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State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program

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. We're looking for 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

Projects will be used to share best practices and show successful models of state-community partnerships.

Application Information

Key questions to consider when preparing your application:

  • How will the state engage with the groups that this program is designed to help? (For example, low-income households and racial and ethnic minorities.)
  • How will this project serve communities of color and address historic lack of investment in underrepresented communities?
  • How will this project increase meaningful Internet adoption and use in communities?
  • How long will it take to run this program?

See Digital Equity Planning Application Guidance Package for:

  • Step by Step Application Guidance
  • Letter of Intent and Application Templates
  • Application Checklist and Form Packet

Who Can Apply

The following government entities may apply to the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program:

  • States
  • Washington, D.C.
  • Puerto Rico
  • Other U.S. Territories
  • Indian Tribes, Alaska Native entities, Native Hawaiian organizations

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

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

You can find full details about the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

Download the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

For help on how to start a broadband project, visit BroadbandUSA.

Categories
Digital Equity Act of 2021 Programs

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