Mayor Kerry Thomson

Page last updated on May 5, 2024 at 10:07 pm

Apply for 2024 Digital Equity Grants

2024 Digital Equity Grants Awards Deadline is June 14th, 5pm

2024 Grants Information: Coming soon!

Bloomington Digital Equity initiative: https://bloomington.in.gov/digital-equity

Apply for the 2024 Digital Equity Grant

 

Digital Equity Grants News

 

Digital Equity Grant Funds

To address the challenges of the digital divide identified by ITS’s recent digital equity survey and strategic plan, the City established a digital equity grants fund to support local nonprofits in their efforts to bridge the digital divide. ITS has seen inventive proposals that build capacity in the community to address digital equity challenges.

The goal of the City's Digital Equity Grants is to support projects that build individual and community capacity to:

  • help people subscribe to broadband services
  • help people secure effective computing devices to effectively use the internet
  • help people develop the knowledge, familiarity and digital skills needed to secure the benefits of the Internet and computers
  • help people use the internet safely and securely and confidently to engage in digital life
  • help people mitigate community digital equity gaps identified in the City's digital equity survey.

Digital Equity Grant FAQs

Who may apply for a Digital Equity grant?

A: Any Bloomington-based non-profit organization (or governmental organization) is eligible to apply. The organization must provide proof of 501(c)(3) status in their application materials.


When is the deadline to apply for a grant?

A: Submissions are being accepted through Friday, June 14th, 2024 at 5:00 pm.


How much money is being awarded? How many grants are available?

A: The City of Bloomington again has $50,000 available to award in 2024. Grant amounts will depend on the size and scope of the digital equity project being proposed. The City of Bloomington Information & Technology Services department will distribute grants to multiple applicants with amounts ranging from a few thousand dollars and up.


What can I use a Digital Equity grant for?

A: The goal of the City's Digital Equity Grants is to support projects that build individual and community capacity to:

  • help people subscribe to broadband services
  • help people secure effective computing devices to effectively use the internet
  • help people develop the knowledge, familiarity and digital skills needed to secure the benefits of the Internet and computers
  • help people use the internet safely and securely and confidently to engage in digital life
  • help people mitigate community digital equity gaps identified in the City's digital equity survey.  Read the executive summary and report. 


Where do I apply for a Digital Equity grant?

A: The grant application can be submitted electronically here:

Digital Equity Grant Application

The application has been created using the Submittable online service and requires users to create or log in to an existing account. Click the link above and then click Submit to create or log in to an account.


What do I need to apply for a Digital Equity grant?

A: Grant applicants are required to fill out the online application and submit the following supporting documentation:

  • Project Budget detailing the use of City funds
  • Year-end financial statement including fund balance, total revenue and expenditures
  • Cost quotes on hardware, software or other items showing budget research (if organization is seeking funding for capital expenses/improvements)
  • 501(c)(3) documentation
  • A Memorandum of Understanding between parties (if this is a collaborative project)

Optional documents applicants may wish to submit include the following: letters documenting partner commitment, volunteer pledge sheets, curriculum overview, current program schedule, list of current technology, brochures, fliers or other promotional materials.

 
Do Digital Equity funds need to be spent within a certain time period?

A: Grants will be awarded in August 2024. Funds should be spent within a year of the award.


How many people is the City hoping to serve with this year’s Digital Equity grants?

Applicants are asked to estimate their target audience and size. A proposed project can be City-wide or serve an individual organization or small constituency.

Where can I learn more about the 2024 Digital Equity Grant process?

A: The City will host a public Q&A session via Zoom on Monday, May 20th at 12:00 p.m. The session can be accessed here. (Link coming soon!)
 

Applications for Digital Equity Grants are also online here starting Monday, May 6th and closing Friday, June 14th. Please contact Eliza Brader at eliza.brader@Bloomington.IN.gov or Rick Dietz at dietzr@bloomington.in.gov if you have any questions.