It’s time to prepare your Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program applications!

On July 24, 2024, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration published the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Competitive Grant Program. The Competitive Grant Program is the third (and final) set of funds available from the Digital Equity Act (DEA) authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021. This article summarizes information about the NOFO, provides application strategies, and provides our best guesses for things NTIA will look for in your application. That said, you, your partners, subgrantees and anyone in your organization who will take part in submitting your application should read the NOFO as it is the best source of information about the grant program. For the first time, DEA funds are open to organizations other than state governments! Eligible entities (see list below) and US Territories may apply for funds to join this historic digital equity movement. The Competitive Grant Program will create lasting and meaningful change by focusing on covered populations, measurable implementation strategies, and stakeholder engagement.