West Virginia prepares for $1.25 billion digital equity grant program aiming to boost inclusion projects

News Release
July 19, 2024

BUCKHANNON — The West Virginia Office of Broadband is getting ready for the forthcoming Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. The initiative aims to fund digital inclusion projects by providing $1.25 billion over five years. This funding will support projects that distribute devices, offer digital skills training, and create digital navigator programs.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will soon release the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Applicants are encouraged to start preparing their applications now. Eligible entities include political subdivisions, nonprofit organizations, community anchor institutions, educational agencies, workforce development organizations, Indian Tribal entities, and partnerships among these groups. Grant awards will range from $5 million to $10 million.

According to the West Virginia Office of Broadband, potential applicants must have an active SAM.gov registration and a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) to access the NTIA Grants Portal (NGP) for submissions. Interested entities should organize their project teams and collaborate with relevant organizations to enhance their project proposals.

By preparing early, applicants can increase their chances of securing funding. The West Virginia Office of Broadband stated, “Potential applicants are urged to begin the necessary preparations, including setting up their SAM.gov and UEI accounts and organizing project teams.”

For details on the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program and its application guidelines, review West Virginia’s approved Digital Equity Plan. Additional information can be found by contacting the West Virginia Office of Broadband.

The Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program is part of the Digital Equity Act, which provides $2.75 billion in total grant funds. This includes three grant programs: