Tag Archives: Digital Equity Act

Losing Digital Equity Act funding will impact Minnesota

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MinnPost reports on the impact of losing Digital Equity Act funding in Minnesota…

Continuing his crusade against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, President Donald Trump announced he was shutting down the Digital Equity Act in May. He took to his Truth Social social media platform to accuse the bipartisan legislation passed in 2021, designed to steer grant funding to organizations working to bridge digital divides, of giving out “woke handouts based on race.”

Two projects were awarded funding in Minnesota…

Before Trump took office, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) selected a bevy of applicants for the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program in early January. The page has since been pulled down but remains viewable using the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine.

Two Minnesota-based organizations made the cut:

  • Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system — $7.3 million

Consisting of 26 colleges and seven universities, most of the campuses in Greater Minnesota, the system received notice of its grant award from NTIA on Dec. 31, 2024. NTIA’s description of the system’s project in January detailed plans for digital literacy expansion and instruction in college curriculum, training, digital navigation services, device distribution, and vouchers to connect people to internet service.

The higher education system received another notice on May 20 that its award had been terminated, stated Noelle Hawton, chief marketing and communications officer, in an email. No funds were received.

  • Hmong American Partnership — $7.3 million

The St. Paul-based Hmong American Partnership (HAP) partnered with California’s Fresno Center to apply for Digital Equity Act grant funding last fall. They proposed using the funds to build permanent digital hubs, spaces where members of the Hmong communities in Minnesota and California could access the internet and receive digital skills training. There would’ve been four hubs in total located at a HAP office in St. Paul, two charter schools in St. Paul and one at the Fresno Center.

That funding was pulled…

A brief email arrived from NTIA in May confirming that the $7.3 million in funding was no more. “Everyone was very disappointed to say the least,” Thao said. The program’s demise seems tied to the administration’s anti-DEI push, she added. Her organization specifically outlined plans for closing digital divides within Southeast Asian communities in its application.

A $500,000 grant from the state for the project offered some consolation. To see the work through, HAP will otherwise need to raise funds on its own. “We’re disappointed,” Thao said. “We’re discouraged, but the work will continue.”

For Thao’s organization, digital equity work is about preventing people from being left behind by technology. Not knowing how to use a computer, or not having broadband access, disconnects them from the modern world. Programs and resources available to them at the local, state and federal levels, Thao noted, also become harder to access.

The rural areas are most in need of broadband support…

A report prepared by Minnesota’s Office of Broadband Development in 2023, a Digital Equity Act requirement at the time, stated about 67% households in Greater Minnesota have broadband subscriptions, compared to nearly 92% of households in the Twin Cities metro.

Minnesota’s first grant recipients through the program weren’t rural-focused projects, but future rounds could’ve been.

Office of Broadband Development Office Hours: Digital Opportunity Termination Update – BEAD keeps on

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The Office of Broadband Development held their Office Hours as planned. When planned, this meeting was going to talk about the next round of BEAD funding (round 11b) but that is on hold given concerns with federal perspective. Instead, the meeting focused on trying to answer questions and sharing the limited news available.

Notes from the meeting:

Digital Opportunity Termination Update

  • Last Day was May 19, 2025
  • Was $12 million for digital inclusion training
  • MN did create a digital opportunity plan – although it will no longer be funded by the Feds
  • DEED will also terminate the planned network of local experts
  • An FAQ is coming

BEAD Updates

  • Still going through applications
  • It may be several weeks before Round 11B will be announced
  • OBD has been informed of upcoming changes. Feds are looking to streamline and make it more technical – but not certain what that will mean.

Questions

I am hearing wide swings in when folks will get more info – from early June to July – do you have any idea?
We are hearing inconsistencies too.
We have a later final approval date for end of program. We’re still focused on October 3. Other states have earlier final dates. But other states have longer construction seasons.

Can you share more on what you’re seeing with overlapping applications? And what the process will be?
We have multiple applications overlapping in different ways. We want to be good partners – unfortunately, we aren’t sure on what the changes will be so it’s hard to give advice. There has been more overlap than OBD has typically seen in part rounds.

Do you know the timeline?
No but we assume it will take a time. And we may even come back to applicants to ask if they want to make changes or save the proposal for round two (11b)). If you have ideas or concerns, please send them.
In fairness to all of you, there’s a balance we’re trying to meet. We know that you have been working hard as well. We don’t want to dissuade anyone to participate – but we don’t know the changes. And we don’t have a lot of flexibility; we are tied to Volume 2.

It makes sense to not ask providers to make changes without knowing what the Feds are going to make in changes. There were providers who already decided this program was not right for them.

