Applications for this initiative are now closed. Deadline: Monday, October 12, 2020.

All communities should have easy accessibility, connectivity, and technology available for their residents. By supporting communities of all sizes in advancing their goals for expanding high-speed internet access and digital inclusion, we enable communities to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the digital age.

The Bridging the Digital Divide Initiative, brought to you by ICMA’s new Race, Equity and Social Justice Team and sponsored by ICMA-RC, is a social responsibility campaign that will help one (1) small town or rural community increase broadband internet access in their community by receiving funding courtesy of ICMA-RC.

The initiative honors and elevates a community that wants to advance digital inclusion for all residents in their community. One small town or rural community of 15,000 residents or less will receive $15,000 from this initiative and will be one step closer to providing greater access, connectivity, and technology for their residents. 

In these unprecedented times, the importance of digital access, adoption, and application is even greater than ever. We want to hear from communities of 15,000 residents or less that have goals to bridge the digital divide, especially those facing the greatest challenges, with the opportunity to provide broadband access solutions.

Note, if you are a community that fits slightly outside the 15,000 residents or less criteria, you can still apply but the intent is to select a small and/or rural community with resource challenges/limitations as well as ability to leverage the investment, so you should explain how your community fits that description.

Are you ready to bridge the digital divide? Share your story to apply for the $15,000 Bridging the Digital Divide Intiaitive today. Applications are due Monday, October 12. Please submit to Samantha Wagner, director of marketing, ICMA, at swagner@icma.org. 
 

Application Process

Through the Bridging the Digital Divide Initiative application process, a community will tell their story on the barriers — and planned solutions — to broadband internet access. The initiative recognizes the plan a community has to advance their goals for expanding high-speed internet access and digital inclusion. To be considered, applicants should answer the following:

1. Introduce your community

• Population size
• Community demographics
• Broadband access barriers/challenges, including who in the community is most affected by poor broadband access. 

2. What you hope to do with the initiative funding:

• Give a detailed overview of specific broadband access programs or strategies you plan to put into place with the $15,000. 

Key Dates

Monday, October 12, 2020

Applications are due.

Monday, October 26, 2020

Bridging the Digital Divide Initiative finalists will be notified.

Friday, November 13, 2020

Winner of the Bridging the Digital Divide Initiative will be announced.