The Illinois Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program (IDEC) is administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and funded through the Digital Equity Capacity Grant allocation under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. The program is designed to enhance digital equity by addressing systemic barriers to internet access and digital skills development for underserved communities in Illinois. By focusing on education, workforce development, healthcare access, and economic stability, IDEC aims to empower residents with the digital tools necessary to participate fully in modern society.

This funding opportunity supports a variety of initiatives, including digital literacy and skill-building programs, device distribution, digital navigators, community computing centers, and local broadband planning. Funded projects must primarily benefit "Covered Populations," which include individuals with low incomes, aging individuals, veterans, justice-impacted individuals, people with disabilities, those with language barriers, racial and ethnic minority groups, and individuals residing in rural areas. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, local government entities, workforce development agencies, educational institutions, and community anchor institutions such as public schools, libraries, and healthcare providers.

The total available program funding is $13,500,000, with individual award amounts ranging from $90,000 to $900,000. Grants will cover a three-year period, from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028. Matching funds are encouraged but not required. Awarded funds may be used for activities such as digital skills training, device distribution, broadband adoption initiatives, and public computing center improvements. The grant does not impose indirect cost restrictions, and applicants can negotiate an indirect cost rate if applicable.

Applications will be accepted in two waves: Wave 1 closes on March 20, 2025, at 5:00 PM CST, and Wave 2 closes on May 8, 2025, at 5:00 PM CST. Applicants who submit by the early deadline in each wave may receive feedback on missing documents and have the opportunity to resubmit before the final deadline. A technical assistance webinar will be held on February 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM CST to support applicants.

The application process requires entities to be pre-qualified through the Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) portal. Required documents include a Uniform Grant Application, Uniform Budget, Conflict of Interest Disclosure, Mandatory Disclosures, a program application template, a cover letter, a W-9 form, and evidence of community support. Applications must demonstrate community need, organizational capacity, alignment with Illinois’ State Digital Equity Plan, stakeholder support, and a sustainability plan.

Applications will be evaluated based on five key criteria: the demonstrated need for digital equity initiatives (25 points), applicant capacity and experience (20 points), the quality of the proposed project (30 points), community support (10 points), and the feasibility and equity of the budget (10 points). IDEC prioritizes statewide distribution of funds, ensuring geographic diversity and support for the highest-need regions. Successful applicants will be notified via a Notice of State Award (NOSA) and must complete a grant agreement before receiving funding.

For inquiries, applicants can contact Devon Braunstein at devon.braunstein@illinois.gov. Additional resources and pre-qualification information can be found at Illinois DCEO Grants.