The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) has introduced two groundbreaking grant programs aimed at bridging the digital divide in America. Recognizing that broadband access alone isn't enough, these programs address the lack of digital skills and equipment in millions of homes. Here's a closer look at these opportunities and how public media organizations can get involved.
State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program
The State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program allocates $1.44 billion for states to promote digital equity, support inclusion activities, and enhance broadband adoption. $840 million has recently been released to the states to fund digital equity plans. This funding aims to empower states to create and sustain efforts that ensure all citizens can participate in the digital world. Each state’s plan lays out their strategies as well as grant programs and partnership opportunities for addressing digital equity within their communities. To learn more about state-level funding, visit the NTIA's Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program page.
Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program
The Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, administered directly by the NTIA, has a budget of $1.25 billion. Unlike the state program, it will be open to any qualifying entity who has a statewide, regional, or national proposal. This program sets aside 5% for Native entities and 1% for territories. The NTIA recently announced a $750 million funding opportunity for this program to be awarded and distributed by 1Q 2025, with another $750 million to be awarded by 2026.
The Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program program is designed to address needs not met by the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. Grants must support at least one of the following:
- Develop and implement digital inclusion activities
- Facilitate broadband adoption for educational and employment opportunities
- Provide training programs covering basic to advanced digital skills
- Support workforce development programs
- Offer access to essential equipment and technology for broadband services at low or no cost
- Construct or operate public access computing centers
Eligible applicants include local governments, Indian Tribes, non-profit organizations that are not a school, community anchor institutions, and workforce development entities. The NTIA is strongly encouraging broad partnerships or consortiums of entities with the ability to administer significant resources and create innovative approaches that transcend existing digital equity programs. Grant awards are expected to range from $5 million to $12 million.