When is the next Office Hour?
The previously scheduled hours have been cancelled. We will schedule more when we know more.

MN Office of Broadband Development Update: Termination of Federal Digital Equity Act

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This was mentioned at the MN Task Force meeting yesterday, but an email just went out from the Office of Broadband Development…

Minnesota’s Office of Broadband Development has issued an urgent update on the status of Minnesota’s Digital Opportunity Plan.

Late last Friday, May 9, 2025, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) received notification from the federal government that it was immediately terminating the state’s $12 million grant from the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. This funding was intended to reduce gaps in broadband access and expand digital skills and technology availability. All states received the same notification of cancellation and are awaiting further guidance from the U.S. Department of Commerce regarding next steps.

Minnesota’s Digital Opportunity Plan, a deliverable from this program, focuses on ensuring every Minnesotan has the tools and skills needed to harness the full power of broadband and reap the benefits of a digital economy. The U.S. Department of Commerce had approved DEED’s Digital Opportunity Plan as part of the federal Digital Equity Act in 2024.

This sudden and unprecedented cancellation of awarded funding could hurt DEED’s work to expand broadband access and digital technology to Minnesotans who are most underserved: seniors, Greater Minnesota residents, veterans, low-income Minnesotans, people of color, people with disabilities, and more.

Due to this federal action, DEED will not be able to provide grants to local governments, organizations, and small businesses to ensure these Minnesotans have the tools and skills to access and use the internet and digital technology.  DEED is also forced to halt a planned statewide network of local experts to ensure Minnesotans everywhere have equitable access to get online.

Minnesota is a leader in delivering broadband, and we are committed to expanding service to underserved and unserved areas throughout the state. In light of this sudden cancellation, we are working with partners to determine how best to pursue the goals of our Digital Opportunity Plan.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to deed.broadband.equity@state.mn.us.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement.

President Trump says he would end the Digital Equity Act

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I’m borrowing the Benton Institute for Broadband and Society’s summary of the New York Times report…

President Donald Trump said he would end the Digital Equity Act, legislation that funds three programs that provide billions to extend internet access in underserved communities. Trump is casting the Digital Equity Act as unfairly providing grants on the basis of race. “I have spoken with my wonderful Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, and we agree that the Biden/Harris so-called “Digital Equity Act” is totally UNCONSTITUTIONAL,” says the President. “No more woke handouts based on race!” Trump’s move is only the latest by his administration to target diversity, equity or inclusion measures, which his conservative supporters argue discriminate against white Americans. “The Digital Equity Program is a RACIST and ILLEGAL $2.5 BILLION DOLLAR giveaway. I am ending this IMMEDIATELY, and saving Taxpayers BILLIONS OF DOLLARS!,” he added.

President Trump orders a pause on all grants and loans disbursed by the federal government

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The Washington Post reports...

The White House budget office is ordering a pause to all grants and loans disbursed by the federal government, according to an internal memo sent to agencies Monday, creating significant confusion across Washington.

In a two-page document, Matthew J. Vaeth, the acting director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, instructs federal agencies to “temporarily pause all activities related to obligations or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance.” The memo, a copy of which was obtained by The Washington Post, also calls for each agency to perform a “comprehensive analysis” to ensure its grant and loan programs are consistent with President Donald Trump’s executive orders, which aimed to ban federal diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and limit clean energy spending, among other measures.

The memo, which goes into effect Tuesday, states its orders should not be “construed” to affect Social Security or Medicare recipients, and also says the federal financial assistance put on hold “does not include assistance provided directly to individuals.”

From the actual memorandum…

The American people elected Donald J. Trump to be President of the United States and gave him a mandate to increase the impact of every federal taxpayer dollar. In Fiscal Year 2024, of the nearly $10 trillion that the Federal Government spent, more than $3 trillion was Federal
financial assistance, such as grants and loans. Career and political appointees in the Executive Branch have a duty to align Federal spending and action with the will of the American people as expressed through Presidential priorities. Financial assistance should be dedicated to advancing Administration priorities, focusing taxpayer dollars to advance a stronger and safer America,
eliminating the financial burden of inflation for citizens, unleashing American energy and manufacturing, ending “wokeness” and the weaponization of government, promoting efficiency in government, and Making America Healthy Again. The use of Federal resources to advance
Marxist equity, transgenderism, and green new deal social engineering policies is a waste of taxpayer dollars that does not improve the day-to-day lives of those we serve.
This memorandum requires Federal agencies to identify and review all Federal financial assistance1 programs and supporting activities consistent with the President’s policies and requirements.2 For example, during the initial days of his Administration, President Donald J. rump issued a series of executive orders to protect the American people and safeguard valuable taxpayer resources, including Protecting the American People Against Invasion (Jan. 20, 2025), Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid (Jan. 20, 2025), Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements (Jan. 20, 2025), Unleashing American Energy (Jan. 20, 2025), Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing (Jan. 20, 2025), Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government (Jan. 20, 2025), and Enforcing the Hyde Amendment (Jan. 24, 2025). These executive orders ensure that Federal funds are used to support hardworking American families.
To implement these orders, each agency must complete a comprehensive analysis of all of their Federal financial assistance programs to identify programs, projects, and activities that may be implicated by any of the President’s executive orders. In the interim, to the extent permissible under applicable law, Federal agencies must temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance, and other relevant agency
activities that may be implicated by the executive orders, including, but not limited to, financial assistance for foreign aid, nongovernmental organizations, DEI, woke gender ideology, and the green new deal.

