Overview: Tribal Eligibility in the Digital Equity Act Grant Programs

Despite many advancements in broadband connectivity over the past three years, Native American communities still lack critical internet infrastructure development to achieve meaningful internet access. Federal programs like the BEAD Program and the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program are focused on addressing the need for internet infrastructure; however, meaningful internet access means more than just need.  The true extent of “meaningful” considers both need and how people are able to benefit and participate in work, school fully, and all the other aspects of online life.

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) defines widespread meaningful internet access as Digital Equity, and the work needed to achieve Digital Equity goes beyond infrastructure development. Once internet access is available, people still need access to affordable internet service, devices and digital skills education.  Metaphorically, “meaningful” access is akin to a two-sided coin: one side presents the need while access, resources, and other considerations complete the flip-side of the coin structure.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (AKA Bipartisan Infrastructure Act) provided significant investments in internet infrastructure and Digital Equity activities. The Act facilitated the development of State Digital Equity Plans along with grants to implement the plans. Earlier this year the Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) were released for the Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program and the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. Both these programs could assist digital equity work in Tribal communities.The following table shows a brief comparison of Tribal eligibility in the two programs.

The key difference for Native American Tribes in the two programs is eligibility related to State or Tribal Digital Equity plans. The Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program focuses on organizations and activities included in State Digital Equity plans. Tribes that are included in State Digital Equity plans or have their own Tribal Digital Equity plan are eligible to apply for the Digital Equity Capacity Grant. Tribes also have the option to use the Capacity Grant Program to develop their own Digital Equity plan along with activities to implement it. However, Tribes cannot apply for Digital Equity planning alone.

The Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program is broader and can fund organizations and Digital Equity activities outside of state and Tribal Digital Equity plans. The Competitive Grant Program allows non-Native entities with Tribal authorization to partner with Native entities on Digital Equity initiatives that serve Tribal members. The application deadline for the Competitive Grant Program is coming up on September 23, and any interested applicants should be sure to review the Competitive Grant Program  NOFO and FAQ for more information. NDIA also has resources for Competitive Grant Program applicants. The Arizona Commerce Authority also hosts meetings on the Arizona Digital Equity Plan and related activities. Please continue to follow AIPI for updates on these programs and other Tribal broadband developments.