Finding Federal Funds for Tribal Digital Inclusion

Tribes are using digital equity funds to do amazing work toward closing the digital divide. Every time we talk to Tribes about digital equity, they have great ideas about how to incorporate digital inclusion in their communities, but they always ask the same question – “Where’s the money for that?” To prepare Tribes for upcoming funding, here’s an overview of existing and forthcoming funding that can help Tribes fund similar programs in their community:

• State Digital Equity Planning Grants: States should be including Tribes as community partners. Tribes can utilize planning to ensure projects carry on within future Tribal leadership initiatives. The resulting state plans will determine how states use the forthcoming Digital Equity Capacity Building Grants, so Tribes’ voices must be represented. Tribes can comment on their state’s Digital Equity Act (DEA) plans now and as they are released. Connect with your state broadband staff to stay informed.
• Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP): Tribes can now apply for TBCP round 2. Of the $980 million, up to $100 million will be awarded for digital equity planning and programs, with the rest going towards broadband infrastructure.
• Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program: Tribal entities are eligible for subgrants from the states under the BEAD for broadband infrastructure and digital equity projects. Tribes can comment on their state’s BEAD proposals now and as they are released.
• Digital Equity Capacity Building Grants for Tribes: Tribes will also be eligible to apply to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for the Tribal set-aside in the Digital Equity Capacity Building Grants, which the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) expects to total between $53-$68 million.
• State Equity Capacity Building Grants: Tribes are eligible to apply for subgrants from states under the State Digital Equity Capacity Grants. We expect the first states to open their grant process at the end of 2024 or early 2025. Amounts and timelines will vary by state.
• Digital Equity Competitive Grants: Tribes are eligible to apply to NTIA for the $1.25 billion Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. NDIA expects the Tribal set-aside for this program to be approximately $50-$60 million, but Tribes may also apply for non-Tribal portion of the program, particularly with external partners.