Digital Equity Fund - Round 2

The Digital Equity Fund aims to help bridge the digital divide in Baltimore City. In April 2023, Baltimore City launched the Digital Equity Fund to support the creation of community-led digital inclusion plans and provide funding for communities to bring those plans to life. 

The Digital Equity Fund is led by the Office of Broadband and Digital Equity (BDE), a division of the Baltimore City Office of Information and Technology. The application for this cycle of grant funding closed July 14, 2024.

Many Baltimore residents lack the essential tools needed to fully engage in our modern, digital world. More than 1 in 4 Baltimore households lack a digital device, and more than 40 percent lack internet access. Decades of disinvestment also means our most vulnerable residents often experience the greatest impact of the digital divide.

Round two of the Digital Equity Fund will invest in initiatives across three different grant categories to help address gaps in digital literacy and skills.

• Tier 1: Digital Literacy Education Training (up to $200,000) – Grants will support initiatives under two sub-tiers: Tier 1A - digital literacy education for older adults; Tier 1B - digital literacy education for the wider community in support of tech hubs at recreation centers in underserved areas. Skill areas might include computer basics, using the internet, and digital skills for job seekers.

• Tier 2: Advanced Digital Education and IT Fundamentals Programming (up to $200,000) – Grants will support initiatives providing IT fundamental skills training and certification to Baltimore City residents interested in a career in IT. Programming must include opportunities for residents to earn industry-recognized IT certifications. For example, Cisco IT Essentials, including CISCO ITE certification and/or A+ certification, CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+), Net+, and Security+.

• Tier 3: Digital Creatives and Virtual Makerspaces Programming (up to $200,000) – Grants will support initiatives providing education and programming for digital creatives and virtual makerspaces at local recreation centers throughout Baltimore City. Grantees can use this tier of funding for classes and workshops for digital creatives, and special events to help develop skills in coding, digital media creation, robotics, video editing, and 3D printing.

Who is Eligible for Funding?

Eligible applicants are Baltimore-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations who serve Baltimore residents. Organizations can submit a grant proposal for each grant type. Applicants must plan to address the needs of groups most likely to be left behind in the digital age, including people with disabilities, older adults, individuals who are members of a racial or ethnic minority group, immigrants and non-English speakers, returning citizens, LGBTQIA+ youth, and people experiencing homelessness.