State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program (2024)

Background
The State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program is the second of three digital equity programs authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, Division F, Title III, Public Law 117-58, 135 Stat. 429, 1209 (November 15, 2021) also known as the Digital Equity Act to promote digital inclusion activities and achieve digital equity. The Digital Equity Act consists of three funding programs: (1) the $60 million State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program; (2) the $1.44 billion State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program; and (3) the $1.25 billion Competitive Grant Program. The State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program will provide funds to States and U.S. Territories to implement the State Digital Equity Plans developed pursuant to the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program.

Grant Details
This Notice of Funding Opportunity solicits applications for the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, providing funding for States and U.S. Territories to implement their State Digital Equity Plans developed pursuant to the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program. The plans identify barriers to achieving digital equity faced by certain populations defined by the statute and include measurable objectives to promote: (1) availability and affordability of access to broadband technology; (2) online accessibility and inclusivity of public resources and services; (3) digital literacy; (4) awareness of online privacy and cybersecurity; and (5) availability and affordability of consumer devices and technical support for those devices.

Eligibility Requirements
Each State that has completed a Digital Equity Plan that meets the requirements of 47 U.S.C. §1723(c) is eligible to apply for grants under the Capacity Grant Program to implement its Digital Equity Plan and carry out digital inclusion activities. U.S. Territories that submit a consistent Digital Equity Plan are also eligible to apply for grants under this program. Additionally, Native Entities with necessary authorizations are eligible to apply for both Capacity Grant and Planning Grant funding.

Period of Performance
The application window for Indian Tribes, Alaska Native entities, and Native Hawaiian organizations will open on September 25, 2024, and close on February 7, 2025.
NTIA expects to begin issuing awards to Eligible States pursuant to this Notice of Funding Opportunity no later than August 28, 2024.

Grant Value
$760,800,000 is being made available to Eligible States for federal financial assistance under the Capacity Grant Program. Additionally, approximately $45,300,000 will be made available for Digital Equity Planning and Capacity Grants to Native Entities.

Place of Performance
The grant will be performed in all States including D.C., Puerto Rico, U.S. Territories such as United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.