Connect Midwest Committee
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NTIA Competitive Grant Funding Updates
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NTIA Competitive Grant Funding Updates
The world has sure been a whirlwind, no doubt about that.
The Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, established under the Digital Equity Act, aims to fund initiatives that ensure communities have the access and skills to fully participate in the digital world, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Among local applicants, we share joy in the award of $1.2 million to our partners at The International Institute of St. Louis for their proposal to support digital literacy and workforce development.
As of now, we have yet to hear about our bi-state application’s status. We wanted to look further into how the delay may be affected following recent federal actions impacting government financial assistance programs.
Recent Federal Actions
On January 27, 2025, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a directive instructing federal agencies to temporarily halt certain financial assistance programs. This pause was intended to allow agencies to assess programs in light of newly issued executive orders. While direct aid programs such as Social Security and Medicare were unaffected, there was initial uncertainty about how the freeze would impact other federal funding initiatives, including grants related to broadband and digital equity.
Legal Developments & Policy Reversal
Shortly after the funding freeze was announced, a federal judge issued a temporary hold on its implementation, allowing agencies to continue funding distribution until a legal review could be completed. Then, on January 29, 2025, the OMB formally withdrew its earlier directive, effectively lifting the freeze. However, the administration has indicated it may continue seeking alternative measures to restrict funding for certain initiatives, particularly those related to diversity, equity, and environmental efforts.
As we can imagine, this has left several organizations and initiatives in a state of anxiety and confusion. The National Digital Inclusion Alliance has been a guiding light in the chaos
Words from NDIA Executive Director, Angela Siefer:
Dear NDIA Affiliates and Friends,
NDIA suspects the Digital Equity Act Programs could be in danger beyond the OMB memo. Here is why – NDIA’s Competitive Grant has been obligated, that is, we received a signed grant contract. Last week, before the OMB memo’s grants pause, NDIA’s grant was paused. Looking through the Executive Orders, it’s possible the DEI Executive Order is the reason for the pause but we do not know for sure.
To save the Digital Equity Act’s Capacity and Competitive Programs, we need more people to understand what these programs will actually do – help people talk to their doctors, take online classes, get jobs, avoid scams, etc. This requires all of us – explain to policymakers what impact your programs have in your communities, talk to the media, write op-eds. And ask your community members to do the same.
You will not be doing this alone. You have NDIA and we all have each other. NDIA will have resources ready to share next week. We will shortly be announcing two advocacy webinars for the NDIA Community.
The possibility of losing what we have all worked so hard to get is heartbreaking. But we haven’t lost it yet.
Hugs to you all.Next Steps for TechSTL
We will continue to monitor updates from NTIA, NDIA, and OMB to determine if there are any further administrative actions that could affect digital equity funding. Staying informed and adaptable will be key in ensuring that planned initiatives remain on track.
If you would like to get involved in TechSTL’s Digital Equity grants team, please email gage@techstl.com
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1 Reply
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Let us know what we can do to help.
-Hannah
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