CARDBoard Project
CARDBoard Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Dallas, Texas that provides digital devices, connectivity, and digital skills training to underserved communities in Digital Deserts through a 10-Step Roadmap and a network of 35+ community partners, with a Fiber Optic Certification Program launching in 2026.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2016
- HeadquartersDallas, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What CARDBoard Project does
CARDBoard Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded on November 2, 2016 in Dallas, Texas, by Armando Cantu. With a current headcount of 22, the organization operates a three-pronged digital inclusion model targeting underserved residents in South Dallas and other Digital Deserts: it provides laptops and desktops via the Digital Device Loan Program, delivers connectivity through wireless modems and hotspots, and runs digital skills training and digital education programming. These offerings are wrapped in the proprietary 10-Step Roadmap to Self-Sufficiency, an assessment-and-referral framework that routes clients to a network of more than 35 community partners addressing housing, employment, training, and social service barriers.
The product portfolio extends beyond device and connectivity access into workforce development, notably the Fiber Optic Certification Program launching in 2026 in partnership with The Fiber School, which combines digital literacy, electrical safety, and certified fiber optic technician training for careers in Texas broadband and telecommunications. Adjacent services include the Virtual Call Center, CARDBoard Connect, Financial Literacy (delivered through Banzai/TeachBanzai), Empowerment Pop-Ups, the CARDBoard Project Academy, and the Global Internship Program, which sources interns from UT Arlington, Grand Canyon University, and UMass Global. Technology is positioned as an enabler of access rather than proprietary software: distribution runs through partner referrals, school systems (DISD Homeless Education Program), and an online ordering platform via pcsrefurbished.com.
CARDBoard Project does not generate revenue in the conventional sense; the operating model is funded primarily through grants (including the Building the Texas Broadband Workforce Grant Program from the Texas Broadband Development Office), corporate and individual donations (Verizon, Capital One, AT&T, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Network for Good), and volunteer labor. Services are provided free of charge to eligible clients. Advocacy efforts extend to Austin and DC, supporting digital equity policy at the state and federal levels. The organization does not have identified venture, private equity, or institutional ownership, and operates as a standalone charitable entity.
CARDBoard Project firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- CARDBoard Project
- Legal name
- CARDBoard Project
- Website
- https://thecardboardproject.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2016
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- CARDBoard Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Dallas, Texas that provides digital devices, connectivity, and digital skills training to underserved communities in Digital Deserts through a 10-Step Roadmap and a network of 35+ community partners, with a Fiber Optic Certification Program launching in 2026.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
CARDBoard Project industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Digital Inclusion and Workforce Development Services
- NAICS
- Professional Organizations (81392)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Digital Inclusion & Public Tech Access Training (Device/Internet/Basic IT) (EDAAAFAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Education Access & EdTech for Equity (Low-cost Learning, Skills Platforms) (BPAGALAH), Foundational Computer & Device Literacy (EDAAAIAA)
Keywords
Where CARDBoard Project is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Dallas
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
CARDBoard Project business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Grants and Government Funding: Primary funding through grants such as the Building the Texas Broadband Workforce Grant Program from the Texas Broadband Development Office. Government grants fund workforce development and broadband career programs.
- Donations and Charitable Contributions: Individual and corporate donations from partners including Verizon, Capital One, AT&T, and other corporate sponsors. Accepts donations via Network for Good platform.
- Volunteer Services: Volunteers contribute to programs including digital skills training, outreach, advocacy, and operational support.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
CARDBoard Project product offering
Product offeringCore offering
CARDBoard Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that bridges the digital divide in South Dallas and underserved communities by providing three core offerings: (1) digital devices (laptops, desktops) on loan through the Digital Device Loan Program, (2) connectivity via wireless modems and hotspots, and (3) digital skills training and certifications. These are wrapped in a 10-Step Roadmap to Self-Sufficiency framework that coordinates referrals across a network of more than 35 community partners to address broader barriers to employment and self-sufficiency.
Product overview
CARDBoard Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of interconnected programs and services designed to bridge the digital divide in underserved communities. The core offerings include the Digital Device Loan Program (providing devices), Connectivity Services (providing internet access and equipment), and Digital Skills Training/Digital Education Program (providing training). These are complemented by workforce development through the Broadband Careers/Fiber Optic Certification Program, the CARDBoard Connect service, Financial Literacy training, and the 10 Step Roadmap to Self-Sufficiency framework. Additional services include the Virtual Call Center, CARDBoard Project Academy, Empowerment Pop-Ups, and the Global Internship Program. Together, these programs form an integrated ecosystem addressing digital inclusion from multiple angles: access to devices, connectivity, digital skills, career preparation, and wraparound support services.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Digital Device Loan Program
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 1,700 people empowered via digital skills training
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use CARDBoard Project
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
CARDBoard Project technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
CARDBoard Project partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- The Fiber SchoolcorePartner for fiber optic technician training curriculum. CARDBoard Project refers to The Fiber School's Dallas, Texas location for comprehensive curriculum in electrical safety and certified fiber optic technician training for careers in utilities and telecommunications.
