ESD: $12M in new digital equity grant opportunities, expanded public awareness campaign for affordable broadband, launch of statewide resource finder

New ConnectALL funding to expand proven digital inclusion programs & support innovative approaches across New York

Empire State Development press release

Empire State Development (ESD) announced $12 million in new funding through the ConnectALL Digital Equity Program to expand proven digital inclusion programs and support innovative approaches that help New Yorkers make full use of affordable, reliable broadband.

ESD also announced the launch of the New York State Digital Equity Resource Finder open beta, an interactive map and directory that features more than 1,000 digital inclusion resources and services statewide; and new multilingual affordable broadband outreach materials available in 11 languages. These initiatives extend New York’s nation-leading effort to connect New Yorkers with the skills, devices and support they need to fully participate in today’s digital economy.

“Having an internet connection is only part of what it takes to succeed in today’s digital world – New Yorkers also need the skills, devices and support to put that connection to work,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “These investments will help trusted organizations expand programs that are already making a difference while supporting new ideas that can reach even more New Yorkers. With our new Digital Equity Resource Finder, we are making it easier for people to find the tools and assistance available right in their own communities.”

ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Digital equity is about turning connectivity into opportunity. Under Gov. Hochul’s leadership, ConnectALL is strengthening proven programs, supporting new solutions to persistent barriers, and making it easier for New Yorkers to find the resources they need. Together, these investments will help more people build the skills and confidence to take full advantage of our increasingly digital world.”

Public Service Commission Chair Rory M. Christian said, "Every New Yorker deserves reliable, affordable broadband and the opportunity to fully participate in our digital economy. Today, we are taking another important step toward making that a reality, especially for households that would otherwise not have access.”

Applications for Digital Equity grants are due Nov. 10, while applications for IDEA grants are due Dec. 8. All applications must be submitted through the New York state consolidated funding application portal. Full program guidelines and application materials are available at broadband.ny.gov/digital-equity-program.

National Digital Inclusion Week

The new grant opportunities coincide with National Digital Inclusion Week, Oct. 4-10, and highlight New York as the only state maintaining a state-run digital equity grant program after the federal government terminated digital equity funding last year. Through ConnectALL, the state has already awarded nearly $9 million to 33 grantees, including digital equity practitioners, First Nations and state agency partners.

ConnectALL is also working with state agencies, not-for-profits and community anchor institutions to promote the NYS Affordable Broadband Act, a first-of-its-kind law requiring internet service providers to offer a low-cost subscription tier to eligible consumers. Targeted outreach, including text message campaigns to SNAP recipients statewide and multilingual video ads on DMV kiosks, has contacted more than 1 million eligible consumers about their rights under the law. Stakeholders who want to educate their constituents can order promotional literature, mailed at no charge, at https://broadband.ny.gov/consumer-resources.

Digital Equity Program

ConnectALL will make awards through two competitive requests for applications:

•Digital Equity Grant RFA: Up to 10 grants of $1 million each, totaling up to $10 million, to sustain and expand regional and statewide digital inclusion programs and services with a demonstrated record of success. Grants will run for 18 to 24 months.

•Innovations in Digital Equity and Access (IDEA) Grant RFA: Up to $2 million to support novel approaches, resources or services that advance digital equity outcomes, build on prior success, and can be reproduced or expanded. Applicants may request $100,000 to $250,000 for projects lasting 12 to 18 months.

Grants made through both solicitations will support community-centered programs and services that:

√ Expand digital literacy and skills

√ Increase awareness and adoption of affordable broadband options

√ Provide access to internet devices and technical support

√ Protect online privacy and safety

√ Ensure the accessibility of government resources and services

Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, Tribal governments and community anchor institutions such as libraries, schools, housing authorities, health care providers and institutions of higher education. Local governments, state agencies and local education agencies may also apply. Organizations may apply jointly as a partnership under a single lead applicant. Questions can be submitted to digitalequity@esd.ny.gov.

Digital Equity Resource Finder

The New York State Digital Equity Resource Finder helps New Yorkers find programs and services in their communities that support everyone's ability to use the internet. Listed resources include centers serving older adults, after-school programs, digital safety workshops, library branches with assistive technologies, and digital skills modules offered in multiple languages among others.

Users can locate nearby resources by searching an address or location, searching by organization name, filtering the map by resource type, and browsing resources as a list. The Resource Finder is in open beta, and digital equity stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback, add new resources, and request features. The Resource Finder is available at http://broadband.ny.gov/digital-equity-resource-finder.