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.
In 2026, 22 organizations across Suburban Cook County will use IMPACT funding 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.
Meet the second Digital Equity IMPACT cohort
Learn about grantees’ IMPACT projects
Explore how our Digital Equity 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.
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.
Interested in joining the next IMPACT cohort?
Applications are now closed, but stay tuned for details about our next application cycle! Click below to learn more about the application process, and watch the recording of our Jan.7 information session.