Most nonprofits fund technology the same way they fund office supplies. Whatever’s left over at the end of the year. Maybe a line item buried in the operating budget. Often, nothing at all.
But here’s something that surprises a lot of Executive Directors I talk to: grants exist specifically to help nonprofits upgrade their technology. Not as an afterthought. Not tucked into a program grant if you’re lucky. Actual funding dedicated to things like databases, cybersecurity, websites, and staff training.
The challenge isn’t that the money doesn’t exist. It’s knowing where to look and how to make a compelling case.
Yes, This Is a Real Thing
Funders have come around on technology. It used to be considered “overhead” or “administrative expense.” Something to minimize, not invest in. That’s changed.
Today, most foundations recognize that technology is infrastructure. It’s what allows you to track outcomes, communicate with donors, manage programs, and prove your impact. Without it, you’re limited. With the right tools, you can do more with the same resources.
That shift means more funders are willing to support technology projects. Some have dedicated technology grant programs. Others will fund technology as part of capacity building or general operating support. A few will even consider it within program grants if you make a clear connection to outcomes.
The point is: the door is open. You just have to walk through it.
Where to Look in Washington State
Let’s get specific. If you’re a nonprofit in Washington, here are places to start.
Community Foundations
Your local community foundation is often the best first stop. They know the region, they fund capacity building, and the grants tend to be more accessible than national foundations.
Kitsap Community Foundation awards grants up to $5,000 for capacity building projects, which can include technology. They also run several specialized funds. If you’re in Kitsap or North Mason County, start here.
Seattle Foundation serves the greater Puget Sound region with various grant programs. Their capacity building focus often includes technology components.
Check whether your county has a community foundation. Most do, and most have some form of capacity building or general operating grants.
Regional Foundations
M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust is one of the largest foundations in the Pacific Northwest, serving Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska. They fund equipment, capacity building, and program expansion. Technology projects fit well here, especially if tied to organizational growth.
State Resources
Washington Nonprofits doesn’t give grants directly, but they maintain resources and connections to funders across the state. Their network can point you toward opportunities you might not find on your own.
The Washington State Department of Commerce occasionally runs capacity building programs with technology components, particularly for rural organizations.
National Programs
TechSoup is the big one. They don’t give traditional grants, but they provide heavily discounted software and hardware to verified nonprofits. Microsoft 365, Adobe, Zoom, Salesforce, cybersecurity tools. If you’re not using TechSoup, you’re probably paying too much for software.
Some national foundations with technology focus areas also fund Washington organizations. The search takes more effort, but tools like Candid (formerly Foundation Center) can help you identify matches.
Don’t Overlook Your Existing Funders
Here’s something people miss: you don’t always need a technology-specific grant. If you have relationships with foundations that already fund your programs, ask whether they’d consider a technology request. Many will, especially if you frame it as building capacity to deliver on the work they already support.
A funder who gave you $10,000 for your youth program might give you $5,000 for a database that helps you track and report on that program more effectively. You won’t know unless you ask.
What Funders Want to See
Finding the opportunity is step one. Making a strong case is step two.
Funders aren’t looking for wish lists. They want to see that you’ve thought this through. A few things that matter:
Clear connection to mission. Why does this technology matter for your work? How does it help you serve more people, improve outcomes, or operate more sustainably? “We need a new database” isn’t compelling. “We need a database that lets us track client outcomes across three programs so we can measure what’s working” tells a story.
Evidence you’ve done your homework. Have you researched options? Do you know what you’re asking for and why? Funders can tell when an organization is just guessing.
Realistic budget. Include everything: software, hardware, implementation, training, ongoing costs. Underestimating makes funders nervous. They’ve seen too many projects stall because the budget didn’t account for the full picture.
Implementation plan. Who’s responsible? What’s the timeline? How will staff learn to use it? Technology sitting on a shelf helps nobody.
Sustainability. What happens after the grant? If there are ongoing costs, how will you cover them? Funders don’t want to invest in something that falls apart when their money runs out.
A Simple Framework
When you’re writing the technology section of a grant proposal, try this structure:
Current state. What’s the problem or limitation you’re facing?
Proposed solution. What specifically will you implement?
Expected impact. How will this advance your mission?
Implementation. Who, when, how?
Sustainability. How will you maintain it going forward?
You don’t need pages of detail. A clear, concise explanation that covers these five points will serve you well.
Getting Started
If you’ve never pursued technology funding before, here’s a practical starting point:
- Get registered with TechSoup if you haven’t already. The discounts are significant and immediate.
- Check your local community foundation’s website. Look for capacity building or general operating grants. Read the guidelines carefully.
- Talk to your current funders. Ask whether they’d consider supporting a technology project. The worst they can say is no.
- Get clear on what you actually need. “Better technology” isn’t a fundable request. A specific project with a clear budget and rationale is.
That last point is where a lot of organizations get stuck. You know something needs to change, but you’re not sure what to ask for or how much it should cost.
If that’s where you are, our assessment can help you clarify the picture before you start writing proposals.