Notice of Funding Opportunity: State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program

The subject of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)—the $60 million State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program—is part of the Digital Equity Act’s larger State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, the purpose of which is to promote the achievement of digital equity, support digital inclusion activities, and build capacity for efforts by States relating to the adoption of broadband by residents of those States. The award period for the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program is one year, beginning on the date on which the grantee is awarded the grant funds; provided, however, that the award period may be extended by NTIA, in consultation with the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) Grants Officer, for up to 180 days based on a written request from a recipient. Funding amounts for States will be determined pursuant to a statutory formula.

Complete applications from States (including the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico) must be received through the NTIA application portal no later than 11:59 pm Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on July 12, 2022. US territories (other than Puerto Rico), Indian Tribes, Alaska Native entities, and Native Hawaiian organizations that are interested in participating in this program need not submit applications at this time, but must submit Letters of Intent. Further application submission requirements and timelines for any US territory or possession (other than Puerto Rico), or from an Indian Tribe, Alaska Native entity, or Native Hawaiian organization that timely submits a Letter of Intent will be provided to such entities in a separate written communication.