- VerizonminorCorporate sponsor supporting CARDBoard Project's digital inclusion initiatives as part of their digital equity programs.
- Capital OneminorCorporate sponsor supporting CARDBoard Project's community programs and digital divide initiatives.
- Federal Reserve Bank of DallasminorSupports CARDBoard Project's 10-Step Roadmap to Self-Sufficiency through community partnership.
- Dallas Independent School District (DISD)coreKey educational partner for Homeless Youth Education Program and student technology access. Collaborates on HEP (Homeless Education Program) and Molina High School initiatives.
- University of Texas at Arlington (UT Arlington)coreUniversity partner for Global Internship Program. UT Arlington students (Social Work program) serve as interns gaining real-world experience in case management, community engagement, and digital inclusion work.
- Grand Canyon UniversitycoreUniversity partner for Global Internship Program. Students engage directly with clients helping access housing, employment, and training resources while strengthening case management and advocacy skills.
- UMass GlobalcoreUniversity partner for Global Internship Program providing experiential learning opportunities for students in macro social work and sustainable practices.
- National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA)minorSupports CARDBoard Project's digital inclusion advocacy efforts at state and federal levels.
- United Way DallasminorCommunity partner referring clients to CARDBoard Project services for digital access and skills training.
- PCs for PeoplecoreTechnology partner providing refurbished computers and devices for the Digital Device Loan Program serving low-income individuals and nonprofits.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights7 records
CARDBoard Project competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Human I-T: Nonprofit that refurbishes devices, provides connectivity, and delivers digital literacy training to under-resourced households; closely mirrors CARDBoard Project's mission and program mix.
- EveryoneOn: National nonprofit connecting underserved Americans to affordable internet, devices, and digital skills training; directly overlaps CARDBoard Project's three-pillar access/connectivity/training model at national scale.
- Per Scholas: National nonprofit providing tuition-free IT and fiber optic technician training to adults from under-resourced communities; a natural comparator for CARDBoard Project's broadband workforce program.
- Compudopt: Nonprofit providing technology access, digital literacy, and workforce development to underserved communities, with a strong Texas presence; comparable programmatic portfolio.
- Connected Nation: Nonprofit focused on broadband access and digital inclusion programs, including workforce development for the broadband industry — overlapping the CARDBoard Project broadband careers mission.
- PCs for People: National 501(c)(3) that provides refurbished computers and low-cost internet to low-income individuals; already a Core technology partner of CARDBoard Project for device sourcing, making it the closest functional peer.
- NPower: Nonprofit delivering IT workforce training and job placement for veterans and young adults from under-resourced communities; comparable model for digital skills-to-employment pipelines.
Emerging players
- Digital Promise: Nonprofit working on equitable access to digital learning and tools, especially in education; overlaps CARDBoard Project's device loan and digital literacy work for students.
- National Digital Inclusion Alliance: Advocacy and capacity-building organization for digital inclusion; listed as an advocacy partner of CARDBoard Project and sets the field's standards and policy agenda.
Broad incumbents
- Goodwill Industries International: Large nonprofit network that runs digital skills, device refurbishment, and workforce development programs through local chapters; serves as a broader incumbent that competes for similar workforce and inclusion grants.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
CARDBoard Project social profiles
Digital presenceCARDBoard Project financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
CARDBoard Project leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
CARDBoard Project funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
CARDBoard Project M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about CARDBoard Project
What does CARDBoard Project do?
CARDBoard Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that bridges the digital divide in South Dallas and underserved communities by providing three core offerings: (1) digital devices (laptops, desktops) on loan through the Digital Device Loan Program, (2) connectivity via wireless modems and hotspots, and (3) digital skills training and certifications. These are wrapped in a 10-Step Roadmap to Self-Sufficiency framework that coordinates referrals across a network of more than 35 community partners to address broader barriers to employment and self-sufficiency.
Is CARDBoard Project a public or private company?
CARDBoard Project is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was CARDBoard Project founded?
CARDBoard Project was founded in 2016. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is CARDBoard Project based?
CARDBoard Project is headquartered in Dallas, United States, in the North America region.
How does CARDBoard Project make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Grants and Government Funding is the primary driver. The others are donations and Charitable Contributions and volunteer Services.
Who are CARDBoard Project's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Human I-T, EveryoneOn, Per Scholas, Compudopt, Connected Nation, PCs for People and NPower. Emerging players are Digital Promise and National Digital Inclusion Alliance. Goodwill Industries International is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does CARDBoard Project have an API?
No public API is recorded for CARDBoard Project.
What industry is CARDBoard Project in?
CARDBoard Project's product category is Digital Inclusion and Workforce Development Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAAAFAE, Digital Inclusion & Public Tech Access Training (Device/Internet/Basic IT), with a secondary code of BPAGALAH, Education Access & EdTech for Equity (Low-cost Learning, Skills Platforms). Its NAICS code is 81392 and its SIC code is 8200.