CHARLESTON, W.VA — The West Virginia Office of Broadband is gearing up for the upcoming Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, which aims to provide funding for Digital Inclusion projects to eligible entities. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is expected to release the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) soon, and potential applicants are encouraged to seek grant funding.

The Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program will provide $1.25 billion over a five-year period to implement digital equity projects nationwide. Awards ranging from $5 to $10 million will be granted to eligible applicants such as political subdivisions, nonprofit organizations, community anchor institutions, educational agencies, workforce development organizations, Indian Tribal entities, and partnerships among eligible entities. Grant funds will be awarded to projects that promote Digital Equity, such as device distribution, digital skills training, and digital navigator programs and services.

Interested entities are encouraged to start preparing applications early. Applicants must have an active SAM.gov registration and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) to access the NTIA Grants Portal (NGP) for application submission. Partnerships with relevant organizations are encouraged to enhance the quality and reach of proposed projects.

Potential applicants are urged to begin the necessary preparations, including setting up their SAM.gov and UEI accounts and organizing project teams. By planning ahead and collaborating with partners, applicants can maximize their chances of success in securing funding for Digital Inclusion initiatives throughout West Virginia.

For more information on the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program and application guidelines, potential applicants are advised to review West Virginia’s approved Digital Equity Plan and contact the West Virginia Office of Broadband for assistance and coordination.

The Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program is part of the Digital Equity Act, which will provide $2.75 billion in total grant funds nationwide through three grant programs:

• State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program
• State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program
• Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program

For more information, please visit broadband.wv.gov and internetforallwv.wv.gov.