TECHquity Fund

The COVID-19 Technology Needs Assessment completed by Homebase in March 2021 demonstrated the need for updated technology and tech-related support throughout the homelessness service sector, further exacerbated by the pandemic. Destination: Home launched the TECHquity Fund in 2022 to meet this need and improve service and accessibility issues throughout Santa Clara County.

The purpose of the TECHquity Fund is to remove barriers to service and housing-related support by providing technology access to those on their path to housing stability and for the Santa Clara County Supportive Housing system. This is a flexible fund with the goal to support the unique technology needs of each individual, organization, and program. Both individuals with lived experience of homelessness and 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations may apply.

Apply For a Grant From the TECHquity Fund

The TECHquity Fund is taking applications on a rolling basis through November 15, 2024. Applicants can expect to hear back from us within a month of applying. Read on to learn more about eligibility, grant prioritization and how to apply.

Click to Apply As An Individual

Destination: Home will purchase the tech items on behalf of the individual grantee and facilitate delivery or item pickup. We will consider individual requests to fund technology needs including but not limited to internet connectivity, personal devices, software, memberships and training valued up to $1,000. Individuals must meet the following criteria:

  • At or below 30% of the Area Median Income (“extremely low-income” or ELI); and
  • A resident of Santa Clara County with lived experience of homelessness and/or housing instability who is connected to supportive services, and either:
    • Is enrolled in employment training and/or traditional education;
    • Has employment that requires the use of the requested technology; and/or
    • Is actively involved in advocating for the unhoused and/or supporting the community- or system-based initiatives (e.g., community organizing, rank and review, ongoing feedback/input opportunities, task forces, steering committees, tenant groups, etc.).

Applications will be prioritized for individuals currently enrolled in traditional education or employment training, are employed, or are actively participating in a community or coordinated system-based activity leading to solutions and/or improvements in Santa Clara County.

Click to Apply As An Organization

We will consider agency requests to fund needs related to internet connectivity, hardware, software, and training for up to $20,000. Nonprofit organizations must meet the following criteria:

  • Registered 501(c)3 organization or fiscally sponsored by one, in good standing;
  • Provide direct services to people in the Santa Clara County Supportive Housing system & who are at or below 30% of the area median income (“extremely low-income” or ELI); and
  • Have a clear plan and capacity to spend funds within 90 days.

Exclusions:

  • Organizations that proselytize or require participation in religious activities or programming to be eligible or prioritized for services.
  • Organizations that require adherence or conversion to any religious doctrine in order to be an employee of the organization. 
  • Organizations that question or deny scientific evidence or best practices related to disease transmission, harm reduction, public health, or civil rights.
  • Organizations that discriminate based on gender, sexual orientation, race, or ethnicity, religious belief or lack thereof, disability, immigration status.

Applications will be prioritized for organizations who are:

  • Serving people who are currently without housing or shelter
  • Predominantly serving Black, Indigenous, and other People Of Color (BIPOC) 
  • Being led by people with lived experience of homelessness or who identify as BIPOC 
  • With budgets under $1,500,000

What to Expect After You Apply 

When you submit an application, a copy of your submission will be sent to the email you provide. This email may go to SPAM, so please check there if you do not see it in your main inbox.  

  • Grantees will be selected 10 times per year during the 3rd week of each month – starting in February 2024 and ending in December 2024. If selected, applicants will be contacted by email. A grantee (individual or organization) may only receive one grant between January to December of the current calendar year
    • Applicants may reapply at the start of the following calendar year
  • Destination: Home will purchase the tech items on behalf of the individual grantee and facilitate item pickup. Grantee organizations will be issued a check to purchase the tech items
  • An application will be considered active and eligible for funding unless otherwise notified

For Support & Questions

If you have questions and/or need support filling out the application, please contact Maureen Damrel at (408) 314-5032 (call or text) or email TECHquity@destinationhomesv.org.

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