Digital Equity Grant

To help achieve Governor Cooper’s goal to close the digital divide in North Carolina, the Office of Digital Equity and Literacy is launching the second round of its phased digital equity grant program. These grants will help North Carolinians afford high-speed internet, obtain digital devices and get access to digital literacy courses to safely and effectively participate in today’s digital economy.

Digital Champion Grant Program

We are seeking partnerships that positively impact target populations identified in the Digital Equity Act, including low-income households, individuals who primarily reside in a rural area, older Americans/aging residents, incarcerated and/or second chance citizens/reentry/justice involved, veterans, individuals with disabilities, including individuals with a language barrier (including individuals who are English learners or whose first language is not English and/or individuals who have low levels of literacy), and individuals who are members of a racial or ethnic minority group. 

We will invest a total of $14 million to support entities. Each applicant may apply for up to $400,000 per county served with a maximum application request of $1.5 million.

Eligible Uses

All projects must develop or expand digital equity programming and address at least one of the following elements of digital inclusion:

  • Affordable, reliable high-speed internet; 
  • Provision of Internet enabled devices (computer, laptops, etc.) that meet users' needs;
  • Provide access to digital literacy and skills training 
  • Provide quality technical support; and
  • Creation of applications and online content designed to enable and encourage sufficiency, participation and collaboration.
     

Webinars and Office Hours

  • Register now for the Dec. 5 webinar at 11 a.m. information session webinar for applicants.  
  • Drop-in Office Hours: 

Applicant Eligibility

Eligible entities are invited to apply for funding to develop or expand digital equity projects. The projects should NOT be focused on expanded broadband infrastructure. Applications will be accepted from: 

  • Community Services 
    • Local governments (town, city, county)
    • County libraries 
    • K-12 school systems (public, private and charter schools)  
  • Nonprofit organizations (501c3 or in the process of applying for the 501c3 status)
  • Higher education institutions (individual schools, colleges or centers within the system) 
  • Regional entities (e.g., councils of governments) 
     

To Apply

All applications must be submitted via the grant portal by Jan. 22, 2024, at 11:59pm. We strongly recommended that applicants complete the entire application using the template below before entering information into the application portal. This template ensures that all required information is properly organized and readily available for submission in case of technical issues. 

Questions?

Email the Office of Digital Equity and Literacy digitalequity@nc.gov.