DEPO-KC

For my KC network: Do you have old tech collecting dust in your bottom drawer? ?? ?? ???? ?? Old cell phone that you can't sell? ?? Laptop you used to mine Bitcoin with? ?? Maybe that iPad mini you won in a drawing that only had like 10 gigs? Bring them to me! i.c.stars |* Kansas City has partnered today with our friends at KC Digital Drive and Maggali Salinas at Electromundo. Your old device can be donated, after which Electromundo will scrub the data, and repurpose that device to donate to someone else who lacks tech connectivity. Where: 1111 Main St, KCMO in the Skyline Lobby When: TODAY, 7:30am - 6pm

Lately, I’ve seen a troubling rise in disinformation about the nonprofit sector - claims that misrepresent the work of mission-driven organizations and the people who power them. Let’s set the record straight. Nonprofits aren’t just “charity” in the abstract; they are an economic engine. Here’s what the data tells us: ? Job Creation Powerhouse – The nonprofit sector employs over 12 million people in the U.S., accounting for more than 10% of the private workforce. That means 1 in 10 workers relies on a nonprofit for their paycheck. ? Driving Economic Growth – Nonprofits contribute approximately $1.5 trillion to the U.S. GDP each year. This isn’t just feel-good work; it’s a major economic force. ? Investing in Communities – Beyond employment, nonprofits fuel local economies by purchasing goods and services, supporting small businesses, and delivering essential services that governments alone can’t sustain. Every dollar given to a nonprofit circulates back into communities through jobs, services, and direct aid. ? Bridging Gaps Where Others Won’t – In moments of crisis, nonprofits step in where government and the private sector fall short. Whether it’s disaster relief, healthcare access, food security, or workforce development, nonprofits are often the first responders and long-term supporters of vulnerable communities. So, when you see rhetoric that downplays or attacks the role of nonprofits, ask: Who benefits from dismantling community-driven solutions? The data tells a clear story—nonprofits are essential. Let’s keep pushing for a sector that strengthens, employs, and uplifts.

Grant funding for technology has declined since 2020. But, with the rise of AI and new security concerns, this tech is critical for nonprofits. ? Jean Westrick, executive director of the Technology Association of Grantmakers, shares why this matters and how to secure technology funding for your nonprofit: https://lnkd.in/e_t2X9K6

We attended a very special ribbon cutting this week at the new computer lab at Kansas City, MO's Garrison Community Center. The computer lab was established by Kansas City’s Office of Digital Equity in partnership with GFiber and two of our favorite KC organization, Urban TEC and Uncover KC. GFiber funded the computers and equipment and provides $0/month gigabit. Pictured here are Rachel Hack Merlo, our Head of Local Government Affairs Strategy, Emily Spradling, Ina P. Montgomery, M.Ed., Forest Decker, Jerry Buckman, Nicole Jacobson, our Head of Sales, Central Region, and Jayson D., our Head of Metro Tech Ops - MO/KS.

Digital Opportunity Webinar: Join Kimberlyn Jones, EMBA on Monday, January 27, at 10 a.m. CT for an in-depth session about funding for: ? Workforce skills ? Education programs ? Digital skills training ?? RSVP today: https://lnkd.in/g5hPnuaa #KOBD #Workforce #DigitalSkills #DigitalOpportunity