california digital equity capacity grant (CDT) has invited public comment on draft guidelines for the state’s Digital Equity Capacity Sub-Grant Program, which were set to run from September 30 to October 29. The CDT will review public comments received and update the final grant guidelines on this page once they are available.
The State Digital Equity Capacity Subgrant will provide financial support to local organizations to develop local digital equity plans, provide digital navigation services, provide digital literacy training, support the distribution of specific devices to those in need, and promote digital workforce development programs.
Apply Now: California Digital Equity Program (CalDEP)
california digital equity capacity grant Program Background
Broadband for All is California’s comprehensive, multi-billion-dollar program aimed at closing the digital divide. The program reflects the efforts of the California Broadband Council and its members, Executive Order N-73-20, the Broadband for All Action Plan (2020), and the landmark Broadband for All Act (SB 156, 2021).
California’s State Digital Equity Plan (SDEP) is the latest chapter in the program’s development, demonstrating how the state is advancing its Broadband for All mission.
📶 Goal 1: All Californians have access to high-performance broadband in homes, schools, libraries, and businesses.
Icon meaning: Wireless signal/broadband connectivity.
💻 Goal 2: All Californians have access to affordable broadband and essential devices.
Icon meaning: Laptop or device access.
📚 Goal 3: All Californians have access to training and support to enable digital inclusion.
Icon meaning: Learning and education.
california digital equity capacity grant of the Capacity Subgrant Program
NTIA has directed CDT to consider four key points when evaluating proposed State Digital Equity Capacity Grant strategies.
Long-lasting and Meaningful Change:
Digital Equity Plans are intended to address the systemic barriers and gaps to digital access. Activities should reflect this goal and consider the sustainability of initiatives created through this funding.
Measurable Implementation Strategies:
Proposed programs and activities should be based on objectives that are measurable, achievable, sustainable, time-bound, and are designed to address identified disparities directly and logically.
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Stakeholder Engagement:
Stakeholders who are directly affected by the proposed strategies and interventions should be involved to encourage ongoing feedback regarding the
As defined in the SDEP, the California Capacity Subgrant Program (the “Program”) will address these focal points by funding further statewide, regional and local planning and alignment, and the delivery of digital inclusion services from trusted messengers in existing statewide and community-based organizations and institutions who can provide support in the communities and languages in which it is needed most.
california digital equity capacity grant Eligible Applicants
Eligible entities must be located and operate in the State of California. Lead applicants for the Capacity Subgrant must come from the following entities:
🏛️ A local political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality of the State of California
🧵 A Tribe
🏢 A foundation, corporation, institution, organization, or association that is:
- ✅ A not-for-profit entity
- 🚫 Not a school (schools may be eligible as community anchor institutions)
🏫 A community anchor institution
📘 A local educational agency
🛠️ An entity that carries out a workforce development program
🤝 A partnership between any of the entities listed above
Eligible Use of Funds and Program Requirements
Grants awarded under this program are intended to advance the program’s goals, objectives, and outcome areas. These grants will support the implementation of digital inclusion activities to promote specific digital equity and inclusion systems at the regional, local, and statewide levels.
📦 Assets to Be Leveraged
🌍 Regional/Local Implementation Strategy
➕ Supplemental Strategy Explanation
🤝 Collaboration & Subgrants
🕒 Timeline for Implementation
Who This Benefits
All applications awarded under either Funding Track must benefit Covered Populations within the applicant’s county/region, specified Covered Population, or outcome area. Applications should additionally prioritize Covered Households and consider intersectionality among Covered Populations to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of proposed activities.
Proposed Allocation & Award Formula
NTIA used the following formula when determining the distribution of a state’s digital equity capacity grant.
