Nonprofit tech grants usually fund software purchases. These two fund something harder to buy: the capacity to actually use technology well.

What we know: This is a two-year, high-touch program that pairs strategic assessment, implementation guidance, and training over 18 to 24 months. Applicants must be associated with a US 501(c)(3) and work in at least one Senser focus area, which includes women's rights, social diversity in Israel, marginalized communities, and Jewish peoplehood. The executive director must play a central role, and the organization needs to secure matching funds.

Realistic fit: Mission-aligned nonprofits (Jewish community, women's rights, civic values) with an engaged ED and the organizational bandwidth for an 18-month engagement.

What we know: TechRise awards non-dilutive capital through live pitch competitions. The program targets early-stage founders, so this skews more startup accelerator than traditional grantmaking. Eligibility language focuses on founders and business stages rather than 501(c)(3) status.

Realistic fit: Chicago-area early-stage social enterprises or nonprofit ventures comfortable with a pitch-competition format.

These sit at opposite ends of the commitment spectrum: one is an 18-month embedded partnership, the other a pitch event. For the Senser EDTM, confirm your organization's alignment with their specific focus areas before investing time in the application. The matching-funds requirement alone will narrow the field.

If you know a Chicago founder building something with social impact, or a mission-driven nonprofit ready for a serious tech overhaul, send this their way.