On July 24, 2024, the National Telecommunications Industry Administration (“NTIA”) began accepting applications for its Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. Applications from Eligible Entities must be received no later than September 23, 2024; U.S. Territories must submit their applications by October 22, 2024. As delineated in its Notice of Funding Opportunity, NTIA expects to begin issuing awards to successful applicants no later than April 20, 2025. Awards will be granted on a rolling basis. 

Funding Programs 

The Digital Equity Act consists of three funding programs: 

• $60 million State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program – providing resources to community organizations to support digital literacy programs for “covered populations,” e.g., low-income households, people with disabilities, incarcerated people, veterans, aging populations, minorities and rural inhabitants; 
• $1.44 billion State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program – designed to help covered populations obtain affordable access to broadband technology, including low-cost service, digital literacy, and availability of consumer devices and technical support for same; and 
• $1.25 billion Competitive Grant Program – funds initiatives to ensure communities have the access and skills to fully participate in the digital world, regardless of their background or circumstances. 

Eligible Entities 

NTIA has specific rules concerning which entities are eligible for funding under the various programs, but in general the following entities may apply for grants: 

• A political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality of a state; 
• An Indian Tribe, an Alaska Native entity, or a Native Hawaiian organization;  
• A foundation, corporation, institution, or association that is a not-for-profit entity and not a school; 
• A community anchor institution (i.e., entities such as hospitals, colleges, and local government agencies that serve their communities); 
• A local educational agency; 
• An entity that carries out a workforce development program; and  
• A partnership between any of the entities described above. 

U.S. Territories are eligible to apply for funding under a separate set-aside established exclusively for U.S. Territories. 

Anticipated Grant Amounts 

The grant amount ranges from $5,000,000 to $12,000,000. NTIA encourages partnerships of multiple Eligible Entities to apply for larger awards.  

The CommLaw Group Can Help! 

The CommLaw Group is happy to assist with applying for grants and advising on the rules and regulations of the funding process. While NTIA’s grant programs are generous, the agency has specific eligibility requirements, and proposals must be very detailed and comply with numerous conditions. As the competition for funding will surely be robust, it is critical that anyone applying have copious knowledge of the application process. If you would like more information about these programs or assistance with applying for funding, please contact one of our attorneys listed below, who will be happy to guide you through the process.  

CONTACT US NOW, WE ARE STANDING BY TO GUIDE YOUR COMPANY’S FUNDING EFFORTS 

Jonathan Marashlian — Tel: 703-714-1313 / E-mail: jsm@CommLawGroup.com 
Ronald E. Quirk – Tel: 703-714-1305 / E-mail: req@CommLawGroup.com