Mini Tech Skills Program Overview
The Best Buy Foundation® seeks local or national non-profit organizations to join the Tech Skills Partner program. Tech Skills Partners work with local Best Buy Teen Tech Centers® (BBTTC) and provide STEAM skills workshops and learning opportunities to BBTTC members. These workshops and learning opportunities will increase technical skill proficiency and/or provide career exploration opportunities that are suitable for youth ages 13-19. Eligible programs and opportunities will be included in a menu of offerings that BBTTC staff can request for their youth members.
Mini Tech Skills Workshops are supplemental STEAM skills programs of varying lengths delivered as workshops, weekly sessions or immersive camps. Workshops are generally facilitated by the Tech Skills Partner organization and hosted on-site at the BBTTC site. Offsite programs (such as filmmaking workshops that take place on location at a film set) and virtual programs are also permitted to apply. The maximum grant award is $24,999 per Teen Tech Center site.
Some of the most highly requested workshop topics include:
- Coding
- Filmmaking
- Game Design
- Music Production
- Photography
- Robotics
While hands-on, external facilitator led workshops are preferred, organizations that provide other ad-hoc programming opportunities will also be considered. Some examples of ad-hoc programming may include:
- Curriculum and resource material.
- Paid Apprenticeships.
- Other opportunities to be considered on case-by-case basis.
Prospective organizations should have a demonstrated track record of asset-based programming that amplifies the strengths of young people from underserved communities and experience engaging teens (ages 13-19) in out-of-school time settings.
Eligibility
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with a proven track record of serving youth ages 13-19 in and out of school context and informational learning spaces.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with youth from a variety of backgrounds.
About Best Buy Teen Tech Centers
At a Best Buy Teen Tech Center, teens can develop critical skills through hands-on activities exploring their interests through project-based learning. Each location works to bridge the digital divide by giving young people access to tech education and mentor guidance while building the confidence they will need to be successful in school and in their future careers. Young people can leverage technology to develop projects based on their own interests such as: creating art, producing music and developing animations; designing their own science simulations and mobile applications; writing and illustrating interactive poetry, stories and films; building kinetic sculptures and robotic constructions; starting their own businesses; and designing their own 3D worlds and games. In the process, youth become excited about new technologies, develop skills and experiences to help them succeed in their careers, contribute to their communities and lead outstanding lives.
The Best Buy Teen Tech Center® Program Grant covers yearly staffing salaries and benefits, staff development, and program-related expenses at a Best Buy Teen Tech Center (BBTTC). The Program Grant funds salary and benefits for the required full-time BBTTC Coordinator, a full-time staff member designated for sites participating in the BBTTC Pathways Program (Pathways Facilitator) and can support a portion of an optional additional BBTTC staff.
For 501c3 nonprofits:
Please search for your organization using your tax ID.
For government entities or organizations without 501c3 status:
Your will not be able to search for your organization. Instead, select "Skip and continue to application." In the application, you will be able to select your Teen Tech Center site.
Capital Grant Overview
Capital funding supports brick and mortar projects, specifically, organizations’ investment in buildings, facilities and equipment. Funding may support the purchase, construction or renovation of one or more buildings.
As part of their proposal, applicants may also request support for equipment, technology, software or hardware purchases. It is neither required nor expected for technology and equipment to be purchased from Best Buy. Please do not specify where you will purchase technology on the application.
Eligibility
Organizations must meet the following criteria to be eligible:
- Current nonprofit partner that has received funding from the Best Buy Foundation within the past three years but has not been awarded capacity or capital funding.
- Grant requested must not exceed $100,000. If request is under $100,000, please contact Best Buy Foundation staff at info@bestbuyfoundation.org.
- Organization must have already raised 50% of the capital campaign goal.
- Project requested must be in the public phase of the capital campaign.
- Organization is based in and provides services in the Twin Cities 7-county metro.
- Project requested must solely serve communities in the Twin Cities 7-county metro.
- Qualified 501 (c)(3) nonprofit or tax-exempt public charity with a valid IRS Tax ID.
- Must be willing to participate in site visits by Best Buy Foundation staff and Best Buy Foundation Board members.
View the full RFP and grant guidelines here.
Capacity Building Grant Overview
Capacity Building funding supports nonprofits’ organizational capacity and programmatic effectiveness. One-time support may be provided for:
- Organization Planning: Strategic planning, succession planning, staff, board, or volunteer training and development
- Technology Resources: Equipment, technology, and software or hardware purchases as it relates to database systems, cybersecurity, and safety/security
- Programs: Program design/piloting, expansion, evaluation, and curriculum development
- Organizational Sustainability: Development/fundraising planning and financial system upgrades
Support may include staffing expenses and/or consultant costs for any of the aforementioned capacity needs.
It is neither required nor expected for technology and equipment to be purchased from Best Buy. Please do not specify where you will purchase technology on the application.
Eligibility
Organizations must meet the following criteria to be eligible:
- Current nonprofit partner that has received funding from the Best Buy Foundation within the past three years but has not been awarded capacity or capital funding.
- Grant requested must not exceed $99,999.
- Organization is based in and provides services in the Twin Cities 7-county metro.
- Project requested must solely serve communities in the Twin Cities 7-county metro.
- Qualified 501 (c)(3) nonprofit or tax-exempt public charity with a valid IRS Tax ID.
- Must be willing to participate in site visits by Best Buy Foundation staff and Best Buy Foundation Board members.
View the full RFP and grant guidelines here.