Digital Equity Grant Resources

The California Department of Technology (CDT) has launched the Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, a pivotal initiative under the state’s Broadband for All strategy. This program is designed to dismantle systemic barriers to digital access, ensuring that all Californians, particularly those in underserved communities, can fully engage in the digital world. With $70.2 million in federal funding from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the program aims to implement the State Digital Equity Plan (SDEP) by fostering digital inclusion across the state.

The Capacity Grant Program offers subgrants to eligible entities, including local governments, nonprofits, educational institutions, and workforce development organizations. These subgrants support activities such as developing local digital equity plans, providing digital navigation services, offering digital literacy training, distributing devices to underserved populations, and promoting digital workforce development programs. The program is structured into two tracks: Track 1 focuses on regional and local digital equity ecosystems, while Track 2 targets statewide initiatives addressing specific covered populations or outcome areas.

For counties within the North Bay/North Coast Broadband Consortium (NBNCBC) region, the proposed allocations under Track 1 are approximately as follows:

• Marin County: $250,000
• Mendocino County: $630,000
• Napa County: $215,000
• Sonoma County: $530,000

Mendocino, Napa, and Marin, are partnering with Golden State Connect Authority (GSCA) on this opportunity, with GSCA serving as the lead applicant. Reach out for more information about digital equity grant planning in our member counties. Applications are due May 30, 2025. For more information, please visit: https://broadbandforall.cdt.ca.gov/caldep/

The California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Public Housing Account provides grants and loans to support broadband infrastructure projects in low-income communities, including publicly supported housing developments, mobile home parks, and other housing with low-income residents. The goal is to install broadband networks that offer free or low-cost internet service meeting state standards for these residents.

Key Features:

• Eligibility: Publicly supported housing developments, mobile home parks, tribal housing, and other housing with low-income residents.
• Funding Coverage: Up to 100% of the costs for installing last-mile infrastructure, inside wiring, and broadband network equipment.
• Recent Updates: As of March 2024, eligibility has expanded to include non-publicly supported housing and increased project funding caps.

Application Deadlines:
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with evaluation cycles ending January 1 and July 1 each year, until funds are exhausted.

https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/internet-and-phone/california-advanced-services-fund/casf-public-housing-account

The CASF Adoption Account aims to increase broadband access and digital inclusion by funding digital literacy training and broadband access projects, particularly in communities with low broadband adoption rates.

Key Features:

• Eligibility: Local governments, senior centers, schools, libraries, nonprofit organizations, and community-based organizations.
• Eligible Projects:
  • Digital Literacy Projects – Training programs and community education to improve digital skills.
  • Broadband Access Projects – Providing free internet access in community spaces such as libraries, local government buildings, and training centers.
• Matching Requirement: CPUC may fund up to 85% of project costs; a 15% match is required from other sources.

Application Deadlines:
Applications are reviewed in cycles, with deadlines on January 1 and July 1 annually, until all funds are awarded.

https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/internet-and-phone/california-advanced-services-fund/casf-adoption-account