California Emerging Technology Fund
The California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Concord, California. Established in 2006 and tax-exempt since April 2007, CETF operates as a unique national organization dedicated to closing the digital divide by addressing both the supply and demand sides of broadband access. The organization brings together diverse stakeholders—elected officials, policymakers, civic leaders, community-based organizations, and broadband providers—to collectively address digital equity challenges across California.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$12.1M
-35.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$4.1M
+73.3% YoY
Grant Count
55
+139.1% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$74K
-27.5% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: Close the Digital Divide in California by accelerating the deployment and adoption of broadband and other advanced communications services to unserved and underserved communities.
CETF uses "broadband" as a generic term for high-speed Internet infrastructure, including both wireline and wireless networks and advanced communications such as 5G. The organization is distinguished by its focus on addressing both supply-side challenges (broadband deployment) and demand-side challenges (broadband adoption) to increase the use of technologies enabled by ubiquitous high-speed Internet access.
Primary Focus Areas:
- Broadband deployment to unserved and underserved communities
- Digital inclusion and adoption programs
- Education and digital equity initiatives
- Community capacity building
Grantmaking
CETF awards grants to support broadband deployment and digital inclusion efforts. Based on recent activity, typical grant awards range from $5,040 to $1,867,230.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
CETF operates statewide throughout California, with a focus on unserved and underserved communities across all regions of the state.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Most Recent Financial Data (Fiscal Year Ending June 2025):
- Total Assets: $12,139,308
- Total Revenue: $3,938,233
- Total Expenses: $10,441,474
- Net Income: -$6,503,241
- Total Giving: $4,076,320
Staff: The organization employs approximately 14-17 staff members.
Historical Context: CETF concluded its first 10 years of operation in 2017 and published a Decade Report. The organization operates under a 5-Year Strategic Plan with aggressive goals to achieve at least 98% deployment in each region and 90% adoption statewide.
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $12,139,308 | $18,788,602 | $27,147,491 |
| Revenue | $3,938,233 | $2,662,388 | $3,574,011 |
| Expenses | $10,441,474 | $10,591,270 | $9,491,888 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $444,101 | $425,084 | $241,957 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
Grant Size Distribution
131 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2025 grants, the largest include AGIF Education Foundation ($879,510), Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation ($120,000), Sigma Beta Xi ($78,710).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| CSU Fresno Foundation Fresno, CA | to support programs that increase broadband awareness and adoption | $17,320 |
| Sigma Beta Xi Moreno Valley, CA | to support programs that increase broadband awareness and adoption | $78,710 |
| Sourtheast Community Development Corporation Bell, CA | to support programs that increase broadband awareness and adoption | $30,265 |
| AGIF Education Foundation Santa Maria, CA | to support programs that increase broadband awareness and adoption | $879,510 |
| Binational of Central California Fresno, CA | to support programs that increase broadband awareness and adoption | $7,060 |
| Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Marina, CA | to support programs that increase broadband awareness and adoption | $20,000 |
| Cal Poly Humboldt Concord, CA | to support programs that increase broadband awareness and adoption | $10,000 |
| Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation Los Angeles, CA | to support programs that increase broadband awareness and adoption | $120,000 |
| Economic Development Collaborative Camarillo, CA | to support programs that increase broadband awareness and adoption | $30,000 |
| Sierra Business Council Truckee, CA | to support programs that increase broadband awareness and adoption | $30,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
President and CEO: Sunne Wright McPeak (2021 salary: $375,500)
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
From 2025 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renee Martinez | Chair | 3 | $16,000 |
| Darrell Stewart | Vice Chair | 2 | — |
| Carlos Ramos | Secretary | 2 | $8,500 |
| Richard Motta | Treasurer | 6 | $52,250 |
| Jeff Campbell | Director | 2 | — |
| Martha Escutia | Director | 2 | $3,500 |
| Francis Gipson | Director | 2 | $8,750 |
| Jim Kirkland | Director | 2 | $9,500 |
| Tim McCallion | Director | 2 | — |
| Lenny Mendonca | Director | 2 | — |
| Shireen Santosham | Director | 2 | — |
| Barb Johnston Yellowlees | Director | 2 | — |
| Sunne Wright McPeak | President and CEO | 40 | $426,800 |
| Jessica Woznak | Chief Opearting Officer | 40 | $73,200 |
| Anne O | Chief Management Officer | 40 | $180,380 |
| Agustin Urgiles | School2Home Executive Mana | 40 | $203,000 |
| Raquel Cinat | Associate Vice President | 40 | $181,380 |
| Charlene Tatis | Director of Digital Inclus | 40 | $151,700 |
| Alana O'Brien | Vice President Operations | 40 | $152,900 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
CETF has been active in awarding grants and supporting digital equity initiatives:
Digital Equity Grants Awarded to California Locals - California EmergingAnnounced Digital Equity Grants to California local governments
California Emerging Technology Fund Awards $20,000 Grants to 36 Local GovernmentsDistributed $200,000 in funding through the California Public Utilities Commission Digital Divide Grant Program
CPUC Awards $200,000 in Funding as Part of Digital Divide Grant Program -Awarded $20,000 grants to 36 local governments as part of the Local Government Best Practices Check List Project
California Emerging Technology Fund Awards $20,000 Grants to 36 Local GovernmentsThe organization continues to focus on institutionalization—building capacity in public and private institutions to incorporate Digital Inclusion policies and practices into their ongoing operations and programs.
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does California Emerging Technology Fund fund?
**Mission:** Close the Digital Divide in California by accelerating the deployment and adoption of broadband and other advanced communications services to unserved and underserved communities. CETF uses "broadband" as a generic term for high-speed Internet infrastructure, including both wireline and wireless networks and advanced communications such as 5G. The organization is distinguished by its focus on addressing both supply-side challenges (broadband deployment) and demand-side challenges (…
How do I apply for a grant from California Emerging Technology Fund?
CETF awards grants to support broadband deployment and digital inclusion efforts. Based on recent activity, typical grant awards range from $5,040 to $1,867,230. **Recent Grant Activity:** • Awarded $20,000 grants to 36 local governments through the Local Government Best Practices Check List Project • Distributed $200,000 in funding as part of a Digital Divide Grant Program in partnership with the California Public Utilities Commission • Total giving in fiscal year 2025: $4,076,320 **Program Pa…
Where does California Emerging Technology Fund make grants?
CETF operates statewide throughout California, with a focus on unserved and underserved communities across all regions of the state.
What size grants does California Emerging Technology Fund award?
In 2025, California Emerging Technology Fund awarded 55 grants totaling $4.1M — an average of about $74K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is California Emerging Technology Fund's EIN?
California Emerging Technology Fund's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 20-5184429. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in California Emerging Technology Fund's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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