Charity bets on connecting Capital Region
Ex-google boss gives Cancode, United Way, library tech grants
A charity created by the former CEO of Google — before it changed its name to Alphabet — is betting on the Capital Region’s ability to connect people and improve their lives through computing.
Three prominent local nonprofits announced Wednesday that they had collectively been awarded $410,000 by Schmidt Futures, a philanthropic venture of tech billionaire Eric Schmidt, the former Google CEO, and his wife, Wendy.
The money will go toward “digital inclusion” projects under way by the United Way of the Greater Capital Region, the Friends & Foundation of Albany Public Library, and Cancode Communities.
Along with the sizable value of the grants, being awarded a Schmidt Futures grant is considered extremely prestigious, considering the competitive nature of the process.
The largest grant went to Cancode Communities, an innovative software programming training program for people who have never worked in the industry that began as Albany Cancode and has since spread across the state, including into New York City.
The expansion led the organization to change its name to Cancode Communities to reflect its broader reach. The group was awarded $250,000 to expand even more, according to founder Annmarie Lanesey, a local software entrepreneur.
“This is a significant investment that will rapidly expand the educational and career opportunities we provide to underserved individuals and further build a diverse and inclusive tech workforce that serves the needs of employers and strengthens communities across New York state,” Lanesey said.
The Albany Public Library Foundation will use its $130,000 grant to fund an existing program that provides internet access, devices and training in public housing developments in the city of Albany. The money will fund the initiative through 2030.
The United Way was awarded $30,000 to create a digital inclusion coalition that will address the digital divide in the Capital Region. The United Way has already started forming the group, which includes Capital Region BOCES, the Upper Hudson Library System and the Workforce Development Institute.
“We are excited to see what we can accomplish as we all come together,” Peter Gannon, CEO of the United Way of the Greater Capital Region said. “The timing of the investment by Schmidt Futures could not be better. The (COVID -19) pandemic proved that equitable access to the internet and devices will continue to be vital.”