The chart below is intended to be a quick reference guide for digital equity and cybersecurity funding opportunities.
Direct to Consumer Internet Discounts |
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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 |
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Ongoing | E-rate Program |
Federal discounts range from 20-90% for telecommunications, internet access, and internal connections. New: Content filtered Bus Wi-Fi for educational use now eligible. |
Apply Before August 15, 2024 |
Eligible project activities include multi-factor authentication (MFA), managed detection and response (MDR), or both activities. No local fund match requirement. Application Details and instructions for applying through the Egrants system. |
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Coming Soon: Cybersecurity Pilot Program | 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
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Statewide discounted contracts and pricing for hardware, software, internet, & cybersecurity. |
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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 | 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. |
No new applications accepted |
DPI Emergency Connectivity Fund Website & Program Details
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Funds to support devices and off-campus broadband services. Funds committed in Window 3 have to be used by June 30, 2024 and invoiced by August 29, 2024. |
Apply before August 30, 2024 |
DPI Page: Project 10Million - details about how to apply and a submit list of de-identified eligible students to T-Mobile through the WISEdata portal. |
Free T-Mobile hotspots with 100GB data per year for eligible students. Project 10Million customers may notice speeds slower than other customers due to data prioritization. Visit T-Mobile Project10 Million webpage for further details. Program end date August 2025. |
Other Funding Opportunities for Public-Private Partnership Broadband & Digital Equity Projects | ||
Coming Soon: Digital Equity Grants |
$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 will be eligible to apply for this federal grant. NDIA Getting Ready Now Resources, The Competitive Grant Program will Launch Any Day. Author Amy Huffman, Retrieved June 28, 2024. |
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Apply before July 3, 2024 by 1:30 p.m. CT | PSC Capital Projects Fund Digital Connectivity and Navigators Program |
$33 million to fund projects that deploy computing devices, install Wi-Fi equipment in targeted apartment buildings, and provide digital navigation services to make use of the devices for work, education, and health monitoring. Libraries, school districts, and CESAs are not eligible to apply for this state grant directly. However, they can partner with eligible organizations on grant activities. This grant will require a minimum of 3 local partner organizations. |
Ongoing - Broadband Expansion Grants |
Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Local Planning Contacts |
Schools can leverage Digital Equity Data and pool resources with local governments, non-profits, and co-operatives to apply. |
Ongoing - State Trust Fund Loan Program |
BCPL State Trust Fund Loan Program | Low interest loans for municipalities and school districts for local infrastructure projects |
Rural ReConnect Program |
USDA ReConnect |
Grants and loans to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas. Round 5 opening March 22, 2024. |
Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program | Round 2 Notice of Funding Opportunity | Grants for Tribal governments to deploy internet infrastructure, affordability programs, telehealth, and distance learning initiatives on tribal lands. Round 2 application window closes March 22, 2024. |