This cycle will prioritize the provision of digital education training and digital inclusion programming initiatives in communities with low digital inclusion rates across the City of Baltimore. The grant period has been extended, spanning approximately 20 months. Lastly, award amounts have been increased to provide greater support for impactful projects.

Eligible organizations (or their fiscal agents) are those that serve Baltimore City residents that qualify as public charities under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, national origin, political persuasion, age, physical handicap, gender or sexual orientation including:

• A community anchor institution;

• Schools and educational agencies;

• An entity that carries out a workforce development program; or

• A partnership between any of the entities above.

An organization or individual who does not qualify as a public charity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and who otherwise wouldn’t be eligible may partner with a recognized public charity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code as their fiscal agent.

Partnerships with community-based organizations are encouraged. During grantee selection, priority points will be provided to program proposals that demonstrate a plan to partner with trusted, community-based, grassroots organizations. See the Request for Applications for additional information.

In cycle II of the Digital Equity Fund, we will be funding projects that align with the following grant types:

• Digital Literacy Training for Older Adults: Projects focused on providing digital literacy training and resources specifically tailored to older adults to enhance their digital skills and confidence in using technology.

• Digital Literacy Training at Tech Hubs: Initiatives aimed at promoting digital literacy and skills development for residents of all ages and backgrounds, with a focus on reaching underserved communities and individuals facing digital exclusion.

• Advanced Digital Education/IT Fundamentals: Projects that offer advanced digital education and training opportunities for residents pursuing a career in Information Technology (IT). Programming should include opportunities for residents to earn industry recognized IT certifications.

• Digital Creatives & Virtual Makerspaces: Initiatives that foster creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the digital realm, such as virtual makerspaces, digital arts programs, and projects that empower individuals to explore and create using digital tools and technologies.

Please see the Request for Applications for additional details.

Follow the link provided in the application. Once the document opens, you will see it is in a Read-Only format which means you will not be able to edit the document directly. In the top left corner choose File> click the three dots> click “Save As”> click “Download a Copy.”

A group of panelists with diverse expertise and backgrounds will review applications using a standard rubric and consensus discussions to recommend awards. The scoring rubric will not be shared publicly. However, the number of points you may earn per section is listed on the application.

The grant period will be September 1st, 2024 – June 30th, 2026.

BCIT, in partnership with future grantees, will publicly announce training and programming opportunities for city residents once operational.

Yes. We recognize and support a diverse range of initiatives aimed at enhancing digital equity, including those led by community-based organizations and non-profits.

However, it is important to note that as part of the mayoral goals, we have prioritized the development and support of tech hubs. This emphasis aims to create accessible spaces where residents can gain valuable digital skills and engage with technology in meaningful ways.

We encourage all eligible organizations with innovative digital inclusion projects to apply, and we are committed to supporting a variety of programs that align with our objectives.

Yes, a nonprofit can submit two proposals as the lead organization for more than one grant type. You can find the full details in the Grant Duplication section of the RFA (page 7).

Yes, one organization can partner with more than one lead submitting for these grants. The panel reviewers will make note of an organization who is partnering with multiple organizations, so that program managers can evaluate capacity if awarded.

There is no prohibition against existing or new programs applying for funding.

Does our organization have to exclusively operate in low digital inclusion communities/neighborhoods?

There is no template and specific language we are looking for, but the letter should include how or what the partner will contribute to your program.

Grantees will receive the first installment (up to $50,000) upon grant agreement execution and then quarterly thereafter. You can find the full details in the Grant Payments section of the RFA (page 13).

Yes, youth can assist in the training of older adults. Youth employment must follow all local, state, and federal guidelines.

Applicants are not required to have an existing relationship with a tech hub. However, applicants must provide evidence of a partnership during the grant period. This can be in the form of a letter of intent, support, or commitment.

The panel of reviewers is tasked with evaluating how well the budget aligns with and supports the goals of the proposal. Applicants should be as detailed as possible on the budget template.

Yes, grant funds can be used for rental space, staff salaries and/or indirect fees such as insurance. You can find the full details on the expenses covered in the Budget and Budget Narrative section of the RFA (page 10).Item description

INo. The Broadband & Digital Equity Team along with Baltimore City Recreation & Parks (BCRP) and Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) established tech hubs at several senior and recreation centers throughout Baltimore City. Tech hubs are defined as centers with reliable

internet connectivity, devices, and digital education programming and resources. Find more information, here.

Potentially. As part of the Tech Hub initiative Broadband & Digital Equity is providing free Wi-Fi access at select recreation centers, senior centers, and pools throughout the city. Additionally, BDE has deployed a certain number of Chromebooks to help establish said Tech Hubs. However, if your program calls for additional devices or specific technology, you should include that in your proposal.

Baltimore City senior centers service people ages 55+, so we will use the same parameters for this grant program.

Yes. You can all apply. The fiscally sponsored organization(s) should be submitting their own application including the requested financial documents from your organization as their fiscal sponsor.

If your proposals are selected for award, you would sign multiple grant agreements: one for your program and one on behalf of each sponsored program.

The Fiscal Sponsor will receive all grant funds and will ultimately be responsible for fiscal reporting. You will need to follow your fiscal sponsor’s guidelines to access the funds.

There is no specific artificial intelligence focused credential. However, the applicant should demonstrate that any credential offered is accepted within the targeted industry and leads to meaningful employment.

Yes, we are open to industry certifications outside of CompTx.

Enterprise Community Development has several Senior Living Communities/Properties and is interested in partnership. Please reach out to Raven Willoughby, Sr. Director rwilloughby@ecdcommunities.org 202.885.9574. For a list of locations interested in receiving digital education services for their residents please click here. For more information on ECD click here.