Technology Circle

The Challenge

In the late 1990s, most social programs focused on bridging the digital divide to ensure that underserved citizens have equal access to technology.

Now, with the ubiquity and necessity of the Internet and other technologies, the emphasis has shifted - it has become critical for all citizens to have the appropriate skills, resources and training to live in and benefit from our technology-based society. In the United States, a home computer, high-speed internet connection and new digital tools (such as cell phones) have become a prerequisite for accessing news, government resources, job listings, health resources, community tools and other information. However, 58 percent of adults in the United States do not have a broadband connection at home and 32 percent do not go online.

The matter has evolved into one of digital inclusion, where the goal is an inclusive information society that enhances quality of life and social equity, particularly for underserved populations.

Our Goal

Full Circle Fund's Technology Circle supports social innovators and community-based solutions that help all people in the Bay Area take advantage of the educational, professional and personal opportunities enabled by technology.

Our Approach

In order to meet the shifting demands of digital inclusion, Full Circle Fund has developed a Theory of Change, which focuses on three areas within technology with potential for significant community impact.

• Access / Content / Community: Promoting effective delivery of information, services and training; and involving citizens as shared internet content providers and digital media producers with an emphasis on collaboration, community building and citizen engagement.
• Training / Employment: Focusing on workforce development through job readiness, life skills development, empowerment and new employment opportunities in our technology-based society.
• Leadership / Economic Development: Fostering effective community advocates and encouraging sustainable economic development in low-income neighborhoods in order to ensure widespread economic vitality.

For its annual grant cycle, the Technology Circle selects grant projects supporting nonprofits that are truly innovators in community-based technology.

Current Grantees

Selected by the Technology Circle in 2007.

• Community Technology Network (CTN)
• SexInfo

"The folks at Full Circle Fund are working hard on projects that are good for our nonprofit community. That's a big deal, and I'm really impressed by what they've done so far."

Craig Newmark

Founder, craigslist.org