In LGBTQ+ community centers across the country, a laptop might lead to safe housing. A smartphone could connect someone to mental health resources during a crisis. A tablet might provide the access needed to apply for employment or healthcare benefits.
This is the reality that drives LGBT Tech’s PowerOn grant program—an initiative that recognizes technology as more than convenience for many LGBTQ+ folks. Reliable access to computers, phones, and internet connectivity often serves as a lifeline to essential services, employment opportunities, and the support networks that can mean the difference between thriving and simply surviving.
LGBT Tech: Building Digital Equity for the Community
Technology access isn’t equally distributed, and for LGBTQ+ individuals, this digital divide can have life-altering consequences. Through their PowerOn grant program, the team at LGBT Tech has worked to bridge this gap by providing essential technology grants to 178 LGBTQ+ community centers in the US and Puerto Rico to date.
The program supplies a comprehensive range of equipment, including laptop and desktop computers, tablets, smartphones and printers.
“One of the clients who was able to benefit from the technology came to us scared to come out and access LGBTQ+ affirming mental health care. Through the granted technology, she was able to set up a safe email and use the device to connect with an LGBTQ+ affirming counselor. She has since been able to come out to family and return the technology as she no longer needs to hide her identity from her family.” – PowerOn Community Tech Grant recipient
But LGBT Tech’s work goes far beyond just distributing hardware. They understand that each piece of technology they place represents potential transformation—helping someone find stable housing, connect with healthcare providers, maintain relationships, or simply access the resources they need to build a safer, more stable life.
The Challenge of Success: When Impact Outgrows Infrastructure
As LGBT Tech’s reputation grew and more community centers learned about the PowerOn program, the organization faced a challenge that many successful nonprofits encounter: their impact was growing faster than their operational capacity.
Applications for grants increased steadily as word spread about the program’s effectiveness. Community centers from coast to coast reached out, each representing hundreds or thousands of LGBTQ+ individuals who could benefit from improved technology access. The demand was both inspiring and overwhelming.
The LGBT Tech team found themselves managing an increasingly complex logistics operation. Equipment procurement required extensive research to ensure each center received technology suited to their specific needs and user base. Storage became a creative challenge, with boxes of computers and devices taking over personal spaces. Distribution meant hand-packaging and shipping technology across the country, one center at a time.
Most challenging of all, these operational demands were pulling the team’s focus away from what they did best: building relationships with community centers, developing new programs, and engaging with the donors whose support made the entire program possible.
A Partnership That Amplifies Impact
PowerOn tech in an LGBTQ+ center
Recognizing that operational complexity was limiting their ability to serve more communities, LGBT Tech sought a solution that would allow them to focus on their core strengths while ensuring reliable technology deployment.
The solution came through a conversation between LGBT Tech’s leadership and Georgia Rittenberg, CEO of ComputerCare. Both organizations shared a similar vision to use technology to strengthen communities, and ComputerCare had the exact operational infrastructure LGBT Tech needed.
This partnership allows each organization to use their strengths: ComputerCare handles procurement, storage, and deployment logistics, freeing up LGBT Tech to focus on community relationships, program development, and donor engagement.
LGBT Tech can now respond more quickly to grant applications, serve more community centers, and spend their time building the relationships and programs that drive lasting change. Community centers receive their technology faster and more reliably, getting these critical resources into service sooner.
“We would not be able to operate without this technology! We have experienced a major boom in utilization of our food and hygiene pantry due to other local options closing down and this technology allows us to best serve our community.” – PowerOn Community Tech Grant recipient
Looking Forward: Expanding Reach, Deepening Impact
With operational bottlenecks resolved, LGBT Tech is positioned to expand their reach significantly. More community centers can be served, new programs can be developed, and the organization can focus on the strategic work of building sustainable funding and partnerships.
But perhaps most importantly, this means more LGBTQ+ individuals will have access to the technology that can change their lives. Every additional center served, every laptop deployed, every smartphone provided represents someone who now has better access to the resources, opportunities, and connections that can help them thrive.
LGBTQ+ center members accessing vital information through PowerOn devices.
Supporting LGBT Tech’s Mission
LGBT Tech’s PowerOn program represents exactly the kind of innovative, community-focused work that deserves broad support. Their understanding of technology as infrastructure for opportunity and safety—rather than luxury—addresses a critical need in the LGBTQ+ community.
For those interested in supporting this vital work, LGBT Tech welcomes both financial contributions and applications from LGBTQ+ community centers that could benefit from technology grants. Companies can also support LGBT Tech’s work through device donation partnerships in which lightly-used employee devices can be securely wiped and recycled for redistribution to LGBTQ+ community members. Their work demonstrates how targeted, thoughtful technology deployment can create ripple effects of positive change throughout communities.
At ComputerCare, we’re honored to support LGBT Tech’s mission by handling the operational logistics that allow them to focus on expanding access to life-changing technology. Learn more about LGBT Tech and their PowerOn program here.
