The wait is over: The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) opened the application window for the first round of the much-anticipated $1.25 billion Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, which will award funds to local governments and other eligible entities to complement the state-level efforts funded by NTIA’s Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program.  

While the capacity grant funds were allocated to state broadband offices, this new grant program is open to local governments, state agencies involved in adult education and literacy or providing public housing, Native entities, nonprofit organizations, community anchor institutions, local educational agencies, workforce development programs, and any partnerships of these.  

The competitive grant opportunity represents the final piece of the Digital Equity Act’s programmatic framework. Just like the state-level capacity grant program, these competitively awarded funds will support innovative programs addressing Covered Populations. Local governments and nonprofits can apply directly to NTIA for funding that will complement states’ and territories’ efforts to implement their Digital Equity Plans. 

Here’s what you need to know:  

• Applications from Eligible Entities are due by September 23, 2024. Applications from U.S. Territories are due by October 22, 2024. The NOFO makes $750 million available now, with an additional $250 million in appropriations expected to be available in October (potentially through a second NOFO). 

• NTIA anticipates awarding 150 to 200 grants of $5 million to $12 million each, with awards coming this winter. These awards will support targeted programs with an impact at the community or regional level.

• Localities with clear goals, plans, and partnerships in place are in the best position to apply. Localities with defined broadband and digital equity priorities, a roadmap to achieve their goals, and dedicated resources allocated for implementation are in the best position to prepare strong grant applications. The NOFO encourages partnerships within and across communities, which can strengthen an application by increasing credibility, extending a project’s reach, and demonstrating readiness to implement.  

• Localities should consider how their proposal aligns with their state’s Digital Equity Plan. As part of evaluating a project’s purpose and benefits, NTIA will assess whether it advances the state’s Digital Equity Plan. Applicants may consider highlighting how their project addresses—at the local or regional level—the barriers for Covered Populations identified in the statewide Plan. While applicants should take care that their proposal does not duplicate a planned state initiative—as NTIA intends to ensure competitive grant awards do not overlap with programs funded by capacity grants—an applicant could demonstrate how their project is complementary and acts as a multiplier to achieve the state’s objectives. 

• Localities should consider whether their state’s Digital Equity Plan missed any significant local need. An applicant could also demonstrate needs within their community that the state Plan did not identify or will not adequately address. In that scenario, the application could focus on an innovative approach to addressing those needs, potentially in collaboration with an operational partner such as an established nonprofit.  

The CTC team is available to help eligible applicants prepare for this funding opportunity by conducting preliminary assessments, developing strategies, and assisting in preparing applications.  

For localities beginning the digital equity or digital opportunity planning process, please see our blog about preparing a local digital equity plan to position your community for funding opportunities. 

Please contact us if you have questions or would like to discuss how CTC can assist you.