​NTIA's Competitive Grant Program application is open Aug 14 - Sep 23, 2024
Read the Notice of Funding Opportunity here. MCA is not administering or supporting management of this grant opportunity.
Digital Equity Act Funding Programs
Introduction
​
The Digital Equity Act provides $2.75 billion to establish three grant programs that promote digital equity and inclusion:
-
The State Digital Equity Planning Grant
-
The Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program
-
The Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program
Each of these programs is funded by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and is designed to ensure that all people and communities have the skills, technology, and capacity needed to reap the full benefits of our digital economy.​​​​​​​​​​​
MCA Contact
Maggie Drummond-Bahl
Sr. Director, Digital Equity & Partnerships
mbahl@maineconnectivity.org
(207) 209-3841
The Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) is the organization in Maine responsible for managing and deploying Digital Equity Act funding through the Planning Grant and Capacity Grant. The Digital Equity Competitive Grant is administered directly by NTIA (not MCA) and is open to other public service organizations in Maine.
The amount of funding available to support digital equity activities is limited, and it is crucial that all partners across the state maximize the impact of these digital equity funds. MCA will provide support to organizations interested in applying for the Competitive Grant Program to ensure applications complement and support Maine's Digital Equity Plan and MCA's related digital equity strategies, activities, and programs. Please review the high-level details and resources below for more information.
Planning Grant & Capacity Grant Programs
Administered by MCA
​​
-
MCA is the eligible entity for these two programs.
-
MCA received $522,000 in initial Planning Grant funds which support local coordination and development of Maine's Digital Equity Plan.​​
-
The Capacity Grant Program is divided into three separate funding allocations, with an initial allocation of $5.7 million. MCA submitted an application for this funding in June 2024.
-
The Capacity Grant Program funds will be used by MCA to enable strategies and activities outlined in Maine's Digital Equity Plan. Those activities and funding programs are slated to launch in early 2025.
Competitive Grant Program
Administered by NTIA
​
-
Eligible entities for this program include Nonprofit organizations, Tribal governments, community anchor institutions, adult education facilities, workforce programs, and other similar organizations in Maine. (MCA is not eligible for these funds.)
-
NTIA recommends organizations apply at a regional level or in partnership with other organizations to scale programming.
-
NTIA encourages large scale proposals in the range of $5-$12 million.
-
​The Competitive Grant Program application is open August 14 - September 23, 2024.
Competitive Grant Program Technical Assistance
​
Given the short application window and natural connection to MCA's complementary Digital Equity work, MCA is offering a facilitated space for organizations in Maine interested in collaborating and coordinating their efforts through several upcoming opportunities.
-
MCA has summarized Maine Census tracts and Census Block Groups where more than 50% of the population is 150% of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL). Competitive Grant Program applications which target these areas are scored higher based on NTIA guidance.
-
MCA will host coordination meetings every Wednesday in August from 12pm-1pm over Zoom | Join Here.
-
In an effort to support coordination, MCA is tracking interest from organization across Maine. Please complete the interest form in advance of August 7 to indicate your interest and share contact information.
-
Review this comprehensive list of upcoming webinars hosted by the NTIA and the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) to understand specific application requirements.
Other Resources
NTIA Digital Equity Act Programs
The Digital Equity Act provides $2.75 billion to establish three grant programs that promote digital equity and inclusion. They aim to ensure that all people and communities have the skills, technology, and capacity needed to reap the full benefits of our digital economy.
Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program Homepage
This is the first funding opportunity from the $1.25 billion Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, the third of the three Digital Equity Act programs. The Digital Equity Act provides $2.75 billion to establish three grant programs that promote digital equity and inclusion.
Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program FAQ
The following is the first in a series of FAQ documents
intended to provide guidance on information set forth in NTIA’s Notice of Funding Opportunity
(NOFO) issued on July 24, 2024. Following the release of this document, further questions may
be submitted to digitalequity@ntia.gov to be considered for inclusion in future FAQ documents.
Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program Application Portal
The Competitive Grant Program will make funds available to a wide range of entities to address barriers to digital equity. The Competitive Grant Program will support efforts to achieve digital equity, promote digital inclusion activities, and spur greater adoption and meaningful use of broadband among the Covered Populations.