Biden Recommendations for $369 Million Digital Equity Act awards includes1 MN groups

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Last week, I wrote about two Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program awards from the NTIA that went to the Hmong American Partnership and Minnesota State Colleges & Universities as well as other projects in other states. Today they announced more…

Today, the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has recommended for award more than $369 million to 41 organizations to support digital skills and inclusion projects in communities across the country. These investments will empower individuals and communities across the nation with the essential skills they need to thrive in today’s connected world.

This funding comes from the $1.25 billion Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, one of three Digital Equity Act grant programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

One award includes Minnesota…

Program: Communication Service for the Deaf, Inc.
Locations: TX, AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NY, NJ, NV
Proposed Project Activities:

  • Distribution of pre-configured, accessible equipment to Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals
  • Establishment of the Deaf Digital Advancement Initiative – an American Sign Language -centric digital literacy training program that will include offerings such as technology equipment training, ensuring participants can effectively use and maintain their devices
  • Digital literacy training, covering Internet basics, online safety, and digital communication tools
  • American Sign Language classes focused on technology-related vocabulary and online communication
  • Job training tailored for the digital workforce, including skills for online job searching and remote work
  • Implementation of a direct video calling support system that aims to facilitate easier access to interpreting services across various state agency settings, significantly enhancing the ability of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals to communicate effectively and access public services in government offices
  • Develop accessible digital health training programs and creating culturally competent health education materials; and establishing a public health information hotline.

 

Biden Recommendations for $250 Million Digital Equity Act awards includes 2 MN groups

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NTIA reports…

Today, the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has recommended for award more than $250 million to 24 organizations to support digital skills and inclusion projects in communities across the country. These investments will empower individuals and communities across the nation with the essential skills they need to thrive in today’s connected world.

This funding comes from the $1.25 billion Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, one of three Digital Equity Act grant programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.  …

More information about these awards can be found below and on our website.

That includes two awards in Minnesota...

  • Hmong American Partnership
    $7.3 million
    The proposed project activities include: digital literacy training for skills such as internet navigation, cloud computing, cybersecurity, financial literacy, and digital civic engagement; device distribution and internet access through Digital Hubs such as libraries and community centers; and community workshops and mentorships on digital literacy.
  • Minnesota State Colleges & Universities
    $7.3 million
    The proposed project activities include: Digital literacy expansion and instruction in college curriculum, train-the-trainer activities, digital navigation services, device distribution, and vouchers to connect unconnected.

EVENT: MN Office of Broadband Development Digital Equity Act, 2025 Update in Minnesota notes and video

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Today the Office of Broadband Development gave a presentation…

The Digital Equity Act supports initiatives that increase access to digital opportunities, including affordable internet service, device ownership, and digital skills training. In this webinar, OBD will share an update on future digital opportunity grant programs and recap the collaborative work that’s carried this process forward.

News from the presentation:

NTIA just announced just announced awards. They will have more rounds of funding. Two of the 24 winners are in Hmong American Association and MNSCU.

Questions:

When will you make decisions about funding?
It depends on who applies for noncompetitive grants. We expect that not all counties will apply. Mid to late 2025, we should know more about competitive grants.

Is there a chance that Trump will eliminate this funding?
So are anxious but we’re focused on the work in front of us and we have been approved for $12 million. We’ll see what happens.

Do we know about any low income subsidies for broadband?
When ACP added we were hopeful something else would replace it. We don’t know. You can ask your congressional delegate. You may see other states do other things. Every state is doing their own thing. Some states have more money than they need; we do not.

Will nonprofits be considered for noncompetitive rounds?
If they partner with an organization that is approved. We don’t have the staff to handle more.

