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Funding Quick Reference Guide

The chart below is intended to be a quick reference guide for digital equity and cybersecurity funding opportunities.

Direct to Consumer Internet Discounts

Ongoing Wisconsin Public Service Commission Internet Discount Finder Tool Internet service providers offer a variety of discounted internet service options, based on eligibility. The Wisconsin Internet Discounter Finder can search these resources and provide a list of options available at an address.
Ongoing Lifeline The Lifeline program provides low-income Wisconsin residents affordable access to essential telecommunications services by discounting the cost of phone, cell, and internet services. 

Ongoing

Wisconsin Public Service Commission Internet & Phone Helpline (608)267-3595

Speak to dedicated staff members who will help households connect with discount options. Request an interpreter if you need assistance in a different language.

Ongoing

United Way of Wisconsin 211 Digital Resource Navigator Request Form

Speak to a trained professional who will help households with identifying available internet/phone service providers and plans in their area.

School/District Purchasing

Ongoing E-Rate Program

Federal discounts range from 20-90% for telecommunications, internet access, and internal connections.

New: Content filtered off-premises mobile hotspot equipment and services for educational use now eligible.

Application Window Sept. 17, 2024 - Nov. 1, 2024 DPI Cybersecurity Pilot Program Website & Program Details The three-year FCC Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program (CPP) provides $200 million in funding for selected schools and libraries to purchase a wide variety of cybersecurity services and equipment.

Ongoing

 

CESA Purchasing Digital Learning Bridge 

Statewide discounted contracts and pricing for hardware, software, internet, & cybersecurity.

Ongoing Education for Homeless Children and Youth Innovation and Compliance Grants Competitive grants that can be used for devices, hot spots, and data plans for students experiencing homelessness.
Ongoing Title I-A funds may be used for eligible students in specific situations For more information on these specific situations, please contact your Title I-A consultant using this directory.
Ongoing Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) Grant. Title IV, Part A Flexible block grants for authorized activities in three areas: 

Well-Rounded Educational Opportunities (4107), Safe and Healthy Students (4108), and Effective Use of Technology (4109).

Ongoing -

ESSER Funds distributed through WISEgrants

Broad use including, purchasing educational technology and training (including hardware, software, Internet & cybersecurity)

DPI Page: COVID Response and Relief Planning Recommendations

LEAs need to obligate ESSER III funds by September 30, 2024.

Other Funding Opportunities for Public-Private Partnership Broadband & Digital Equity Projects

NTIA Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program

Apply Before September 23, 2024

NTIA Digital Equity Grant Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

$1.25 billion competitive grant through NTIA to support projects that leverage strategic partnerships to meet the goals and objectives of the Wisconsin Digital Equity Plan. (page 12)

Libraries, school districts, and CESAs are eligible to apply for this federal grant.

Requires minimum 10% match.

Native Entities Digital Equity Capacity Grant

Application Window Opens September 25, 2024

 

NTIA Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program

Native Entities will have a competitive process for obtaining Digital Equity Capacity Grants.

More information and guidance will be released by NTIA at a later date.

Application window closes February 7, 2025.

 

For questions about this information, contact Rachel Schemelin (608) 266-5190