Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program: What We Know and What’s to Come

The release of the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on March 29th triggered the countdown for the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) mandates releasing the Competitive Grant NOFO within 30 days of the first Capacity award, so we expect it by late summer/early fall 2024. We will not know all the specifics until the NOFO is released. But, there are some details in the law (the Digital Equity Act) can give us some guidelines:

• While your project is not required to align with your state’s digital equity plan, understanding the state’s plans, where your project aligns, and how your project complements or supports the state plan will enhance your application.
• Fill out as much of the SF-424 forms as possible now. This way you can focus on program-specific requirements when the NOFO is released.
• Read the National Digital Inclusion Alliance's guide to applying for federal grants.