Want to make a real difference in Austin’s tech equity? The City of Austin needs qualified community members to review grant applications for the Grant for Technology Opportunities Program — and you might be perfect for the job.
What GTOPs Does
The Grant for Technology Opportunities Program distributes up to $400,000 annually to Austin nonprofits working to close the digital divide. These grants help organizations provide computer access, teach technology skills, and connect underserved communities to the internet.
Think about it: not everyone in Austin has a laptop for schoolwork, internet access for job applications, or the skills to navigate digital systems. GTOPs funds the organizations filling those gaps.
Three Ways to Review
GTOPs offers three review pathways, and you can apply for one, two, or all three depending on your interest and availability.
GTOPs Core Reviews
Core grants range from $10,000 to $35,000 and support larger organizations launching new programs or intensive projects. Core reviewers commit to two rounds of review — each requiring 10-15 hours of work. The first round happens independently at home. The second round brings all reviewers together for group discussion.
GTOPs Mini Reviews
Mini grants award $5,000 to $10,000 to smaller nonprofits with annual revenues under $2 million. These organizations work on short-term digital inclusion projects. Mini reviews happen in May and require 10-15 hours of work over a single day of application evaluation.
GTOPs Capacity Reviews
Capacity grants provide $150 to $2,500 for technology infrastructure, staff training, and professional development. These micro-grants help nonprofits build their own capacity to serve communities. Capacity reviews occur in June and need 10-15 hours of work completed in one day.
Who Can Apply
You need two key qualifications:
Live in Greater Austin
Proof of residency within Austin or its extra-territorial jurisdiction for at least one year. If you call the Austin area home, you qualify.
Bring Relevant Experience
At least five years of experience in technology, education, neighborhood planning, community development, or another area relevant to GTOPs. Your background helps you evaluate which projects will truly serve communities.
The Application Process
Ready to apply? Submit your application along with your resume or curriculum vitae. The Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission reviews all applications and votes to elect panelists.
The city takes vetting seriously — they want reviewers who understand both technology and community needs.
What Reviewers Do
Reviewers read grant applications, assess how well they align with GTOPs goals, and score them based on established criteria. You’ll evaluate whether projects will actually increase technology access, build digital skills, or expand internet connectivity in underserved communities.
For Core applications, you’ll work independently first, then join other reviewers to discuss applications and make final recommendations. For Mini and Capacity applications, Community Technology Services staff, Commission members, and external reviewers work together on evaluation day.
Required Documents and Training
The city provides everything you need:
- Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Form
- Reviewer Orientation Guide
- Reviewer Orientation Presentation
These resources ensure all reviewers use consistent standards and understand their responsibilities.
Why This Matters
Austin nonprofits submitted 11 applications for GTOPs Mini in 2024. Six organizations received funding — groups like Black Mamas Village ATX, Hyperreal Film Club, and Austin Free-Net. Each grant helped bridge the digital divide in a different way.
Your reviews determine which organizations receive funding. You help decide which projects move forward and which communities gain technology access.
The Bigger Picture
GTOPs exists because digital access isn’t equal. Some Austin families can’t afford computers. Some neighborhoods lack reliable internet. Some people never learned to navigate online systems that everyone else takes for granted.
The program’s vision is simple: a community where all citizens have access to the internet, devices, and knowledge needed to fully participate in digital society.
As a reviewer, you help make that vision real.
Recent Success Stories
In 2024, GTOPs funded organizations working on diverse projects. Recipients used grants for everything from cloud storage and data analysis to digital inclusion conference admission and staff device upgrades. The variety shows how many different ways organizations work toward digital equity.
Organizations can only receive GTOPs funding three times in a rolling five-year period, so every award needs to count. Your careful review ensures funding goes to the most impactful projects.
Time Commitment Breakdown
Let’s be honest about what you’re committing to:
Core Pathway: 20-30 total hours (10-15 hours for each of two rounds)
Mini Pathway: 10-15 hours in May (single evaluation day)
Capacity Pathway: 10-15 hours in June (single evaluation day)
You can apply for multiple pathways if you have the time and interest.
What Makes a Good Reviewer
The best reviewers bring:
- Understanding of technology’s role in daily life
- Knowledge of Austin’s diverse communities
- Experience evaluating programs or projects
- Ability to assess budgets and implementation plans
- Commitment to equity and inclusion
- Objectivity and fairness
You don’t need to be a tech expert. You need to understand how technology access affects people’s lives and which programs will genuinely help.
How GTOPs Started
The program launched to address Austin’s digital divide. As technology became essential for education, employment, healthcare, and civic participation, some Austinites got left behind.
GTOPs provides seed funding for community and nonprofit organizations creating technological outreach and engagement efforts. The program specifically targets underserved segments of the community.
Apply Now
Visit data.austintexas.gov and search for “Become a Grant Reviewer” or go directly to the GTOPs page at austintexas.gov/GTOPSgrant.
Submit your application along with your resume or CV. The sooner you apply, the sooner you can start reviewing applications and helping distribute funding.
Questions?
Contact the GTOPs program team:
Jesse Rodriguez, Program Manager Email: [email protected] Phone: 512-974-7676
Dan Martinez, Business Process Specialist Email: [email protected] Phone: 512-974-3510
General Program Email: [email protected]
Connect on Social Media
Follow Austin’s Digital Inclusion efforts:
- Website: austintexas.gov/digitalinclusion
- GTOPs Homepage: gtops.org
- Search “Austin Digital Inclusion” on Facebook and Twitter for updates
The Bottom Line
Austin needs people who care about digital equity and understand community needs. If you’ve got the experience and the time, step up.
Your reviews determine which nonprofits get funding. Which communities gain technology access. Which families connect to the digital world.
That’s not just paperwork. That’s changing lives.
Apply to become a GTOPs grant reviewer and help build an Austin where everyone can participate fully in digital society.
