CFDA#
11.032
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Funder Type
Federal Government
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IT Classification
A - Primarily intended to fund technology
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Authority
Department of Commerce (DoC)
Summary
The purpose of the State Digital Equity Grant Program is to promote the achievement of digital equity, support digital inclusion activities, and build capacity for efforts by States relating to the adoption of broadband by residents of those States. Subgrants will be made in support of the State's Digital Equity Plan and digital inclusion activities in the State generally.
The State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program supports the creation of community-centric solutions. It provides resources to community organizations to help scale digital literacy programs. These programs give people the skills they need to effectively use the internet. Funds will support projects that promote meaningful adoption and use of high-speed internet service. Projects should aim to help the following groups:
- Low-income households
- Aging populations
- Incarcerated individuals
- Veterans
- People with disabilities
- People with language barriers
- Racial and ethnic minorities
- Rural inhabitants
Governors must appoint an "administering entity." This entity must be one of, or a partnership between, the following:
- The state, or a political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality of the state
- An Indian Tribe, Alaska Native entity or Native Hawaiian organization located in the state
- A foundation, corporation, institution, association, or coalition that is a not-for-profit, not a school, and is providing services in the state
- A community anchor institution (not a school) located in the state
- A local educational agency located in the state
- An entity located in the state that carries out a workforce development program
- An agency of the state that is responsible for administering or supervising adult education and literacy activities in the state
- A public or multi-family housing authority located in the state
History of Funding
Maine is the first state with an approved Digital Equity Plan. More information can be found here: https://www.ntia.gov/press-release/2024/maine-becomes-first-state-have-digital-equity-plan-accepted
As of the end of February 2024, NTIA stated that all states had submitted digital equity plans for review (not all have been approved yet).
Additional Information
State Digital Equity Plans will include the following information:
- barriers to digital equity faced by underserved residents
- measurable objectives for documenting and promoting:
- availability and affordability of broadband
- online accessibility and inclusivity of public resources and services
- digital literacy
- cybersecurity awareness and online privacy awareness
- availability and affordability of consumer devices
- An assessment of the impact that meeting the objectives will have on the state.
- A plan for coordinating with key stakeholders.
Eligibility Details
States, territories, Washington D.C. and tribal governments are eligible recipients for these funds.
These entities may provide sub-grants to the following sub-recipients:
- community anchor institutions
- county and municipal governments;
- local educational agencies
- where applicable, Indian Tribes, Alaska Native entities, or Native Hawaiian organizations
- nonprofit organizations
- organizations that represent:
- individuals with disabilities, including organizations that represent children with disabilities
- aging individuals
- individuals with language barriers including English learners and individuals with low levels of literacy
- veterans
- individuals in that State who are incarcerated in facilities other than Federal correctional facilities
- civil rights organizations;
- entities that carry out workforce development programs agencies of the State that are responsible for administering or supervising adult education and literacy activities in the State;
- public housing authorities in the State; and
- a partnership between any of the above
Deadline Details
States, including Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, must submit State Digital Equity Capacity applications by May 28, 2024. Other territories have until July 31, 2024 to submit. Indian Tribes, Alaska Native entities, and Native Hawaiian organizations application window will open on September 25, 2024 with applications due February 7, 2025.
Award Details
Grant awards to Eligible States will be based upon the statutory formula established in the Digital Equity Act and will depend on the number and characteristics of the States that apply. Tentative allocations can be found in the NOFO. Grant awards to the U.S. Territories will be made as an equal distribution of the territorial set aside. Grant awards to Native Entities will be awarded on a competitive basis and will depend upon the number of applicants and the size of the proposals submitted.
Congress has appropriated $840 million for grants under the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program through fiscal year 2024.
No less than one (1) percent of the total amount of funding will be made available to Territories ($8.4 million) and no less than five percent of the total amount of funding will be made available to Indian Tribes, Alaska Native entities, and Native Hawaiian organizations ($42 million).
Future NOFOs are expected to make up to an additional $300 million available for implementation of Digital Equity Plans and digital inclusion activities in each of fiscal years 2025 and 2026.
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Top 10 Local Grant Programs You Won't Want to Miss in 2015 - Sponsored by Sprint
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