Digital Equity Grants

The Digital Equity Initiative funds projects that address barriers to accessing and using technology. Grants are a cornerstone of the Digital Equity Initiative, enabling community-driven solutions to the County's digital divide through partners who deliver on-the-ground support to residents and businesses. Through investment, the County aims to accelerate progress toward a more equitable and connected community.

Focus areas may differ each grant cycle and are informed by the 2024 Broadband Study and the ongoing work of the Digital Equity Coalition.  

FY2027 Grant Cycle

The FY2027 grant cycle will provide up to $500,000 in one-time funding to:

• Expand access to digital navigation services that provide individualized, trusted support
• Pilot or scale digital skills training programs that build confidence and workforce-relevant competencies
• Increase community engagement and awareness around technology use and emerging tools
• Strengthen the local digital inclusion ecosystem through partnerships and capacity-building 

Arlington County is seeking proposals that are strategic, collaborative, and results-driven, with a clear focus on reaching residents most impacted by digital inequities. Funding is available through multiple tracks.

Tracks

• Partnership Implementation Grants: Up to $100,000 - $150,000; two-year programming with two or more implementation partners. Anticipates selecting two or three grantees.
• Innovation Grants: Up to $25,000 for smaller projects and pilots, one-year programming. Anticipates selecting between two and six grantees.
• Capacity-building grants: Up to $2,500 for nonprofits with $500,000 or less in annual revenue. Grant-eligible activities include those that support staff but are not related to direct programming (e.g., staff training, attendance at a digital inclusion conference, procuring a data management tool, or strategic planning).

Projects must serve Arlington residents, and grantees must be nonprofit organizations or Virginia public institutes of higher education. Projects targeting one or more of the following populations will be prioritized: older adults, incarcerated individuals, persons living with a disability, English-language learners or those with language barriers, and low-income households.

Grantees must agree to join Arlington’s Digital Equity Coalition.  

How to Apply

Applicants should submit pre-applications through the County’s online portal, Submittable, until 5 p.m. on June 5, 2026. Proposals will be screened for eligibility, and applicants who meet eligibility criteria will be invited to submit a full application. Staff anticipate inviting eligible applicants during the week of June 8, with full applications due at 5 p.m. on July 10. An interdepartmental staff team will review proposals.  

Digital Equity Initiative staff (DigitalEquity@arlingtonva.us) can assist as needed in submitting an application. Staff will host and record a virtual Q+A for potential applicants on May 28, hold office hours by appointment in June, and accept questions via email through June 30. Questions shared through that date will be published on a rolling basis on this webpage. 

Staff anticipate finalizing grant agreements with prospective grantees in Fall 2026 and then sharing award recommendations with the County Board for approval by the end of the year. 

Application Documents

• Notice of Funding Availability(PDF, 1022KB) (NOFA) (PDF)
• FY2027 Digital Equity Grant Focus Areas(PDF, 224KB) (PDF)
• FY2027 Digital Equity Grant Application Tracks(PDF, 201KB) (PDF)
• Budget Worksheet(XLSX, 25KB) (XLSX)
• Form Grant Agreement(PDF, 901KB)

APPLY HERE

NOFA Q + A

Click each topic heading below to expand the Q + A list for that topic.

Timeline

Previously Funded Projects