First Funding Opportunity for the $1.25 Billion Digital Equity Act Competitive Program
WASHINGTON – The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced today the availability of nearly $1 billion to fund programs that ensure communities have access to devices and skills needed to fully participate in the digital world, regardless of their background or circumstances.
This is the first funding opportunity from the Digital Equity Act’s $1.25 billion Competitive Grant Program and is part of the “Internet for All” initiative, a key component of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.
“Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Department of Commerce is making historic investments to ensure that every American has access to affordable high-speed internet as well as the tools and resources needed to be successful online,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “President Biden’s digital equity initiative will make the promise of the Internet a reality for everyone in our country, no matter their background. With additional access and expanded skillsets, more families will be able to thrive in our modern economy by getting an education, expanding their businesses or staying connected to their communities online.”
“The global competitiveness of our country relies on how well we harness the talents and strengths of all parts of the country, especially those Americans who have been historically underserved, under-resourced, and overlooked,” said Deputy Commerce Secretary Don Graves. “Our pursuit of digital equity and inclusion can ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or location, has access to affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service and digital skills. The Commerce Department’s Internet for All programs will help millions more Americans succeed, prosper, and lead lives of dignity.”
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Under the Notice of Funding Opportunity released today, a variety of organizations can apply on a competitive basis for funding. Eligible applicants include political subdivisions of states, such as city and county governments; Native entities including Indian Tribes, Alaska Native entities, or Native Hawaiian organizations; certain nonprofits; community anchor institutions; local educational agencies; and workforce development organizations. United States Territories are eligible to apply for funding under a separate set-aside.
Partnerships among these entities are allowed, and NTIA encourages proposals that demonstrate a broad partnership of entities with the ability to administer significant resources and address wide-ranging populations.
"From veterans to aging Americans to historically underserved minorities, everyone in America deserves the skills and connected devices they need to thrive in this modern digital world,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communication and Information Alan Davidson. “Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re now making a historic, billion-dollar investment to help our most unconnected populations succeed online.”
Applications are due by September 23. U.S. territory applications are due by October 22. NTIA expects to begin making awards under this NOFO by Winter of 2024. NTIA plans to issue awards made under the Competitive Grant Program on a rolling basis.
“Too many communities across the country are missing out on economic opportunity because they do not have ready access to the Internet. Today’s announcement will leverage the ingenuity of local leaders to tailor programs to local needs to achieve the President and Vice President’s goal of connecting every American to the benefits of affordable, high-speed Internet,” said National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard.
“I wrote the Digital Equity Act before the pandemic because even then it was so glaringly apparent that we needed to do more to make sure that everyone can make the most of high-speed internet once they have it,” said Senator Patty Murray (D-WA). “With today’s announcement, everyone from local school districts and libraries to workforce training programs and Tribes will be able to compete for digital equity grants. These federal dollars will make a big difference—digital equity is about making sure seniors can navigate telehealth options, ensuring students have the resources they need to learn, helping entrepreneurs understand how best to connect their small business to an online audience, and so much more. I am encouraging all eligible organizations in Washington state to learn more and apply for federal digital equity grants today.”
“Access to an affordable and reliable internet connection is no longer a luxury, it is critical to succeeding in a connected world,” said Senator Angus King, co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus. “However, in Maine, getting online is not always easy to do — especially in rural communities. This can make it difficult for people to work remotely, access healthcare, apply for jobs or learn new skills. This investment from the Digital Equity Act, a historic opportunity for Maine communities made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is going to be a game changer that will help power 21st century life and our state’s economy while closing the digital divide.”
"No one should be denied the opportunities the digital economy provides. Thankfully, through the work of the Biden-Harris Administration and House Democrats in passing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we have made significant strides in bridging the digital divide and connecting communities across the nation,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. “As an original co-sponsor of the Digital Equity Act, I have long fought to provide every American with the resources, tools, and technology necessary to ensure our Internet for All initiative is more than an aspiration, but a promise. With the launch of the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, I am proud to say that we have made a great leap forward in fulfilling it. I’m thankful to all who stood at our side to deliver today’s progress, and I look forward to continuing our work and building upon this momentum to bring the Digital Age to every household."
About the Digital Equity Act
As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Digital Equity Act provides $2.75 billion to establish three grant programs that promote digital equity and inclusion.
In 2022, NTIA began awarding $60 million to states, D.C., and territories from the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program. Since then, all 56 eligible entities (states, D.C., and U.S. territories) submitted their Digital Equity Plans and NTIA has accepted all plans.
In March 2024, NTIA made available over $800 million to states, D.C. and territories, and native entities to apply for funding from the $1.44 billion Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. This funding allows states and territories to begin implementation of their digital equity plans and allows native entities to create digital equity plans and other digital equity projects. NTIA has awarded Nevada $9 million and Michigan $20.5 million and will continue to announce awards on a rolling basis.
Today’s Notice of Funding Opportunity compliments the State Capacity Grant Program. This Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program funding opportunity includes funds appropriated for Fiscal Years 2022-2025. Additional funding opportunities will be available in the future.
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About the National Telecommunications and Information Administration
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Executive Branch agency that advises the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA’s programs and policymaking focus largely on expanding broadband Internet access and adoption in America, expanding the use of spectrum by all users, advancing public safety communications, and ensuring that the Internet remains an engine for innovation and economic growth.