, and a six-month virtual capacity-building program.

K-12 education researchers studying technology use and policy impacts in schools can apply for Arnold Ventures support, including projects in the District of Columbia. Arnold Ventures provides funding for rigorous randomized or quasi-experimental studies on how cell phone policies affect academic, behavioral, and mental health outcomes, offering evidence to guide school, district, and policymaker decisions nationwide.

Internet Society Chapters working on community connectivity and digital access in District of Columbia can receive support for projects that expand affordable, reliable Internet and online safety. The Internet Society Foundation funds chapter-led initiatives that improve connectivity, digital literacy, and advocacy for an open, trustworthy Internet, with awards up to US $35,000.

TechAccess: AI-Ready America is a nationwide initiative aimed at enhancing AI readiness across the U.S. by fostering collaboration and resource sharing. It targets businesses, organizations, and individuals, ensuring widespread access to AI tools and knowledge. The program includes State Coordination Hubs to connect stakeholders, a National Lead for collaboration, and AI-Ready Catalyst Award Competitions to drive innovative solutions. This comprehensive approach seeks to prepare all sectors for an AI-driven economy, benefiting Americans through practical implementation and workforce development.

The Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship was established in 2010, in memory of Freeland resident and business owner Bernie Smillie. Bernie passed away in 2000, due to complications from a lung transplant he had received in 1994. In 2005, family and friends of Bernie established the Bernie Smillie Memorial Golf Outing. Proceeds of this outing has helped to promote organ donor support and awareness and establish this scholarship fund.

Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship - Michigan Resident

Evaluation Criteria

• Financial need (20)
• Work experience (20)
• Overall involvement at work, school and community activities (20)
• Career goals as demonstrated in essay (20)
• Letters of recommendation

Women of Colors Scholarship

Women of Colors (WOC) was founded in 1993 by a group of women that believed it would take a cooperative effort of women of all nationalities, ages and socioeconomic status to address issues plaguing the Saginaw Community. The founders believed that women should take a more active role in addressing issues of crime, blight and poverty. WOC began by providing support, community outreach services and facilitating discussions within the community. WOC’s mission promotes multi-cultural diversity and enhances community relations in Saginaw County by performing community service, mentoring youth, and collaborating with other organizations.

The Women of Colors Scholarship will be awarded each year to a Great Empowering Motivational Sessions (GEMS) member that is an area high school senior actively involved in efforts to empower young women and in activities that address issues affecting young women in the Saginaw Community. If no GEMS members are high school seniors, applications will be accepted from non-GEMS applicants.

The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) aims to enhance broadband access and adoption on Tribal lands, supporting initiatives for remote learning, telework, and telehealth. Administered by NTIA, this program provides vital funding to eligible entities under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. This funding is crucial for fostering digital inclusion and improving connectivity in underserved Tribal communities.

The Native Entities Grant Program, initiated by NTIA under the Digital Equity Act of 2021, aims to support Indian Tribes, Alaska Native entities, and Native Hawaiian organizations. This program streamlines funding through a unified application for two significant initiatives: the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant and the Digital Equity Competitive Grant. By focusing on reducing administrative burdens, it enhances access to digital resources and equity in underserved communities.

This initiative aims to enhance clinical and public health outcomes through innovative digital health interventions. It supports research on the development and effectiveness of tools designed for underserved settings, leveraging new technologies and analytics. By fostering collaborations between U.S. and low- and middle-income country researchers, the program emphasizes reciprocal innovation to tackle common health challenges, ultimately maximizing benefits for diverse populations.

The International Research Scientist Development Award (IRSDA) supports U.S. postdoctoral researchers and junior faculty to engage in mentored research and career development in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This initiative promotes collaboration with local researchers, enhancing understanding of the research environment and strengthening international networks. Recipients are expected to spend significant time at LMIC sites, ultimately aiming to develop competitive NIH research proposals and become leaders in global health.

Grant Guidelines

To advance its mission to build a responsible and equitable technology ecosystem, the Kapor Foundation makes strategic grants across three focus areas: (1) Computing Education, (2) Innovation, and (3) Governance.

Within each focus area, we fund research on critical topics at the intersection of racial equity and tech, capacity-building that strengthens coalitions and movement-building infrastructure, and policy advocacy that drives systemic change.

Funding Priorities

We fund organizations and initiatives aligned with our core focus areas:

Given advances in Al, a new vision of education is urgently needed — one that ensures students are equipped with the technical skills to build emerging technologies and the critical skills to navigate their socio-technical implications. We fund computing education initiatives across K-12, postsecondary, and alternative pathways that expand computing participation at scale, shift policy to ensure equitable access, and expand the pipeline of educators prepared to teach computing.

2. 

Al is being designed, developed, and deployed rapidly, yet the communities most affected by its impacts are largely excluded from its creation and subsequent economic benefits. We support organizations and individuals that build responsible Al technologies, leverage technology to close gaps in access and opportunity, and invest in initiatives and coalitions that advance responsible Al in the entrepreneurship and venture capital ecosystems.

3.

As Al adoption accelerates, bolder approaches to regulation are necessary to protect marginalized communities from technological harm, expand economic opportunity, and ensure the benefits of technology reach everyone. We support efforts that build awareness of key policy issues, develop policy agendas, and mobilize coalitions.

For 2026, our priority advocacy areas are: 1) computing education, 2) algorithmic bias, 3) Al safeguards for children, 4) data center development, and 5) surveillance and civil rights.

The Local Section Member Engagement (LS-MEET) Grant Program, provided by the American Chemical Society, aims to enhance community engagement within local sections. With a funding cap of $2,000, this program supports initiatives that attract new members and strengthen existing communities. Eligible projects may include innovative technology use, targeted events for underrepresented local chemist groups, and activities that promote interaction among members. Applications should align with local section goals and detail specific budgetary needs.

The Enhancing Student Mathematics Learning through the Use of Tools and Technology Grants, provided by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aim to promote innovative technology use in teaching mathematics to Pre-K-12 students. These grants encourage proposals that focus on enhancing students' understanding of math concepts through various tools, including professional development for educators. Eligible applicants include current math teachers and full-time coaches, with a focus on impactful evaluation plans.

The FRS Community Grant Program supports rural communities served by NTCA members, offering grants up to $5,000 for various local initiatives. Priority is given to projects that promote economic development, education, health, and public service. Eligible applicants must secure a 10% match of the grant amount requested. Ineligible projects include overhead expenses, individuals, and those without secured funding. FRS aims to foster sustainable and engaged rural communities through these efforts.