In a world where technology is central to opportunity, community, and well-being, the ability to access it is essential. For many LGBTQ+ individuals, however, access remains out of reach due to financial, social, and geographic barriers. That’s where the PowerOn program comes in, powered by LGBT Tech’s commitment to ensuring digital rights for all. In 2023, thanks to the unwavering support of sponsors, community centers, and grant recipients, PowerOn made remarkable strides in narrowing the digital divide, creating opportunities, and transforming lives.
2023 was a transformative year for PowerOn. With $163,416 in technology distributed, PowerOn directly impacted the lives of 262,342 people across the United States. The program’s reach spanned 30 states and territories, offering vital resources to individuals who often face exclusion from essential tech tools and services. Through initiatives like the Community Tech Grant and the Individual Tech Grant, PowerOn successfully provided life-changing resources, removing access barriers for hundreds of thousands.
The program’s success is a testament to the generosity of our partners and supporters who believe in this mission. Their support has allowed us to expand, innovate, and address the unique challenges that LGBTQ+ individuals face in a rapidly digital world.
The 2023 PowerOn Community Tech Grant was awarded to 40 centers nationwide, providing these essential community hubs with 313 devices that included laptops, tablets, cell phones, desktop computers, and printers. These grants empowered centers to offer expanded services, transforming technology access for thousands. Across these centers, 59% utilized granted technology in public spaces, enabling individuals to connect with vital services and online resources. The impact on health and wellness was significant, as PowerOn-supported technology helped facilitate 3008 mental healthcare sessions and 1083 primary healthcare appointments for clients. Additionally, 2037 social events and support groups were made possible, creating much-needed social spaces that fostered community and belonging.
Access to technology also opened doors for 669 community members who found employment through PowerOn resources, while 3029 clients accessed food bank resources—a critical component of health and stability. These achievements demonstrate that digital access is about so much more than connectivity; it’s about creating pathways to well-being, safety, and opportunity.
PowerOn’s impact extends deeply to individual lives through the PowerOn Individual Tech Grant (ITG), which provided $38,012 worth of technology to 81 individuals in 2023. Recipients used these devices for essential needs like job searching, communication, healthcare access, and education. The ITG program achieved a wide reach across various environments—57.3% of recipients were urban, 25.6% suburban, and 17% rural—ensuring support wherever people live. With these grants, recipients were able to engage in remote job applications and interviews, take online classes, connect with case managers, and access housing resources. 90% of recipients reported that lack of access to technology had previously been a barrier to reaching their goals.
Feedback from recipients has been overwhelmingly positive, with 93% saying they found resources online that they would not have found in person. This statistic shows the profound difference that technology can make, breaking down geographic and economic barriers to ensure individuals can access supportive resources no matter their location.
In addition to device distribution, the PowerOn program introduced the Digital Navigator Program, which focuses on digital literacy and safe internet practices. This year, the program trained 12 organizations across 12 states and territories on the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), reaching a potential 513,113 people. With resources like our Cyber Safety Guidebook and Digital Skills Online Resource Hub, PowerOn continues to promote digital safety and literacy, empowering people and organizations to navigate online spaces confidently and securely.
The accomplishments of PowerOn in 2023 would not have been possible without the dedication of our sponsors, who believe in the mission of bridging the digital divide. Their support has allowed us to continue expanding this vital program, ensuring that communities across the country have access to the tools they need to succeed.
2023 Sponsors:
We are also incredibly grateful to our PowerOn centers, whose tireless work at the community level has transformed the reach and impact of our grants. Each center has been instrumental in providing direct support to individuals, creating spaces where technology becomes a bridge to health, stability, and opportunity. And, of course, to the grant recipients who inspire us with their resilience and determination: thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey. Your stories and successes are the true testament to the power of digital inclusion.
As we celebrate the progress of 2023, we also look forward with a renewed commitment to bridging the digital divide. The need for digital equity continues to grow, and PowerOn will continue evolving to meet these challenges head-on. With ongoing support from our community of sponsors, partners, and supporters, we are confident that the future will bring even more opportunities to empower individuals through technology.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Together, we are making a difference and ensuring that every person has the digital resources they need to thrive. Here’s to another year of progress, partnership, and impact.
Read the full impact report here: https://www.poweronlgbt.org/research
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