Slides:

 

NTIA Receives More Than 700 Applications Seeking Over $6.5 Billion for Digital Equity Projects

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From NTIA (National Telecommunications and Information Administration)…

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced today that it received more than 700 applications requesting more than $6.5 billion in funding to support digital equity projects across the country.

That is more than six times the available amount from the first round of the Digital Equity Act’s Competitive Grant Program funding.

“The overwhelming interest in our digital equity funding underscores the urgent need for access to digital resources in communities across the country,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. “Thanks to historic funding from the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, our program will help veterans, communities of color, older Americans and other historically underserved populations thrive in the digital world.”

The first round of funding from the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program makes nearly $1 billion available to organizations that will work to ensure communities have access to devices and skills needed to fully participate in the digital ecosystem.

NTIA is evaluating the applications and will begin making awards on a rolling basis this winter. This Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program funding opportunity includes funds appropriated for Fiscal Years 2022-2025.

The overall $1.25 billion Competitive Grant Program is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative. Additional funding opportunities from the program will be available in the future. The Competitive Grant Program complements the $1.44 billion State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program.

Applications for this first round of funding were due September 23, 2024. Eligible applicants include political subdivisions of states, such as city and county governments; Native entities including Indian Tribes, Alaska Native entities, or Native Hawaiian organizations; certain nonprofits; community anchor institutions; local educational agencies; and workforce development organizations. United States Territories are eligible to apply for funding under a separate set-aside.

About the Digital Equity Act  

As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Digital Equity Act provides $2.75 billion to establish three grant programs that promote digital equity and inclusion.

In 2022, NTIA began awarding $60 million to states, D.C., and territories from the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program. Since then, all 56 eligible entities (states, D.C., and U.S. territories) submitted their Digital Equity Plans and NTIA has accepted all plans.

In March 2024, NTIA made available over $800 million to states, D.C. and territories, and Native entities to apply for funding from the $1.44 billion State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. This funding allows states and territories to begin implementation of their digital equity plans and allows Native entities to create digital equity plans and other digital equity projects. NTIA will continue to announce awards from the State Capacity Grant Program on a rolling basis.

Biden-Harris Administration Opens Applications for $1 Billion Digital Inclusion Grant Program (deadline September 23, 2024)

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Big news from the NTIA on the Digital Equity funds…

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced today the availability of nearly $1 billion to fund programs that ensure communities have access to devices and skills needed to fully participate in the digital world, regardless of their background or circumstances.

This is the first funding opportunity from the Digital Equity Act’s $1.25 billion Competitive Grant Program and is part of the “Internet for All” initiative, a key component of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.

“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,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “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 global competitiveness of our country relies on how well we harness the talents and strengths of all parts of the country, especially those Americans who have been historically underserved, under-resourced, and overlooked,” said Deputy Commerce Secretary Don Graves. “Our pursuit of digital equity and inclusion can ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or location, has access to affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service and digital skills. The Commerce Department’s Internet for All programs will help millions more Americans succeed, prosper, and lead lives of dignity.”

Under the Notice of Funding Opportunity released today, a variety of organizations can apply on a competitive basis for funding. Eligible applicants include political subdivisions of states, such as city and county governments; Native entities including Indian Tribes, Alaska Native entities, or Native Hawaiian organizations; certain nonprofits; community anchor institutions; local educational agencies; and workforce development organizations. United States Territories are eligible to apply for funding under a separate set-aside.

Partnerships among these entities are allowed, and NTIA encourages proposals that demonstrate a broad partnership of entities with the ability to administer significant resources and address wide-ranging populations.

“From veterans to aging Americans to historically underserved minorities, everyone in America deserves the skills and connected devices they need to thrive in this modern digital world,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communication and Information Alan Davidson. “Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re now making a historic, billion-dollar investment to help our most unconnected populations succeed online.”

Applications are due by September 23. U.S. territory applications are due by October 22. Application resources are available at: LINK.  NTIA expects to begin making awards under this NOFO by Winter of 2024. NTIA plans to issue awards made under the Competitive Grant Program on a rolling basis.

“Too many communities across the country are missing out on economic opportunity because they do not have ready access to the Internet. Today’s announcement will leverage the ingenuity of local leaders to tailor programs to local needs to achieve the President and Vice President’s goal of connecting every American to the benefits of affordable, high-speed Internet,” said National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard.

“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,” said Senator Patty Murray (D-WA). “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. I am encouraging all eligible organizations in Washington state to learn more and apply for federal digital equity grants today.”

“Access to an affordable and reliable internet connection is no longer a luxury, it is critical to succeeding in a connected world,” said Senator Angus King, co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus. “However, in Maine, getting online is not always easy to do — especially in rural communities. This can make it difficult for people to work remotely, access healthcare, apply for jobs or learn new skills. This investment from the Digital Equity Act, a historic opportunity for Maine communities made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is going to be a game changer that will help power 21st century life and our state’s economy while closing the digital divide.”

