In late 2024, we conducted a nationwide survey of digital inclusion coalitions to measure the proliferation of the coalition model and gain insights in their structures and operations, the work they prioritize, and how they measure their impact on communities and states. The 87 coalition responses we received represent a 71% increase over our prior iteration of the coalition survey, conducted in 2022.
We are excited to share the survey results and analysis in the form of the Status of Digital Inclusion Coalitions Storymap. The storymap presents the survey findings through a set of interactive maps, data visualizations, and embedded resource repositories, interspersed with our own insights and spotlights on 11 coalitions that shared their stories.
A few key takeaways from the storymap include:
- Coalitions serve a broad range of geographies: 37 focus on local communities, 28 serve multi-county regions, and 22 operate statewide.
- About 75% of coalitions that exist today formed in the past five years, with the two primary inciting events being the COVID-19 shutdowns and the creation of state digital equity plans.
- Two-thirds have at least a part-time staff person dedicated to the coalition’s work, despite only about half of coalitions having dedicated funding.
- All coalitions surveyed address multiple digital inclusion topics, with digital skills, advocacy, broadband access, and device access being the most common.
NDIA recognizes the vital capacity-building role that coalitions play in building and sustaining robust digital inclusion ecosystems, and we’re dedicated to supporting their growth and long-term success. Through resources like this storymap and our Digital Inclusion Coalition Guidebook available on our Coalitions Webpage, facilitation of the Coalition Working Group and listserv, and one-on-one technical assistance, we work to ensure that the coalition model and individual coalitions continue to thrive.
We intend to conduct the coalition survey periodically and update the storymap accordingly. In the meantime, if you do not see your coalition represented on this storymap, reach out and let us know how your coalition is advancing digital equity in your community or state. Additionally, if you have any questions or feedback about this resource or would like to explore how NDIA can support your coalition’s work, please email [email protected].