Overview
The 2022 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) created the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, as part of the Digital Equity Act (DEA), to support implementation of State Digital Equity Plans.
The National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA) approved Wisconsin’s Digital Equity Capacity Grant (WI DEC) Program on November 1, 2024, which will implement goals in the Wisconsin Digital Equity Plan (WI DE Plan) to promote digital equity among members of the ‘Covered Population’ groups and increase capacity to meet the digital needs and provide opportunities to Wisconsinites across the state.
The Commission discussed the WI Digital Equity Capacity Grant program in an open meeting on December 19, 2024, and determined application and program details documented in the January 22, 2025 Order.
The WI DEC Grant Program is organized around two program tracks: Digital Navigators (Track 1), and Digital Opportunity Coalitions (Track 2). Both tracks should serve members of the Covered Populations defined below.
- Track 1: The overall purpose of the Digital Navigator track is to expand current and/or support new digital navigator staff, programs, and projects that serve the covered populations, and increase internet adoption, digital skills and related digital opportunities within local communities.
- Track 2: The overall purpose of the Digital Opportunity Coalitions track is to expand and support current and new local digital opportunity groups that will raise awareness, identify community needs, and increase the network of people, programs, and services that increase digital opportunity.
Who is Eligible to Apply
In accordance with NTIA guidelines and Commission Order, the following
entity types are eligible to apply for either or both tracks:
- Local governments or any political subdivision within the State,
- A State agency, or instrumentality of a State, including an agency that is responsible for
adult education and literacy activities, or for providing public housing.
- An Indian Tribe, Native Entity or Tribal Nation.
- A foundation, corporation, institution, or association that is a nonprofit entity.
- A community anchor institution including a public school, multi-family housing
authority, a library, an institution of higher education, a healthcare provider or nonprofit
or governmental community support organization.
- A local educational agency.
- An entity that carries out a workforce development program.
Applicants may submit more than one more application. Applicants seeking funding under
both program tracks must submit a separate application for each track. Single applications
addressing both tracks will not be accepted.
The PSC Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline accepts tips and complaints about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement of PSC-administered federal grants. A professional staff member will review your information and determine the appropriate next steps. To report fraud, waste, abuse or mismanagement, please contact the PSC Fraud Hotline at 1-800-225-7729 or 1-608-266-2001 (Local).
PSC Grants System
To apply for a PSC administered grant, applicants must submit an application using the PSC Grants System.
Use the application material below for details on grant eligibility, instructions on application responses and required documentation when submitting an application in the PSC Grants System.
Getting Started in the PSC Grants System
Application Materials
Wisconsin Digital Equity Capacity Application Instructions
Webinars:
- WI Digital Equity Capacity Grant - Information and Overview
- Thursday April 10, 2025, 1:00 - 2:00pm CT - Register
- Webinar Recording (Coming Soon)
- Webinar Slides (Coming Soon)
Resources for Digital Equity Capacity Grant Recipients
More information coming soon.