The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) on July 24 announced the availability of almost $1 billion in competitive grant funding for programs that “support efforts to achieve digital equity, promote digital inclusion activities, and spur greater adoption and meaningful use of broadband,” according to a notice of funding opportunity posted by the agency. The grants are the first funding opportunity from the Digital Equity Act’s $1.25 billion competitive grant program. Application materials are available on NTIA’s BroadbandUSA website, and must be submitted through the NTIA Grants Portal by September 23.

“I wrote the Digital Equity Act before the pandemic because even then it was so glaringly apparent that we needed to do more to make sure that everyone can make the most of high-speed internet once they have it,” Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) said in a statement. “With today’s announcement, everyone from local school districts and libraries to workforce training programs and Tribes will be able to compete for digital equity grants. These federal dollars will make a big difference—digital equity is about making sure seniors can navigate telehealth options, ensuring students have the resources they need to learn, helping entrepreneurs understand how best to connect their small business to an online audience, and so much more.”

The notice of funding opportunity specifies that the grants may be used for the development of digital inclusion activities benefiting covered populations; programs that facilitate the adoption of broadband for educational and employment opportunities; training programs covering basic, advanced, and applied skills; workforce development programs; access to equipment, including networking equipment, hardware and software, or other technology for broadband services at low or no cost; and the construction or operation of public access computer centers for covered populations.

“Covered populations” include households with incomes at less than 150 percent of the poverty level, the elderly, incarcerated individuals, veterans, individuals with disabilities, English as a second language learners, individuals with low literacy, members of racial or ethnic minority groups, and individuals who reside in rural areas, according to 47 U.S.C. §1721.

“Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Department of Commerce is making historic investments to ensure that every American has access to affordable high-speed internet as well as the tools and resources needed to be successful online,” U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in a statement. “President Biden’s digital equity initiative will make the promise of the internet a reality for everyone in our country, no matter their background. 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.”

The announcement about these new grants came two weeks after the Republican-led House Appropriations Committee approved a bill that proposes significant funding cuts to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and its Office of Museum Services (OMS) for fiscal year 2025, which begins on October 1, 2024. The bill would cut more than $20 million from the budget for library discretionary grants (leaving IMLS with only a $5 million budget for discretionary grants), cut education programs by 14 percent, cut IMLS Program Administration by 22 percent, and eliminate all funding for IMLS Research, Analysis, and Data Collection (currently $5.6 million).