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.
Related content
Biden-Harris Administration Allocates More Than $800 Million to Increase Digital Inclusion Efforts
WASHINGTON – The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced today the availability and individual state allocations of approximately $811 million in funding to states, territories, and native entities to empower individuals and communities with the tools, skills, and opportunities to benefit from meaningful access to high-speed Internet service.
Notice of Funding Opportunity for the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) solicits applications for the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program (“Capacity Grant Program” or “Program”), the second of three digital equity programs authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, Division F, Title III, Public Law 117-58, 135 Stat. 429, 1209 (November 15, 2021) (“Infrastructure Act” or “IIJA”) also known as the (“Digital Equity Act” or “DE Act”).
Fact Sheet: Introduction to the State Digital Equity (DE) Capacity Grant Program
This document is intended solely to assist recipients in better understanding the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant program (SDECGP) and the requirements set forth in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for this program. This document does not and is not intended to supersede, modify, or otherwise alter applicable statutory or regulatory requirements, or the specific application requirements set forth in the NOFO. In all cases, statutory and regulatory mandates, and the requirements set forth in the NOFO, shall prevail over any inconsistencies contained in this document.