The Idaho Commission for Libraries (ICfL) is pleased to announce the Digital Access for All Idahoans (DAAI) Grant, an initiative designed to bridge the digital divide that limits many Idaho residents from accessing essential technology resources.
The DAAI Grant offers funding awards ranging from $10,000 to $150,000 to support subgrantees in enhancing their digital access programs tailored for populations that are particularly vulnerable to digital exclusion. Eligible programs should focus on increasing broadband adoption, enhancing digital literacy, promoting cybersecurity awareness, and improving access to technical support and affordable devices. Subgrantees are required to engage individuals from the eight designated populations identified in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 – households with incomes below 150% of the poverty level, seniors, incarcerated individuals, veterans, individuals with disabilities, those facing language barriers, members of racial and ethnic minority groups, and residents of rural areas.
Eligible activities under this grant may encompass the employment of digital navigators to provide localized and regional support, the development and facilitation of digital skills and cybersecurity training, and the provision of technical support and low-cost devices. Subgrantees are strongly encouraged to establish or expand partnerships with community organizations to effectively reach and serve members of the identified populations. Collaborative efforts should focus on identifying specific digital access needs and utilizing grant funds to address those needs.
Program Goals:
- Enhance Digital Inclusion: Increase broadband adoption, digital skills, cybersecurity awareness, and access to technical support and devices among the covered populations.
- Strengthen Institutional Capacity: Build the capacity of subgrantees to better serve their communities through staff participation in an ICfL learning cohort focused on digital inclusion and equity.
- Foster Community Engagement: Support grantees and covered populations in achieving objectives related to civic and social engagement, economic and workforce development, education, health, and the delivery of essential services.
Digital Access Objectives:
- Equip Idahoans with the knowledge to compare internet service plans effectively.
- Increase the number of incarcerated individuals attaining digital skills certifications.
- Boost overall confidence in digital skills among participants.
- Mitigate apprehension associated with internet use.
- Enhance confidence in cybersecurity practices.
- Reduce the number of Idahoans experiencing device malfunction without resolution.
- Ensure digital navigators effectively serve 7,000 clients annually.
- Maintain a high level of customer satisfaction for digital navigation services.
- Increase ownership of digital devices among target populations.
- Provide access to new or refurbished devices to enhance digital inclusion.
Through the DAAI Grant, the ICfL is committed to fostering an equitable digital landscape for all Idahoans, ensuring that technological advancements are accessible to every member of our community.
This program is brought to you by the Idaho Commission for Libraries and is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. To report waste, fraud, and abuse, you can call the Division of Human Resources toll-free number (800) 554-5627.