WASHINGTON – The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced today that it received more than 700 applications requesting more than $6.5 billion in funding to support digital equity projects across the country.
That is more than six times the available amount from the first round of the Digital Equity Act’s Competitive Grant Program funding.
“The overwhelming interest in our digital equity funding underscores the urgent need for access to digital resources in communities across the country,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. “Thanks to historic funding from the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, our program will help veterans, communities of color, older Americans and other historically underserved populations thrive in the digital world.”
The first round of funding from the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program makes nearly $1 billion available to organizations that will work to ensure communities have access to devices and skills needed to fully participate in the digital ecosystem.
NTIA is evaluating the applications and will begin making awards on a rolling basis this winter. This Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program funding opportunity includes funds appropriated for Fiscal Years 2022-2025.
The overall $1.25 billion Competitive Grant Program is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative. Additional funding opportunities from the program will be available in the future. The Competitive Grant Program complements the $1.44 billion State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program.
Applications for this first round of funding were due September 23, 2024. 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.
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 State 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 will continue to announce awards from the State Capacity Grant Program on a rolling basis.
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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.