News
The first funding opportunity from the Digital Equity Act’s $1.25 billion Competitive Grant Program has begun accepting applications.
By: Brad Randall, Broadband Communities
Nearly a billion dollars that will enhance device access and fund digital skills programs is now on the table, according to an announcement last week from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
The money’s availability, announced through a Notice of Funding Opportunity, marks the first time funding has been made available under the Digital Equity Act’s $1.25 billion Competitive Grant Program.
Entities eligible for the funds include city and county governments, tribal governments, nonprofits, community anchor institutions, local educational agencies, and workforce development organizations, according to the NTIA’s July 24 release.
The NTIA said they encourage proposals that can “demonstrate a broad partnership of entities with the ability to administer significant resources and address wide-ranging populations,” the NTIA’s announcement stated.
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said the money represented a historic investment.
“With additional access and expanded skillsets, more families will be able to thrive in our modern economy by getting an education, expanding their businesses or staying connected to their communities online.” Raimondo said in comments included with the release.
The Notice of Funding Opportunity, published on the NTIA’s website, explained the anticipated range of grant awards would range between $5 million and $12 million.
The NTIA also encouraged broad partnerships to consider applying to larger award amounts.
Applications from eligible entities and partnerships will be due by the NTIA’s deadline of Sept. 23, through the NTIA Grants Portal.
According to the Notice of Funding Opportunity, applications from the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other territory or possession of the United States will be due by Oct. 22.
The NTIA’s website stated that grant awards will be given to winning applicants “by winter of 2024 and no later than April 20, 2025” on a rolling basis.
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