National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Digital Equity Grant Programs

Authored by: Kenrick Gordon, P.E.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), enacted on November 15, 2021, includes not only the well-known $42.5 billion Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program, but also the Digital Equity Act. The Digital Equity Act allocates $2.75 billion to establish three grant programs aimed at promoting digital equity and inclusion. Both initiatives are administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

A key aspect of the Digital Equity Act is the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, a $1.25 billion discretionary fund that allows non-state entities—including local governments, tribal nations, not-for-profits, and community anchor institutions—to apply directly for grants. This opens the door for rural and disadvantaged communities to bypass state programs and take ownership of their digital equity initiatives. This competitive program empowers communities to tailor solutions to their specific needs, ensuring more localized, innovative approaches that can more effectively target underserved populations. 

Digital equity and inclusion ensures that everyone has the resources and knowledge to use the internet to participate in society, democracy, and the economy. This encompasses not only access to affordable internet service but also access to devices and the skills needed to use them effectively.

Digital Equity Act Summary:

The Act establishes three digital equity programs run by the NTIA 

State Digital Equity Planning Grant: Provided $60 million in funding directly to states for the development of digital equity plans. All states have had their plans approved by the NTIA. 

Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program: Provided $1.44 billion in funding directly to states for the implementation of their digital equity plans.  

Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program: Provided $1.25 billion in funding for non-state grants to eligible entities working in the digital equity and inclusion field. This program is directed to those who are working in the digital equity and inclusion field and providing services directly to the NTIA covered populations.  

These programs are structured not only to provide access but to ensure the sustainability of digital equity initiatives long-term. For example, the Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program is designed to go beyond planning, funding actual implementation, including technology distribution, community outreach, and training programs.

Eligible Entities:

• A political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality of a State 

• Tribal Nation 

• Not-For-Profit Entity (corporation, institution (non-school), association)

• Community Anchor Institution

• Local Education Agency 

Covered Populations:

By taking proactive steps to understand and implement these changes, your organization not only ensures compliance but also enhances operational efficiency. Embrace the opportunity to streamline processes and refocus efforts on achieving programmatic goals with federal funding. 

• Individuals who live in Covered Households (defined as households with income from the most recently completed year of not more than 150% of the poverty level) 

• Aging individuals 

• Incarcerated individuals, other than individuals who are incarcerated in a Federal correctional facility 

• Veterans 

• Individuals with disabilities 

• Individuals with a language barrier, including English learners and those with low levels of literacy 

• Individuals who are members of a racial or ethnic minority group 

• Individuals who primarily reside in a rural area  

For rural and disadvantaged communities, the Competitive Grant Program offers a rare opportunity to shape their own digital future. Innovative projects, such as setting up low-cost, solar-powered internet access points or building mobile digital literacy centers, are some ways these communities can apply this funding to directly address the digital divide in ways that state-driven initiatives might not be able to fully capture. 

Eligible Uses of Funds:

• Digital inclusion activities that benefit one or more of the Covered Populations 

• Facilitate the adoption of broadband by the Covered Populations 

• Provide educational and employment opportunities; Implement training programs for the Covered Populations 

• Implementation of workforce development programs 

• Make available equipment, instrumentation, networking capability and digital network technology for broadband services to Covered Populations at low or no cost 

• Construct, upgrade, expand, or operate new or existing public access computing centers for Covered Populations through community anchor institutions 

Projects funded under the Act can have wide-reaching impacts, including setting up free public internet. For example, rural communities could leverage this funding to create "tech hubs" in schools or libraries, providing internet access, computer hardware, and digital literacy training. Additionally, innovative solutions like setting up community-owned broadband networks or partnering with local businesses for workforce development can be funded through these grants.

Eligible Uses of Funds Key Goals for the Funding:

• Access to Technology: Providing affordable and reliable access to devices like computers, smartphones, and tablets. 

• Internet Connectivity: Ensuring affordable and high-speed internet access in both urban and rural areas. 

• Digital Literacy: Offering education and training to develop the skills needed to use technology effectively. 

• Inclusive Design: Creating digital tools, platforms, and content that are accessible to people with disabilities and that consider diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. 

• Economic Opportunities: Enabling participation in the digital economy, including job opportunities and entrepreneurship.

• Social and Civic Engagement: Facilitating access to essential services, healthcare, education, and civic participation through digital means.

The Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program empowers disadvantaged communities to make real progress in closing the digital divide. By focusing on localized, community-driven projects, it ensures that solutions are designed with specific regional needs in mind, providing pathways to economic growth, education, and civic participation for populations that have been historically left behind. 

Recommended Next Steps:

The NTIA has provided grant funds to states, many of which are planning sub-grant programs to fund digital equity initiatives. The NTIA also offers a Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program that is currently accepting applications. If you have a program that would benefit from the grant opportunities, it is important to start educating yourself on the potential funding sources. 

1. Review your state’s Digital Equity Plan: Determine what your state aims to accomplish. Links to the state plans can be found at Public Notice Posting of State and Territory BEAD and Digital Equity Plan, Initial Proposals, and Challenge Process Portals | BroadbandUSA (ntia.gov)

2. Explore the NTIA Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program: The program is open for applications. Review the application criteria here Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program | National Telecommunications and Information Administration (ntia.gov).

3. Contact your Grants Specialist to learn more about how they can help your state through this process.  

If you need help applying, setting up portals for applications, reviewing applications, managing disbursement of funds, or just do not know where to start – Let’s chat and see where we can help.

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