State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program (2024)

The State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, administered by the Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), seeks to provide $1.44 billion in funding to States and U.S. Territories to implement their State Digital Equity Plans. These plans were previously developed under the $60 million State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program, also part of the Digital Equity Act authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. The NOFO also establishes a competitive program to make funds available to Native Entities for digital equity and inclusion activities. Key requirements include implementing Digital Equity Plans, performing digital inclusion activities, and engaging in device distribution, digital literacy training, and other allowable uses. Applications are due by May 28, 2024 for States/Territories and February 7, 2025 for Native Entities.

For States and Territories, award amounts are based on a statutory formula. Native Entities can receive between $500,000 and $2,000,000. Funding can be used for a variety of digital equity initiatives, with some restrictions on administrative costs, plan updates, and broadband affordability programs.