Technology Inclusion Grants for Nonprofits Serving Black Communities in Oakland, California (2025)

For Black-led and Black-serving nonprofits in Oakland, 2025 brings powerful funding opportunities to close the digital divide. Whether you’re launching a youth coding program, distributing devices, or training the next generation of tech leaders, there are grants available for you—from city, state, and national sources.

1. CPUC Digital Divide Grant Program (DDGP)

• Deadline: May 30, 2025
• Focus Areas: Broadband access, device distribution, digital-skills training
• Eligibility: California-based 501(c)(3)s, especially those partnering with schools/libraries
• Grant Amount: Up to $250,000
• Link: CPUC Digital Divide Grant Program

2. Michelson 20MM “Digital Equity Spark” Grants

• Deadline: June 10, 2025 (LOI)
• Focus Areas: Digital inclusion pilots, tech literacy, ACP outreach
• Eligibility: U.S. nonprofits; equity-driven missions prioritized
• Grant Amount: $25,000 – $75,000
• Link: Michelson 20MM Digital Equity

3. City of Oakland Broadband & Device Fund

• Deadline: RFP expected Summer 2025
• Focus Areas: Digital navigator workshops, laptop/hotspot distribution
• Eligibility: Oakland-serving nonprofits registered on the Supplier Portal
• Grant Amount: Varies
• Link: City of Oakland Digital Equity

4. Rise East Oakland Community Fund

• Deadline: Late 2025
• Focus Areas: Education, digital access, community resilience in East Oakland
• Eligibility: Orgs serving the 40×40 zip codes; BIPOC-led prioritized
• Grant Amount: TBD ($50,000–$250,000 range expected)
• Link: Rise East

5. Kapor Foundation Tech-Inclusion Grants

• Deadline: Rolling
• Focus Areas: Tech equity, CS education, racial justice in tech
• Eligibility: BIPOC-led Bay Area nonprofits
• Grant Amount: $25,000 – $100,000
• Link: Kapor Tech Equity Collaborative

6. AT&T Connected Learning Centers (CLC)

• Deadline: Annual
• Focus Areas: Community tech hubs, digital literacy, broadband
• Eligibility: U.S. nonprofits serving underserved communities
• Grant Amount: Up to $50,000 + equipment/internet access
• Link: AT&T Connected Learning

7. Verizon Foundation Digital Inclusion Grants

• Deadline: Rolling (invitation only)
• Focus Areas: Digital skills, broadband access, community connectivity
• Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofits (invited applicants only)
• Grant Amount: $25,000 – $100,000
• Link: Verizon Grant Application

8. East Bay Community Foundation Giving Circles

• Deadline: Varies
• Focus Areas: BIPOC-led innovation, youth, and equity-centered initiatives
• Eligibility: East Bay nonprofits
• Grant Amount: $5,000 – $50,000
• Link: EBCF

9. Foot Locker Foundation – Community Empowerment Program (via LISC)

• Deadline: Expected May–June 2025 (check site for updates)
• Focus Areas: Youth development, education, career pathways, and tech skills
• Eligibility: 501(c)(3)s serving youth in underserved communities; under $5M budget; Oakland eligible; BIPOC-led orgs prioritized
• Grant Amount: $25,000 – $75,000 (programming); $25,000 – $100,000 (capital improvements)
• Link: LISC Foot Locker Program

10. Union Pacific Foundation – Community Ties Giving Program

• Deadline: Closed May 14, 2025 (watch for 2026)
• Focus Areas: Workforce development, STEM education, tech upskilling
• Eligibility: 501(c)(3)s in Union Pacific service areas (Oakland included); must have a non-discrimination policy
• Grant Amount: $5,000 – $30,000
• Link: [https://www.up.com/aboutup/community/foundation/local-grants/app-process-timeline/index.htm)

Tips for Crafting a Successful Grant Application

Securing grant funding can be competitive. Here are a couple of quick tips to strengthen your application:

Clearly Align with Funder Priorities

Thoroughly read the grant guidelines and ensure your project directly addresses the funder’s focus areas and stated outcomes. For technology inclusion, explicitly state how your project will serve the Black community in Oakland and connect it to broader goals like education, workforce development, or digital equity. Use their language where appropriate.

Demonstrate Impact with Data (and Stories!)

Quantify the need for your project in Oakland’s Black community and explain how you will measure success. How many people will be served? What specific skills will they gain? What will be the tangible outcomes? Complement data with compelling (anonymous, if necessary) stories that illustrate the human impact of your work and the potential of the proposed project.

Specificity is Key

Clearly outline your project plan, budget, and timeline. Vague applications rarely get funded. Detail the technology to be used, the training curriculum, outreach strategies, and sustainability plans. Ensure your budget is realistic and clearly justifies each expense.