The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) hasunveiled nearly $1 billion in funding aimed at ensuring communities have access to necessary devices and digital skills, regardless of background or circumstances. This funding marks the first opportunity under the Digital Equity Act’s $1.25 billion Competitive Grant Program and is a pivotal part of President Biden’s “Internet for All” initiative within his Investing in America agenda.
Various organizations, including city and county governments, Native entities, certain nonprofits, educational agencies, and workforce development organizations, can apply competitively for this funding. NTIA encourages proposals from partnerships capable of administering substantial resources and serving diverse populations. U.S. Territories have a separate set-aside and can apply until October 22, with general applications due by September 23. The NTIA expects to start making awards by Winter 2024 on a rolling basis.
Key Points:
• Funding Available: Nearly $1 billion.
• Program: Digital Equity Act’s $1.25 billion Competitive Grant Program.
• Initiative: Part of President Biden’s “Internet for All” initiative.
• Eligible Applicants: City and county governments, Native entities, nonprofits, educational agencies, workforce development organizations, and U.S. Territories.
• Application Deadlines: September 23 for general applications, October 22 for U.S. Territories.
• Award Timeline: Expected to begin by Winter 2024 on a rolling basis.
• Objective: Ensure digital access and skills for all communities.
• Encouraged Proposals: Broad partnerships addressing diverse populations.
• Impact: Enhance digital skills and access to connected devices for underserved communities.
• Administration Comments: Emphasis on digital equity for all, facilitated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
• Funding Available: Nearly $1 billion.
• Program: Digital Equity Act’s $1.25 billion Competitive Grant Program.
• Initiative: Part of President Biden’s “Internet for All” initiative.
• Eligible Applicants: City and county governments, Native entities, nonprofits, educational agencies, workforce development organizations, and U.S. Territories.
• Application Deadlines: September 23 for general applications, October 22 for U.S. Territories.
• Award Timeline: Expected to begin by Winter 2024 on a rolling basis.
• Objective: Ensure digital access and skills for all communities.
• Encouraged Proposals: Broad partnerships addressing diverse populations.
• Impact: Enhance digital skills and access to connected devices for underserved communities.
• Administration Comments: Emphasis on digital equity for all, facilitated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
FBA President & CEO Gary Bolton offered the following statement of support: “FBA applauds the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) on another significant step forward in connecting all Americans to fiber broadband. This morning, NTIA announced the availability of nearly $1 billion in funding to be used for digital equity programs. Equity cannot be achieved by infrastructure deployments alone; it also requires the tools and skills to make full use of the benefits of fiber connectivity. We encourage our membership and beyond to participate in this opportunity that will help close the digital divide once and for all.”
https://www.internetforall.gov/program/digital-equity-competitive-grant-program