👥 Total population — 50% weighting
👨👩👧👦 Total number of people in Covered Populations — 25% weighting
📶 Relative lack of broadband availability and adoption — 25% weighting
📦 Minimum allotment — 0.5%
| County | Allocation |
| Alameda County | 3.2% |
| Alpine County | 0.5% |
| Amador County | 1.0% |
| Butte County | 0.6% |
| Calaveras County | 0.9% |
| Colusa County | 0.5% |
| Contra Costa County | 2.1% |
| Del Norte County | 1.2% |
| El Dorado County | 1.2% |
| Fresno County | 2.3% |
| Glenn County | 0.8% |
| Humboldt County | 0.7% |
| Imperial County | 0.9% |
| Inyo County | 0.5% |
| Kern County | 2.2% |
| Kings County | 0.7% |
| Lake County | 0.9% |
| Lassen County | 1.6% |
| Los Angeles County | 19.1% |
| Madera County | 0.8% |
| Marin County | 0.6% |
| Mariposa County | 0.5% |
| Mendocino County | 1.5% |
| Merced County | 0.8% |
| Modoc County | 0.5% |
| Mono County | 0.5% |
| Monterey County | 1.2% |
| Napa County | 0.5% |
| Nevada County | 0.5% |
| Orange County | 5.8% |
| Placer County | 0.8% |
| Plumas County | 0.5% |
| Riverside County | 5.1% |
| Sacramento County | 2.8% |
| San Benito County | 0.5% |
| San Bernardino County | 4.8% |
| San Diego County | 6.0% |
| San Francisco County | 1.6% |
| San Joaquin County | 1.7% |
| San Luis Obispo County | 0.9% |
| San Mateo County | 1.5% |
| Santa Barbara County | 1.4% |
| Santa Clara County | 3.6% |
| Santa Cruz County | 0.8% |
| Shasta County | 1.0% |
| Sierra County | 0.5% |
| Siskiyou County | 1.4% |
| Solano County | 1.0% |
| Sonoma County | 1.3% |
| Stanislaus County | 1.2% |
| Sutter County | 0.5% |
| Tehama County | 0.9% |
| Trinity County | 0.5% |
| Tulare County | 1.4% |
| Tuolumne County | 1.1% |
| Ventura County | 2.0% |
| Yolo County | 0.6% |
| Yuba County | 0.5% |
Funding Restrictions
Applicants must follow the requirements of 47 U.S.C. §1723(d)(3)(D) of the Digital Equity Act and these program guidelines. An eligible entity that is awarded a grant may use the subgrant funds only for eligible uses as described in Section V.
📝 Planning Costs
The greater of 5% of the subgrant amount or $50,000 may not be used for this purpose.
🔁 Replacement Cost Restriction
Following 47 U.S.C. §1723(h), Capacity Subgrant awards must add funding, not replace existing costs.
📊 Evaluation Costs
No more than 5% of the subgrant amount may be used for evaluation.
🗂️ Administrative Costs
No more than 3% of the subgrant amount may be used for administrative costs.
💸 Broadband Subsidy
No more than 10% of the subgrant amount may be used for subsidies through affordable broadband programs.
Information Requested from Applicants
The following information must be provided for the lead applicant:
🏢 Organization Name
🏷️ Type of Eligible Organization
📄 Evidence of Lead Applicant Status
📚 Category of Organization
- 🏛️ County Government
- 🏙️ Municipal Government
- 🤝 Non-Profit Organization
- 🌐 Broadband Consortium
- 🧬 Tribe
- ❓ Other (please specify)
🆔 Organization’s Unique Entity ID (UEI)
📬 Organization Address and Contact Information
Final Thought
The California Digital Equity Capacity Subgrant Program represents a critical step in bridging the digital divide by empowering local organizations to implement effective digital inclusion strategies. By focusing on key goals like access to broadband, affordable devices, digital literacy, and workforce development, the program ensures a comprehensive approach to digital equity. With a clear emphasis on long-lasting, meaningful change and measurable strategies, the program promises to benefit communities across California, particularly those within Covered Populations who are most in need. As the state moves forward, the involvement of local entities, collaboration with key stakeholders, and careful allocation of funds will be essential to achieving the overarching objectives of the Digital Equity Plan, fostering a more digitally inclusive future for all Californians.
What is the “Broadband for All California” initiative?
The “Broadband for All California” initiative is a state-led effort to ensure that every Californian has access to high-speed internet, especially in underserved and rural communities. This program supports infrastructure development, affordable internet access, and digital equity.
How do Digital Inclusion Programs help Californians?
Digital Inclusion Programs in California aim to bridge the digital divide by providing tools, internet access, and training to low-income and marginalized communities. These programs are essential for promoting digital literacy and equal opportunities for all.
Where can I find Digital Literacy Training in California?
There are several organizations and community colleges offering Digital Literacy Training in California, including free workshops and online courses that teach basic computer skills, internet navigation, and cybersecurity awareness.
How can I get Affordable Internet Access in California?
Affordable Internet Access in California is available through both government programs and private providers. Initiatives like the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and local partnerships help eligible households reduce monthly internet bills.
What is the California Digital Equity Capacity Grant, and who can apply?
The California Digital Equity Capacity Grant provides funding to organizations that work on digital inclusion, literacy, and broadband access. Nonprofits, local governments, and tribal entities can apply to improve digital access in their communities.