“No one should be denied the opportunities the digital economy provides. Thankfully, through the work of the Biden-Harris Administration and House Democrats in passing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we have made significant strides in bridging the digital divide and connecting communities across the nation,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. “As an original co-sponsor of the Digital Equity Act, I have long fought to provide every American with the resources, tools, and technology necessary to ensure our Internet for All initiative is more than an aspiration, but a promise. With the launch of the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, I am proud to say that we have made a great leap forward in fulfilling it. I’m thankful to all who stood at our side to deliver today’s progress, and I look forward to continuing our work and building upon this momentum to bring the Digital Age to every household.”

About the Digital Equity Act 

As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Digital Equity Act provides $2.75 billion to establish three grant programs that promote digital equity and inclusion.

In 2022, NTIA began awarding $60 million to states, D.C., and territories from the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program. Since then, all 56 eligible entities (states, D.C., and U.S. territories) submitted their Digital Equity Plans and NTIA has accepted all plans.

In March 2024, NTIA made available over $800 million to states, D.C. and territories, and native entities to apply for funding from the $1.44 billion Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. This funding allows states and territories to begin implementation of their digital equity plans and allows native entities to create digital equity plans and other digital equity projects. NTIA has awarded Nevada $9 million and Michigan $20.5 million and will continue to announce awards on a rolling basis.

Today’s Notice of Funding Opportunity compliments the State Capacity Grant Program. This Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program funding opportunity includes funds appropriated for Fiscal Years 2022-2025. Additional funding opportunities will be available in the future.

Biden-Harris Administration Allocates More Than $800 Million to Increase Digital Inclusion Efforts

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Here’s the latest from the NTIA (spoiler alert, looks like Minnesota could get $12 million in digital equity funding)…

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced approximately $811 million in digital equity funding, including allocations for all 56 states and territories and funding available for Native entities. This funding will empower individuals and communities with the tools, skills, and opportunities to benefit from meaningful access to high-speed Internet service.

This funding from the Digital Equity Act in President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is part of the “Internet for All” initiative, a key component of President Biden’s “Investing in America” agenda.

Under the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) released today, states and territories can apply for funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to begin implementation of their digital equity plans. These digital equity plans identify the barriers to accessing and using digital resources and establish measurable objectives for promoting access to and meaningful use of broadband technology and advancing digital skills.

“President Biden is committed to ensuring everyone in America has access to affordable, reliable high-speed Internet service,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Commerce’s work building high-speed Internet infrastructure is only part of the equation. Families across America need the tools and skills required to make the most of that Internet connection, and that’s the opportunity we’re announcing today. President Biden’s digital equity initiative will make the promise of the Internet come alive for everyone in our country, no matter where they live or what their background is.”

“Today’s announcement marks our nation’s single largest investment in digital equity ever,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communication and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. “This funding will ensure that our seniors, veterans, communities of color, families living below the poverty line, and people living in rural areas have the tools, skills, and devices they need to thrive in the modern digital economy.”

The Internet for All initiative includes three pillars: deployment, equity and affordability.  As the Administration moves forward with this vital equity program, President Biden continues to call on Congress to pass legislation that would extend funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program, so tens of millions of households can continue to access this essential program, which enables them to participate in school and access job opportunities, telemedicine, connection with loved ones and more.

Digital Equity Funding Timeline

As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Digital Equity Act provided $2.75 billion to establish three grant programs that promote digital equity and inclusion.

Today’s Notice of Funding Opportunity announces the first funding available through the $1.44 billion Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. This funding opportunity includes funds appropriated for Fiscal Years 2022-2024. Additional funding opportunities will be available in the future.

In 2022, NTIA began awarding $60 million to states and territories from the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program. Since then, all 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico have submitted their Digital Equity Plans to NTIA for acceptance, and NTIA continues to review plans. Once an eligible entity’s plan is accepted, it is able to apply to this new funding opportunity announced today.

In the coming months, NTIA will launch the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, which is a $1.25 billion grant program that will make funds available to a variety of entities, including for example, some political subdivisions of states, native entities, nonprofits, community anchor institutions, local educational agencies, workforce development organizations, as well as territories. By statute, the competitive grant program will launch 30 days after NTIA makes its first Capacity Grant Program award.

Funding Overview for the State Capacity Grant Program

About $760 million is available to 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico

Each state’s funding allocation, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, was calculated based on a formula defined in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and specified in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. The formula takes into account the relative population of the state (50%), the relative size of the covered populations residing in the state (25%), and the comparative lack of availability and adoption of broadband (25%).

