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18

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  5. Digital Equity Grants - CLOSED

Digital Equity Grants - CLOSED

Grants to increase digital equity in communities most impacted by COVID-19

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King County is providing $2 million in grants to provide funding to organizations that promote digital equity, providing services to communities that face barriers to accessing digital services such as tech devices, internet connection and digital literacy, and have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated digital inequity. Families impacted by social and economic disparities without broadband connectivity or technology have had challenges accessing opportunities such as work from home, learn from home, and health information found online. Additionally, foreign-born residents or those who speak limited English face challenges accessing healthcare and essential information online to reduce exposure or severe illness from COVID-19.

This funding will support local groups, agencies and organizations working to expand digital access among communities most impacted by COVID-19, including Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC); seniors; limited English proficient residents; individuals with disabilities and communication barriers; low-income; unemployed and underemployed residents; those experiencing homelessness; or those residing in rural areas. By supporting these vulnerable groups to reach full and equitable digital engagement, King County families will have more equitable opportunity for education, economic, health and wellbeing outcomes.

Any person or class of persons who believes they have experienced unlawful discrimination - practice, treatment, impact - under Title VI or Title II, in the receipt of County benefits, services, or actions may file a complaint with King County.  Any complaint must be filed within 180 days following the date of the alleged discriminatory occurrence.  For information on how to file a complaint and for contact information visit King County’s Civil Rights Complaints webpage. 

Grant Sizes: Grant sizes are estimated to be $30,000 to $60,000, up to $100,000, with a minimum of $25,000. Grant sizes will be determined based on the size of the request, capacity of the organization, geographic priority, total application turnout and alignment with the program intent.

Allowable Use of Funds:
Eligible expenses and activities include, but are not limited to:

  • Establishing or enhancing a community technology lab equipped with computers, printers, and Wi-Fi
  • Lending libraries or loan-to-own programs for new or refurbished laptops, notebooks, tablets, or other internet-enabled devices, including cell phones and mobile hotspots
  • Providing culturally appropriate and responsive courses to improve digital literacy and skills
  • Staffing for technical assistance and training; administration and other costs

Because funding from this grant comes from federal CLFR funds (Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds), grant funds may not be used for any expenditures already covered by another federal funding source (e.g., federal grant, subsidized loan, insurance policies of any type of coverage, or any reimbursement or relief program related to or administered by the Small Business Administration “SBA”).

The application window is now CLOSED. It began on October 29, 2021 and remained open until November 30, 2021, 4:59 PM (PT). Apply at any time within that time frame. A panel will review applications beginning in early December. King County will notify you no later than January 31, 2022 about the status of your application.

Application Instructions:

  1. The application window opens on October 29, 2021 and will remain open until November 30, 2021 4:59 p.m.
  2. Complete the application via this link.
  3. A preview of the application questions and additional program information is available in the RFA here. 

Need help filling out this application?








IMPORTANT! This document or application contains important information about your rights, responsibilities and/or benefits. It is crucial that you understand the information in this document and/or application. We will provide the information in your preferred language at no cost to you. If you need them, please contact us at oesjgrants@kingcounty.gov.
Notice of Accommodation

Reference Materials:

These documents are provided for illustrative purposes only and the County reserves the right to make changes prior to execution, depending on how the funds will be used and any changes in Treasury guidance.

1. Sample CLFR Agreement
2. Sample Grant Pre-Award Forms
3. Sample Grant Reporting Forms
4. Digital Equity Budget Template

 

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