The Robert W. Deutsch Foundation Announces 2nd Round of DELL Special Projects Grants

In 2021, the Foundation launched the Digital Equity Leadership Lab, a foundation-designed-and-led program for city residents who want to increase their understanding of the internet and strengthen their capacity to advocate for fast, affordable and reliable broadband for all of Baltimore’s neighborhoods. To date, over 50 individuals have graduated from this program.

Upon graduation, participants are invited to submit proposals to a DELL Small Projects Fund. This “mini grant” program” was designed to provide an opportunity for the Foundation to support local-level collaboration between and among DELL graduates through projects that are small-scale, and short-term. Through their proposal, DELL participants are encouraged to develop creative and collaborative solutions to internet inequity challenges at the community-level. In particular, the Foundation is interested in supporting small projects that address a compelling community-identified solution or vision. 

Today we’re pleased to announce our second round of awards to the following projects:

WiFi Beyond the Walls

In a collaborative effort to increase internet access across Central Baltimore, the 29th Street Community Center (29SCC) and the Village Learning Place (VLP) will work to extend WiFi beyond their walls and into the community. Additional partners include Central Baltimore Partnership, and the Harwood Community Association. The goal of the project is to extend the centers’ networks to reach the playgrounds in the front and the back of their buildings—ensuring more people can access fast broadband, while socially distancing. In addition, the organizations are hoping to create an outdoor classroom and green space, adding picnic tables and other seating. Outdoor seating combined with internet connectivity will provide a much needed resource for the community.

Collaborators

• Village Learning Place

• Central Baltimore Partnership

• Harwood Community Association

Community Based Digital Equity Workshops

NLife will develop and implement a combination of indoor and outdoor community workshops to educate the community about digital inequity. Workshop topics include, but are not limited to, learning how to use smart devices, accessing the internet, and learning about upcoming changes to cell service. Partners from Motor House, Code in the Schools, N.E. Leaders, and more will help to design the workshops that will be held indoors and outdoors in a Community Lot, on evenings and weekends.

Collaborators

• N.E. Leaders

• Smalltimore Baltimore

• Code in the Schools

• Motor House