Arlington Offers Inaugural Round of Digital Equity Grants
Published on April 03, 2025
Arlington County is offering up to $500,000 in one-time funding to expand and enhance digital inclusion activities. This is the first cycle of digital equity grants that will be a cornerstone of the Digital Equity Initiative to promote community-driven solutions that address barriers to accessing and using technology. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on May 15, 2025.
“Equitable access to high-speed internet, and the skills and tools to use it, is crucial to thriving personally and professionally in our modern world,” said Community Planning, Housing and Development Director Samia Byrd. “Targeted investments in digital skill-building will improve workforce and wage outcomes, lifelong learning, and access to vital services and civic opportunities. I’m excited to expand digital inclusion programs through this funding opportunity, furthering the County’s pursuit towards an equitable Arlington.”
Each grant cycle will have focus areas informed by the 2024 Broadband Study and the ongoing work of the Digital Equity Coalition. In FY2026, the grant will focus on funding digital navigator programs and digital skills training. Digital navigators are trusted guides who provide ongoing, individualized support in accessing connectivity and devices, developing digital literacy, and benefiting from online resources and services. Digital skill-building can be wide-reaching, from basic computing and internet safety workshops to more advanced topics such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, or technical training resulting in certifications.
Eligibility and Review Process
Applicants may submit written proposals through the County’s online portal, Submittable, until 5 p.m. on May 15, 2025. Digital Equity Initiative staff can assist as needed in submitting an online application. Please direct requests for application assistance to DigitalEquity@arlingtonva.us.
Applicants must be nonprofit organizations or Virginia public institutes of higher education. Projects are encouraged to target one or more populations identified as a high need in the Broadband Study, including older adults, incarcerated individuals, veterans, persons living with a disability, Persons of Color, English language learners or those with language barriers, and low-income households. Grantees must agree to join or support Arlington’s Digital Equity Coalition.
County staff and members of the Digital Equity Coalition will review the proposals. Reviewers' organizations are not eligible for funding. Staff will present award recommendations for this grant cycle to the County Board for approval by Fall 2025.
Staff will host a virtual Q+A for potential applicants on April 22 at 12 p.m. Prospective applicants may submit questions via email to DigitalEquity@arlingtonva.us through 5 p.m. on May 9 or ask questions live during the event. All questions posed through May 9 will be published on a rolling basis in a Q+A section on the grant webpage.
About the Digital Equity Initiative
The Digital Equity Initiative, housed within the Director’s Office of the Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development, seeks to empower all Arlington residents with the tools and knowledge needed to participate in today’s tech-driven world and enjoy equitable access to the opportunities provided by technology. The Initiative provides strategic planning, fosters partnership opportunities, organizes the Digital Equity Coalition, and advocates for policies that support digital equity. The Initiative is funded with proceeds from JBG Smith in exchange for access to the County-owned fiber-optic network system in National Landing. The funding was earmarked by the County Board to advance digital equity initiatives.
About the Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development (CPHD)
CPHD’s mission is to support and guide how Arlington changes and grows physically, socially, culturally, and economically to create an environment that is vibrant, equitable, inclusive, and sustainable and which prioritizes public health and safety for all, now and in the future. CPHD is not just one independent division or discipline. In addition to the Director’s Office, CPHD is organized into six divisions—Business Operations, Housing, Inspection Services, Neighborhood Services, Planning, and Zoning. It is a collection of disciplines that together facilitate the emergence of a built environment for and about people.