As part of Tennessee’s Broadband Ready Communities grant program, Innovate Memphis has partnered with Shelby County Government to launch Connect Shelby, a device deployment initiative designed to bridge the digital divide. We’re seeking eight nonprofit partners to help distribute free devices to residents and share digital literacy resources that empower them to thrive in the digital economy.

Program Details:

Timeline: May – December 2025
Partners Needed: 8 nonprofits
Device Goal: Up to 200 devices deployed to clients per organization
Commitment: Monthly check-ins, ongoing outreach and device distribution events at the nonprofit site

Interested nonprofits should complete the interest survey linked below and our team will follow up to discuss next steps, which may include finalist interviews. Please note: Completing the survey and participating in an interview does not guarantee selection. Organizations will be vetted through a standardized process to ensure fair consideration, and we will prioritize organizations that meet at least some of the following criteria:

1) Primarily serve low-income families with limited resources

2) Serve geographic areas with a high % of low-income and low-connectivity households (see map below for reference)

3) Already address other aspects of digital equity (ex: broadband access, computer literacy skills) OR have services that would benefit from connectivity (ex: education programs, tech workforce development, telehealth)

4) Have a lot of foot traffic and face-to-face programs/events where devices could be distributed

5) Have dedicated staff who already connect clients to wraparound supports

Interested nonprofit leaders should complete the interest form below by Monday, May 5, 2025:

Digital Equity Map from Microsoft: Areas below with yellow and orange shading have less access to devices and internet at home and are experiencing higher poverty rates and less education attainment (high school degrees) compared to areas shaded in blue.