About $45 million is available to Native entities: 

The Capacity Grant program will make $45 million available on a competitive basis to Native entities to promote digital inclusion and broadband adoption efforts for their communities. This includes over $3 million for digital equity planning activities and $42 million for related projects. The Digital Equity Act requires that no less than 5% of award funds be available to Tribal governments and Native entities.

About $8.4 million is available to territories: 

The Digital Equity Act includes a set aside of no less than 1% of available award funds for the remaining territories: American Samoa, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and U.S. Virgin Islands.  This NOFO includes a set aside of $8.4 million, split equally among those four territories.

 

State Digital Equity Tentative Allocation Amount
Alabama $13,702,566.00
Alaska $5,631,769.64
Arizona $16,170,760.44
Arkansas $10,161,429.01
California $70,226,453.82
Colorado $12,368,261.03
Connecticut $9,183,114.07
Delaware $4,816,482.10
District of Columbia $3,804,000.00
Florida $41,748,794.74
Georgia $22,455,639.68
Hawaii $6,017,160.03
Idaho $6,305,226.45
Illinois $23,732,912.78
Indiana $15,096,770.19
Iowa $8,442,129.37
Kansas $8,229,246.17
Kentucky $12,123,531.39
Louisiana $12,727,887.98
Maine $5,784,349.60
Maryland $13,427,134.17
Massachusetts $14,133,924.00
Michigan $20,585,775.60
Minnesota  $12,033,288.01  
Mississippi $10,752,090.73
Missouri $14,237,940.09
Montana $6,938,534.64
Nebraska $6,500,627.76
Nevada $9,200,546.13
New Hampshire $4,942,018.62
New Jersey $18,094,857.62
New Mexico $8,673,975.84
New York $36,984,641.81
North Carolina $22,456,097.01
North Dakota $4,549,772.25
Ohio $23,291,991.74
Oklahoma $11,233,311.64
Oregon $9,947,586.17
Pennsylvania $25,508,473.61
Rhode Island $4,540,059.53
South Carolina $12,846,583.30
South Dakota $5,010,234.08
Tennessee $15,814,288.00
Texas $55,641,147.86
Utah $7,795,149.91
Vermont $5,299,150.18
Virginia $18,330,732.47
Washington $15,983,291.58
West Virginia $9,011,588.00
Wisconsin $13,248,029.83
Wyoming $5,251,485.99
American Samoa $2,100,000.00
Guam $2,100,000.00
Northern Mariana Islands $2,100,000.00
Puerto Rico $9,807,187.39
U.S. Virgin Islands $2,100,000.00

 

Research-based advice for Digital Equity Orgs and Policymakers

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We know that money will be coming to Minnesota for digital equity based on the BEAD Digital Equity Plan that the Office of Broadband Develop has created That money will be doled out to local digital equity organizations. The Digital Equity Research Center has just release a report (Developing a Digital Equity Theory of Change with Tech Goes Home) that looks at how to measure the impact of digital equity work in a meaningful way…

The purpose of the project was to understand how participatory action research could be used to develop a theory of change and an evaluation framework to benefit Tech Goes Home, its community, and the larger digital equity field. To inform the project, the research sought insights from digital inclusion and digital equity organizations across the United States to understand how they articulated what success looks like to them and their communities. The research team examined how these theories of change help organizations use data to evaluate their programs and services. The ultimate goal of the project was to gather data to assist Tech Goes Home in developing a theory of change for the organization that could inform how the organization measures the outcomes and impacts of their digital equity work.

I thought that their recommendations might be helpful for the local digital equity community as well as researchers and policymakers…

For Digital Equity Organizations

  • Allocate time, money, and intentional effort to capture insights and expertise from community members. Recent discussions in the digital equity field, both at practitioner conferences and in other spaces where digital equity researchers are gathering, have argued that organizations must pay community members to gain their expertise and participation in program evaluations.
  • Engage evaluation participants in their native languages. Digital equity organizations that serve learners who speak multiple languages should work to ensure that their needs are considered in program evaluation efforts. These populations are likely to face compounded barriers to both digital inclusion and survey participation, and their experiences are therefore crucial to accurately understand the impact of programs.
  • Work with funders to balance reporting requirements with sensitivity to participants’ privacy and attention to self-defined measures of success. Other digital equity organizations identified that one of the significant challenges they face is the need to gather data to show funders the outcomes and impacts of their financial support, while also showing community members why these activities are mutually beneficial. There can also be challenges in marrying what a funder requests and what the organization knows is perhaps a more representative indicator of success. Organizations should work with funders to establish respectful guidelines that ensure program evaluation is compelling, representative, and responsive to community needs.

