The New York Digital Inclusion Fund launched with exciting new grant opportunities for New York-based digital inclusion work. The fund will support innovative partnership models accelerating digital inclusion across New York state.
NDIA is proud to partner with Schmidt Futures on the launch of the New York Digital Inclusion Fund and to provide guidance and technical expertise to grantees as they carry out their digital inclusion activities to advance digital equity in their communities and regions.
The Fund is supported by Schmidt Futures, a philanthropic initiative founded by Eric and Wendy Schmidt, and managed by NDIA. NDIA will support applicants and provide training and technical support to grantees, sharing lessons learned, best practices, and guidance as they carry out their digital inclusion work.
The Fund creates opportunities in two categories – Digital Inclusion Coalition Planning Grants and Digital Inclusion Innovation Grants. The first will support regional digital inclusion coalition building and the second will support innovative partnerships to increase the number of people connected to broadband and equipped with devices. The Fund will also provide digital literacy resources and technical support across communities throughout New York state.
“This is the first digital inclusion investment of such magnitude in a state. We encourage similar investments in all states,” said Angela Siefer, executive director of NDIA. “NDIA is thrilled to share the expertise and lessons learned from around the country to support digital inclusion activities that reach those who need them most and to help build digital inclusion coalitions in New York.”
“To close the digital divide, we need all stakeholders at the table. We’re excited to work with the National Digital Inclusion Alliance to support innovative partnership models that enable greater digital inclusion resources across New York State,” said Elizabeth Young McNally, executive vice president at Schmidt Futures. “The New York Digital Inclusion Fund builds on Schmidt Futures’ efforts through the Reimagine New York Commission—working toward systems-level solutions through locally-driven partnerships to create a more inclusive pathway to affordable internet, devices, and skills training for all.”
The combination of these two grants will help organizations build innovative partnership models that accelerate digital inclusion across New York. Projects can be based on a variety of digital inclusion efforts, including work on affordable, high-speed internet; devices; and digital skills.
NDIA is accepting proposals for both the Coalition Planning Grants and the Digital Inclusion Innovation grants through October 15, 2021. For more information on the grants, please visit digitalinclusion.org/nydifund.