The Digital Equity IMPACT Small Grants Program
City Bureau and Cook County’s Digital Equity Initiative are partnering to support organizations working to improve access to the internet, technology, and digital literacy resources.
In 2024, City Bureau and Cook County’s Digital Equity Initiative launched the IMPACT Small Grants Program to provide funding and storytelling support to local nonprofits, media organizations, and libraries. These grants help expand internet access, improve digital literacy, and boost the engagement efforts of community-based organizations to make digital skills accessible to everyone in Cook County.
City Bureau’s work is about addressing the barriers to a more just and equitable information ecosystem. When people can’t access a computer, don’t feel comfortable navigating the internet, or lack broadband access—that’s a major roadblock to being informed in an increasingly online world. We can’t have information equity without digital equity.
As of 2026, we’ve funded 33 organizations across Suburban Cook County to address the digital divide and engage their communities so more people can access the information, devices, and resources they need to live well, be informed, and connect with one other.
Three rounds of funding to 33 digital equity champions
Meet the 2026 IMPACT Infrastructure cohort
For the first time, we launched a round of funding focused on supporting projects that can address the infrastructure communities need to get connected. As well as providing funding for more physical tools like internet cabling, Wi-Fi networks and laptops, we’re supporting community hubs and people who make these tools accessible.
Beyond Boundaries Computer Training
Meet our coalition making an IMPACT on digital equity
We’ve built a community that’s invested in equipping people for the digital age. The first two rounds of IMPACT funding have supported an additional 25 organizations working to increase access to digital skill training and technology, and increase awareness about the role digital equity plays in our everyday lives.
Digital access for all is necessary for informed, connected communities
Through our partnership with Cook County’s Digital Equity Initiative, we’ve seen how integral improving access to the internet, technology, and digital literacy is for strong civic information networks.
Read more about our approach:
Interested in working with the IMPACT Program?
We don’t currently have open funding opportunities, but we always want to hear from people interested in learning more about the IMPACT Program, connecting with our grantees, and/or collaborating with us.
Reach out to tyra@citybureau.org with questions, comments and ideas to support digital equity in your community!
Learn about grantees’ IMPACT projects
Explore how IMPACT grantees are expanding internet access, building digital skills, and strengthening community connection across Suburban Cook County. Swipe through the slides below to learn more about their stories.