The City of Colorado Springs is launching a new program to help bridge the digital divide in the community by helping residents without connected devices or adequate digital skills who have been more negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased digitization seen in its aftermath.
Donor Name: City of Colorado Springs
State: Colorado
Municipality: Colorado Springs
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 12/14/2022
Size of the Grant: up to $800,000
Details:
Focus Areas
The City’s Office of Innovation wishes to fund projects within the three key focus areas of digital equity as identified by the NDIA. All proposed projects should advance one or multiple of these Focus Areas.
- Focus Areas I: Access to Connected Devices
- Use of the internet requires a capable, connected device. Proposed projects in this Focus Area shall expand access to connected devices, such as laptops and tablets. Proposed projects shall aim to meet the current and future technological needs for community and may include expansion of patron amenities available at existing locations, creation of entirely new spaces for residents to access connected devices, device lending programs, or other creative solutions.
- Focus Areas II: Digital Skills Training
- Even with reliable broadband access and a connected device, some residents may not be able to effectively utilize the internet and connected devices because they do not currently possess sufficient digital skills. Proposed projects in this Focus Area shall aim to design and implement digital skills training courses. The objective is to create and offer classes or one-on-one training to teach residents computer and internet basics.
- Focus Areas III
- Technical Support Some users may experience specific technical issues with the internet and devices and may need one-on-one or small group technical support to resolve these issues. Proposed projects in this Focus Area shall provide this technical support to ensure residents’ devices continue to function correctly.
Funding Information
A total of up to $800,000 has been made available for this grant. Funding from the City’s allocation of the American Rescue Plan Act will be utilized to fund the projects in 2023.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include public and private non-profit organizations. Eligible applicants can include local governments, school districts, state/federal agencies, non-profit organizations, library districts, and faith-based organizations.
Geographic Priority Areas
The neighborhoods of Downtown (especially south of Cimarron St.), Hillside, Stratton Meadows, East Lake, Valley Hi, Pikes Peak Park North, Pikes Peak Park South, Southborough, Deerfield Hills, Soaring Eagles, and the municipal parks and facilities within these neighborhoods, shall serve as the initial Service Area for the Project prior to expansion to additional Colorado Springs neighborhoods. Applicant suggested locations that can be demonstrated to have a lack of digital equity for residents and community will also be considered.
For more information, visit City of Colorado Springs.
