Technology Grant

Supporting Innovation

Types of Grants

The Frist Foundation typically sets aside $500,000 for four types of technology grants each year.

This year, COVID-19 has changed the way nonprofits utilize technology which is why we have partnered with The Center for Nonprofit Management to additionally launch Remote Working Mini-Grants. Mini-grants will range from $300 – $1500 and are intended to support the purchase of hardware, software, and subscriptions to online platforms.

These grants are available only to CNM members with a budget size of $2,000,000 or less (based on the most recently completed fiscal year), on a first-come, first-served basis. Click here to apply.

1. Technology Assessments for Individual Agencies

Sometimes called technology roadmaps, assessments typically describe current capacity and utilization, as well as opportunities for improvement. The work can be performed by consultants, volunteers or even staff. In all cases, an assessment must be completed before an implementation grant can be considered. We’ve found that a basic assessment can be performed over the course of a day or two at a relatively modest cost. Individual agencies may apply for grants of up to $2,500 for this purpose.

2. Technology Assessments for Multi-Agency Collaborations

These are more complex because of issues involving coordination and standardization among two or more agencies. Collaborative groups may apply for grants of up to $25,000 for this purpose

3. Implementation Grants for Individual Agencies

Once an assessment has been completed, agencies are eligible to apply for implementation grants. Such grants may vary widely in amount, which typically will be determined after discussion with foundation staff. Please contact staff before submitting a request

4. Implementation Grants for Multi-Agency Collaborations

Once an assessment is done, multi-agency collaborations may apply for implementation grants. Such grants may vary widely in amount, which typically will be determined after discussion with foundation staff. Please contact staff before submitting a request.

Evaluation

In evaluating all implementation and assessment grant requests, the Foundation will consider grants that, for example:

Improve staff and organizational efficiency through better work flow or data sharing.
Dramatically improve client service.
Generate new revenue streams.
Train staff to fully utilize new technology.
Strengthen strategic multi-agency collaborations or collective impact efforts.

How to Apply

To apply for funding for a technology assessment for your agency or multi-agency collaborative, please address the following questions in a document of no more than two pages and e-mail it to askfrist@fristfoundation.org with subject line “Technology Grant Assessment Request”:

What problem(s) are you looking to solve?
Will this help with your mission? If so, how?
Will this technology help with work flow? If so, how?
Who will perform the assessment?
How much will the assessment cost?
Who on staff will oversee this project?

To apply for funding for an implementation grant for your agency or multi-agency collaborative, please address the following questions in a document of no more than two pages. We advise applicants speak with a staff member before submitting an implementation grant request:

Who performed your latest technology assessment?
What did you learn from your assessment? Any surprises?
What tools would you like to purchase?
What are the total costs of implementation and how much are you requesting from The Frist Foundation?
How will the new technology help you better serve clients?
How will the technology transform the way you work?
Who will purchase and install the technology?
Who on staff will oversee the project?

Please email your implementation grant request to askfrist@fristfoundation.org with subject line “Technology Grant Implementation Request.” Also attach the following:

Your technology assessment and the date(s) it was performed.
Your budget for implementation in part or in full.
Your priorities, if possible, in case the entire project cannot be funded.
Any pertinent details involving installation, usage and maintenance, including provisions for training and day-to-day operation of the technology.

For technology assessments, no conversation is necessary with The Frist Foundation staff before submitting a request. But for implementation grants, we advise applicants to speak with a staff member beforehand for guidance. Applications are accepted on an on-going basis. For implementation grants, funding preference will be given to applications that demonstrate how new technology would transform agency productivity, cost efficiency, collaborative capacity, or service to clients.