CHARLESTON, W.VA —The West Virginia Office of Broadband, a division of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development (WVDED), today urged West Virginia organizations to apply for the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) recently launched the $1.25 billion Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. This funding opportunity aims to enhance broadband adoption across the United States, providing eligible entities in West Virginia a chance to secure funding for impactful broadband-related projects. 

If awarded, applicants may use grant funds for multiple activities. These include digital inclusion activities that benefit underserved or underrepresented communities, facilitating the adoption of broadband internet for educational and employment opportunities, implementing training and workforce development programs, making available equipment and technology for broadband service at low or no cost and constructing or upgrading public access computing centers. 

The first round of funding will allocate $750 million for eligible entities in all U.S. states, territories, and tribal entities, with an additional $250 million to become available later. Awards will range from $5 million to $12 million, with applicants permitted to request more or less funding provided they offer a compelling justification. NTIA anticipates making between 150 and 200 awards nationwide.

A wide range of entities are eligible to apply, including community anchor institutions, political subdivisions, state agencies, nonprofit entities, local education agencies and workforce development organizations. NTIA has strongly encouraged applications from partnerships between eligible entities. 

WVDED strongly encourages West Virginia organizations interested in applying to coordinate with the Office of Broadband on project development. Digital Equity Competitive Grant applications will be partially scored based on alignment with the State Digital Equity Plan, including whether or not the proposed project targets an identified gap in the Plan. WVDED drafted the West Virginia Digital Equity Plan and is available to assist West Virginia applicants wherever possible.

All applications must be submitted to NTIA through the NTIA Grants Portal by September 23, 2024, at 11:59 PM. To be considered, applicants must submit a project narrative, a detailed budget request, a set of standard federal forms, and register with SAM.gov to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete and submit their applications well in advance to avoid unforeseen delays and technical issues.

More information, including the full application, notice of funding opportunity (NOFO), and recorded webinars, can be found at BroadbandUSA. WVDED will provide further guidance and information on how applicants can align their projects with state goals in the near future.

For more information about the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program and the West Virginia Digital Equity Plan, please visit broadband.wv.gov and internetforallwv.wv.gov.