Build a CIC
with us.
A pathway for organizations ready to bring a Community Innovation Center to the families they already serve. Not a program we drop in — something we build together.
A true
partnership.
A Community Innovation Center is a permanent technology education hub embedded inside a trusted community organization — delivering comprehensive AI literacy to the families who need it most.
This isn't RITE bringing a program to you. This is us building something together.
Seven steps.
One launch.
From first conversation to ribbon-cutting — and beyond. Every step is collaborative, transparent, and tuned to the community you serve.
Initial Exploration
You reach out (or we do). No commitment — just a conversation about the model and mutual fit.
- — Initial conversation about the CIC model
- — Receive the CIC Overview Packet
- — Assess alignment and mutual interest
Organizational Readiness
A shared assessment of community reach, facilities, staffing, fundraising capacity, and stability. Not pass/fail — orientation.
- — Complete the CIC Readiness Assessment
- — RITE reviews capacity and fit
- — Honest conversation about strengths and gaps
Site Visit & Vision Alignment
We come to you. See the space, meet the team, and start dreaming about what programming could look like in your context.
- — RITE team visits your organization
- — Discuss community needs and partnership vision
- — Explore what a CIC could look like for the families you serve
Co-Create the Plan
This is where the partnership becomes custom — programming, space, staffing, budget, fundraising strategy, timeline.
- — Define programming components
- — Outline staffing and roles
- — Build a budget around your specific needs
- — Develop fundraising strategy together
Formalize the Partnership
Draft the Partnership Agreement based on your custom plan — typically a 3–5 year initial commitment with clear exit provisions.
- — Partnership scope and programming commitments
- — Space, staffing, and fundraising responsibilities
- — Data, evaluation, and IP terms
- — Duration and exit provisions
Joint Fundraising & Setup
Execute the fundraising plan together. RITE provides templates, funder lists, coaching, and joint applications.
- — Months 1–4 · Active fundraising
- — Months 5–6 · Equipment procurement & setup
- — Months 7–8 · Staff training & soft launch prep
- — Month 8–9 · Launch
Launch & Continuous Improvement
The partnership doesn't end at launch — quarterly planning, refreshed curriculum, network access, and Year 2+ fundraising support.
- — Quarterly planning meetings
- — Access to updated curriculum and materials
- — Technical assistance and facilitator training
- — Connection to the wider CIC network
What we look
for in a host.
Deep, authentic relationships with families who know you, trust you, and show up when you invite them.
You believe AI literacy and technology access should be available to everyone — not just the affluent.
You're thinking in years, not months. You want to build infrastructure, not run a program.
You're open to co-creation, willing to learn, and excited to grow together. No AI expertise required.
Space, staff time, community relationships, fundraising — you bring something meaningful to the table.
You care about outcomes. You'll collect data, evaluate, and continuously improve with us.
What it
typically costs.
Every partnership is custom — but here's the order of magnitude for launching a CIC in Year 1.
Tablets, Chromebooks, displays, WiFi, software
Coordinator, facilitators, admin
Curriculum, food, marketing, evaluation
The split — partner vs. RITE vs. in-kind — gets resolved together in Step 04.
Beyond
Year One.
CICs are designed to become increasingly self-sustaining. By Year 3–4, most generate enough revenue to run without intensive fundraising.
- Year 1 · Launch
- Partnership fundraising covers most costs · Begin earned income (teacher PD) · Apply for federal grants
- Year 2 · Growth
- Federal grants 50–60% · Teacher PD 15–20% · Foundation grants 20–25%
- Year 3+ · Sustainability
- Federal grants 60–70% · Earned income 20–25% · Foundation grants 10–15%
Three ways
it can look.
Examples — not templates. Your partnership will be unique to the families you serve.
Established Community Center
20-year-old center · 1,000+ families annually · large meeting room and 15 computers
- Partner fundraises
- $40,000
- RITE fundraises
- $40,000
- In-kind
- $5,000
- Total
- $85,000
- Timeline
- 6 months
- Programming
- Full CIC
Small Faith-Based Nonprofit
8-year-old nonprofit · ~200 families · mostly volunteers, limited fundraising experience
- Partner fundraises
- $15,000
- RITE fundraises
- $55,000
- In-kind
- Weekend space
- Total
- $70,000
- Timeline
- 9 months
- Programming
- Family AI Nights · Year 1
Large School or Academy
Charter school · ~400 students · computer lab and strong tech infrastructure
- Partner contributes
- $25,000
- RITE fundraises
- $30,000
- In-kind
- $20,000
- Total
- $75,000
- Timeline
- 6 months
- Programming
- After-school + Family + Teacher PD
Frequently
asked.
Remove gates. Build bridges.
Ready to explore?
If your organization is curious about becoming a Community Innovation Center partner, let's start a conversation. No commitment — just a first call.