Advice from Peer Organizations

  • Digital equity organizations should stay focused on what they do well. Because the priority of funders can change over time, thus making program evaluation a moving target, we heard from our interviewees that it’s important for organizations in the digital equity field to stay true to their mission and the communities they serve.
  • Provide support to community partners when they are asked to gather sensitive information. Digital equity organizations–like Tech Goes Home and others who we interviewed for this project who work with community partners to provide their programs and services–should co-create meaningful and respectful ways to address privacy concerns mentioned above. One way to do this is to take the lead on gathering this information and avoid placing the burden on community partners.
  • Listen to your community, ask them for advice. Most of the people from peer organizations who we interviewed for this study relied on the knowledge, expertise, and wisdom of their community members and partners. Particularly in helping to define what success of their digital equity programs look like. Therefore, it’s essential that digital equity organizations develop deep ties and connections with people and leaders in their communities to ensure that digital equity programs address their needs and inform further opportunities to work towards digital equity and social justice.

For State and Federal Policymakers

  • The success of broadband infrastructure programs relies on digital equity funding. Community members cannot access the digital world without affordable and reliable internet service, internet-equipped hardware, and hands-on support in making use of it. When evaluating the success of broadband deployment, administering entities must also consider whether communities have access to the digital equity programs necessary to make use of broadband access.

  • Set aside funding that organizations can use to conduct program evaluation. Digital equity organizations have been arguing for years that if funders expect them to show the outcomes and impacts of their investments, the organizations should be compensated to do this work. Because program evaluation is time-intensive particularly when engaging covered populations, state and federal entities should allocate funding that can be used by digital equity organizations to measure the success of their state or federally funded programs as part of contracts.

  • Provide technical assistance on program evaluation for digital equity organizations. In addition to funding, state and federal entities should provide technical assistance to support digital equity organizations in conducting outcomes[1]based evaluation. Counting outputs, such as numbers of digital skills classes offered or numbers of computers distributed, is a much easier task for organizations. However, if digital equity organizations are required to show the mid and longer[1]term outcomes, as detailed in the Tech Goes Home logic model in this report, then technical assistance must be provided by state and federal entities to help local organizations, particularly under-funded nonprofits, with this work

  • Allow and encourage organizations to use government funding to compensate community members for their expertise. State and federal agencies should require grantees that receive funding to implement and evaluate digital equity programs to provide evidence that community members were engaged in determining what the success of these programs look like. State and federal agencies should also ensure that compensating community members for their expertise be allowable as a budgetable expense. If this unprecedented federal funding is truly to make an impact, then those most impacted by digital inequalities must be included as partners in the creation, implementation, and evaluation of these programs.

US Conference of Mayors on broadband: Yes to money and local control

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Borrowing from the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society’s recap of the US Conference of Mayors broadband-related resolutions…

The U.S. Conference of Mayors adopted the following resolutions:

  1. Urging Congress to renew and extend the Affordable Connectivity Program funding in 2024 to ensure currently enrolled ACP low-income households continue to have access to affordable high-speed internet, recognizing that closing the digital divide will allow Americans to access the resources they need and strengthen the U.S. economy to compete in the 21st Century.
  2. Requesting BEAD, ACP, and Digital Equity Act funding be allocated with cities and urban centers in mind, recognizing that high density, low-income communities of color are a primary population that the broadband programs seeks to connect.
  3. Calling on the United States Senate to promptly confirm Anna M. Gomez to fill the vacant fifth FCC Commissioner seat and to reconfirm Geoffrey Adam Starks and Brendan Carr for additional terms as Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission.
  4. Opposing the American Broadband Act of 2023 (HR 3557)—which would pre-empt local governments’ rights-of-way compensation and management authority, zoning powers, cable franchising authority, and property rights—and urging the House and Senate not to pass this legislation.

Office of Broadband Development urges MN to play role in Digital Equity Plan

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The Office of Broadband Development is reaching out to folks to join the effort to get better broadband…

Lack of affordable internet access, lack of an internet-enabled device, and limited digital skills aren’t just an inconvenience. They hold people back from educational and employment opportunities, civic engagement, timely and affordable health care, and staying connected with friends and family. 

Some communities and individuals may be more likely to lack digital access and may have a greater need for digital skills training, including older Minnesotans, people who live in rural communities, Black Minnesotans, Indigenous people, people of color, and others. Digital access and skills are needed to engage with school and education, find employment, access health care resources and more. That’s why efforts to achieve digital equity are so important.  

