The Office of Broadband and Digital Equity (BDE) is now accepting applications for the Digital Equity Fund (DEF) to support community-led digital equity outreach, digital inclusion planning and implementation.
Donor Name: Office of Broadband and Digital Equity
State: Maryland
City: Baltimore
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 07/14/2024
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: 2 Years
Details:
This subsequent cycle will focus on providing digital education training, digital inclusion programming and initiatives in low digital inclusion communities throughout the City of Baltimore.
Many Baltimore residents lack the essential tools needed to fully engage in the modern, digital world. More than 1 in 4 Baltimore households lack a digital device, and more than 40 percent lack internet access. Decades of disinvestment also means the most vulnerable residents often experience the greatest impact of the digital divide.
Round two of the Digital Equity Fund will invest in initiatives across three different grant categories to help address gaps in digital literacy and skills.
- Tier 1: Digital Literacy Education Training (up to $200,000) – Grants will support initiatives under two sub-tiers: Tier 1A – digital literacy education for older adults; Tier 1B – digital literacy education for the wider community in support of tech hubs at recreation centers in underserved areas. Skill areas might include computer basics, using the internet, and digital skills for job seekers.
- Tier 2: Advanced Digital Education and IT Fundamentals Programming (up to $200,000) – Grants will support initiatives providing IT fundamental skills training and certification to Baltimore City residents interested in a career in IT. Programming must include opportunities for residents to earn industry-recognized IT certifications. For example, Cisco IT Essentials, including CISCO ITE certification and/or A+ certification, CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+), Net+, and Security+.
- Tier 3: Digital Creatives and Virtual Makerspaces Programming (up to $200,000) – Grants will support initiatives providing education and programming for digital creatives and virtual makerspaces at local recreation centers throughout Baltimore City. Grantees can use this tier of funding for classes and workshops for digital creatives, and special events to help develop skills in coding, digital media creation, robotics, video editing, and 3D printing.
Funding Information
Grant awards are up to $200,000. The grant period is September 1st, 2024 – June 30th, 2026.
Target Population
Program activities must address the needs of those left behind in the digital age, including:
- Residents of low digital equity communities;
- People with disabilities;
- Older adults;
- Immigrants and non-English speakers;
- Individuals who are members of a racial or ethnic minority group;
- Returning citizens;
- LGBTQIA+ Youth;
- People experiencing homelessness; and
- Families with children under five (5).
Geographical Focus
The DEF will only fund Baltimore City-based organizations.
Who is Eligible for Funding?
Eligible applicants are Baltimore-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations who serve Baltimore residents. Organizations can submit a grant proposal for each grant type. Applicants must plan to address the needs of groups most likely to be left behind in the digital age, including people with disabilities, older adults, individuals who are members of a racial or ethnic minority group, immigrants and non-English speakers, returning citizens, LGBTQIA+ youth, and people experiencing homelessness.
For more information, visit Office of Broadband and Digital Equity.
