Digital Equity in Indiana
Connecting the Unconnected
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance defines digital equity as a condition in which all individuals and communities have the information, technology, and capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy.
The Digital Equity Act is a federal act that provides $2.75 billion to establish three grant programs that promote digital equity and inclusion. These three programs are overseen by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
The first is the State Digital Equity Planning grant that is a $60 million grant program for states, territories, and tribal governments to develop digital equity plans.
The second is the Digital Equity Capacity Building Grant Program that is $1.44 billion grant program for states, territories, and tribal governments to build their Digital Equity plans.
The last is the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program that is $1.25 billion grant program to fund annual grant programs for five years to implement digital equity projects. Institutions can apply to directly through the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The Digital Equity Act of 2021 provides $2.75 billion
to further advance federal goals relating to digital equity and digital inclusion.
Indiana was awarded $842K in 2022
as part of the Digital Equity Planning Grant to fund the creation of the state’s first digital equity plan.
IBO is applying for the Digital Equity Capacity Grant
which will be used to put our plan in practice in 2024.
Indiana’s Digital Equity Plan
Indiana’s Digital Equity Plan is a five-year plan that will serve as the first-ever statewide digital equity plan. The Digital Equity Plan was posted online for a 30-day public comment period.
Digital Equity Resources
May 15, 2024 - A $12 million statewide health equity program was announced yesterday. Managed Health Services (MHS) will provide a minimum of $2 million annually to institute health equity-focused partnerships and innovations. Indiana Minority Health Coalition (IMHC) and Black Onyx Management will collaborate with MHS to manage the program.
Learn more about the program here. Visit here to read the request for proposals and to register for an upcoming program information session. The application deadline is June 21, 2024. Organizations that have any questions on the application process should email strategicpartnerships@mhsserves.org for more information.