DELN BULLETIN: MAY 26, 2026

Local Updates

Microsoft Changemakers: Building AI Skills to Accelerate Nonprofit Impact

Join Jolenta Coleman-Bush, Director of Education, Workforce, and AI Skills at Microsoft, for an introduction to Microsoft Elevate for Changemakers - a global initiative designed to help nonprofit professionals build practical AI skills and confidence at no cost. The session will explore how nonprofits can responsibly integrate AI into everyday operations, communications, and community impact work.

Tuesday, June 2, 12:00 - 12:45 PST

Finding Grants with Candid Search

Guest speaker Jay Lyman with the Seattle Public Library will walk participants through how to effectively use Candid Search to discover grant opportunities, strengthen prospect research, and navigate the platform with confidence. Whether you’re new to grant seeking or looking to expand your funding strategy, this session will provide practical guidance and helpful tools to support your work.

Thursday, July 16, 12:00 - 1:00 PST

Regional Funding Opportunities

We’re sharing several upcoming and ongoing funding opportunities that may be relevant to organizations across the DELN network. Opportunities span digital equity, youth and family support, science and technology programming, grassroots organizing, nonprofit capacity building, and broader community services.

View opportunities

JLARC Reviews State Digital Equity and Digital Navigator Audits

The Joint Legislative Audit Review Committee (JLARC) recently heard findings from the State Auditor’s Office Performance Audit examining Washington’s digital equity strategy and oversight of the Digital Navigator Program. Key findings noted the lack of a unified statewide digital equity plan, designated leadership, and reliable long-term funding to support coordinated digital equity efforts across Washington.

Watch hearing

Federal Way Nonprofit Impacted by Digital Navigator Grant Dispute

Federal Way-based nonprofit Mission Africa is facing significant financial strain after more than $300,000 in expected reimbursement funding was not paid through a state Digital Navigator grant program. The situation highlights broader challenges facing community-based organizations affected by disputes tied to the administration of the former statewide program.

Free Community Wi-Fi Launches in South King County

A new free community Wi-Fi hub has opened at El Centro de la Raza’s Business Opportunity Center in Federal Way, supported by a $350,000 technology investment and a long-standing partnership with Comcast. The initiative expands internet access for South King County families and reflects continued investment in community-centered digital inclusion infrastructure.

Articles & Research

U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján introduced the Outage Refund Guarantee Act, legislation aimed at ensuring consumers receive compensation for extended internet, phone, cable, and satellite service outages. The proposal would require providers to issue credits for outages lasting more than four hours, reflecting growing national attention to internet reliability as an essential service.

In this Broadband Breakfast commentary, Chip Pickering argues that data centers play a critical role in supporting economic growth, AI infrastructure, energy investment, and rural connectivity. The article explores how digital infrastructure investments can generate local tax revenue, workforce opportunities, and broader participation in the evolving digital economy.

Resources, Webinars & Tools

NDIA has officially opened the Call for Proposals for Net Inclusion 2027, taking place February 23–25, 2027 in Columbus, Ohio. Organizers are inviting digital inclusion practitioners, advocates, researchers, and community leaders to submit breakout sessions and workshops that highlight innovative programs, partnerships, and lessons learned from the field.

This Tech Talk for Nonprofits featuring Allison Jones, M.Ed., GPC explores how artificial intelligence tools can strengthen nonprofit grant writing practices. The webinar covers practical applications for research, drafting, and workflow efficiency while encouraging thoughtful and responsible use of AI in nonprofit work.

watch webinar

Hosted by Rep. Adam Smith’s office, this webinar features the Washington Utilities & Transportation Commission, PCs for People, and Evergreen Goodwill sharing information about affordable internet options, low-cost devices, and digital skills resources available locally. The session offers practical information for organizations supporting residents with connectivity and affordability needs.

learn more

Creation Culture, led by TMF grantee Paolo Vacala, is offering branding, visual identity, website, and marketing design services for nonprofits and community organizations. This may be a helpful resource for groups looking to strengthen outreach, storytelling, and public-facing communications materials.

contact Paolo

DE Community Involvement

DELN is looking for advocates who want to help shape policy and push for meaningful change. If you’re interested in advancing digital equity through local and statewide policy efforts, we invite you to join our Advocacy Working Group. We meet virtually on Microsoft Teams the first Tuesday of each month at 2:00 PM. Help us amplify community voices and drive systems-level impact!

Contact DELN