DEED’s Office of Broadband Development (OBD) is developing a digital equity plan to create improvements in internet affordability, access to internet-enabled devices, and ways to provide digital skills training. We want to hear from Minnesotans most impacted by the digital access and skills gap to ensure our digital equity plan reflects the goals and needs of all Minnesotans. This plan will help us determine how to spend federal funding coming in 2024 aimed at increasing digital access and skills. 

Cities, counties, schools, libraries, faith communities, businesses, internet providers, nonprofits, and other organizations are encouraged to form Digital Connection Committees and partner with us to share these critical insights. We’re hoping these committees can gather information about local digital inclusion strengths, needs, and goals, and then share summaries with OBD. Information can be gathered however it works best for a community or organization. It could be a conversation circle, a survey, an asset inventory of existing digital inclusion resources – or some other way. The workload is flexible, and we look forward to working with Digital Connection Committees to bring creative ideas to life. 

Committees are especially encouraged to include members who are: 

  • 60 or older 
  • Currently or formerly incarcerated 
  • Current or former members of the U.S. military 
  • Black, Indigenous, and People of Color 
  • People with disabilities 
  • Low-income households 
  • Learning to speak or read English 
  • Living in rural communities. 

To help support the work of Digital Connection Committees, OBD will provide resources, templates, and general guidance. OBD is also offering optional, non-competitive mini-grants to eligible Digital Connection Committees. To receive a mini-grant, committees can apply by filling out a short application by March 3, 2023.  

In addition, Digital Connection Committees need to complete this form to register with our office by March 15, 2023, and complete their work by June 30 of this year. 

Find more details on DEED’s OBD website. 

Follow up from Internet for All: Connecting One Minnesota from Bree Maki

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Last week, the Office of Broadband Development hosted Internet for All: Connecting One Minnesota. Today, with permission, I’m sharing the follow up note attendees received from Bree Maki, Executive Director of the Office of Broadband Development…

Greetings,Thank you so much for joining us on January 25, 2023 for the Internet for All: Connecting One Minnesota event.  We hope that you found the day worth your time and enjoyed meeting new partners and connecting with old friends.  Minnesota has a long history of working together to achieve broadband access and we look forward to continuing this work with our Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) and Digital Equity plans.  We are so thankful for all of our co-hosts – National Telecommunications & Information Administration, Association of Minnesota Counties, League of Minnesota Cities, and the Minnesota Association of Townships.  This event could not have been as robust without the talented, knowledgeable, and willing panelists, speakers, moderators, and staff that worked so hard to make it a success.

Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Plan

While we don’t anticipate knowing how much BEAD funding the state will receive until June 30th, we are working to develop the required Five Year Action Plan which is due July 12, 2023. The Five Year Plan will address Minnesota’s goals and objectives and inform the subsequent Initial and Final Proposals for BEAD funding. While many of the requirements for the BEAD Plan will be based on Minnesota’s existing statutory goals, established Border to Border Broadband Infrastructure Grant program, and priority uses outlined in the NTIA Notice of Funding Opportunity, we will be engaging with our partners to help inform and guide our work and fill in any areas where we have the discretion to enhance efforts regarding infrastructure deployment. With that in mind, if you would like to meet and discuss ideas for how we can improve the Border to Border grant program or the work of our office, or if there are barriers that need to be addressed to ensure programmatic success, please reach out to us at deed.broadband@state.mn.us to schedule a meeting.

Digital Equity Plan

This winter and spring, we are excited to begin crafting Minnesota’s Digital Equity Plan. The DE Plan—which is different from the BEAD 5-Year plan, even as they will overlap—will address barriers people experience when trying to afford internet service, acquire an internet-enabled device, and develop digital skills. To ensure the plan is truly Minnesota’s plan, we encourage local participation in Digital Connection Committees (briefly and previously dubbed “digital inclusion planning teams”).  A wide variety of entities—including political subdivisions, non-profits, anchor institutions, faith-based organizations, MN-based businesses, and more—can form Digital Connection Committees. Committees receive planning updates from OBD while gathering information about local digital inclusion strengths and needs for inclusion in the DE Plan. Committees’ participation is voluntary; the workload is flexible based on Committee capacity. To support Digital Connection Committees, OBD will provide resources, templates, and general guidance. OBD is also offering non-competitive mini-grants to eligible Committees. A brief application is required, due March 3 at 3:00 p.m. Central. For more information or to register a Committee, please see the attached handout, visit OBD’s digital inclusion webpage, or contact Hannah Buckland, Digital Equity Program Lead, at hannah.buckland@state.mn.us.

Again, thank you for your support and interest in assisting the Office of Broadband Development in this important work.