FAQ: Cancellation of the Digital Equity Act Grant Programs

Digital Equity Act FAQ. American Library Association.

Last updated May 29, 2025

As of May 9th, the Trump Administration canceled the Digital Equity Act grant programs. ALA is concerned regarding the abrupt end of the Digital Equity Act programs and is exploring the impacts of this loss of funding for libraries. ALA will be updating this page with additional information, so please check back for updates.

What is the Digital Equity Act?

The Digital Equity Act is part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (or Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) passed in 2021, the largest investment in broadband deployment ever ($65 billion) and the first time the federal government has assigned funding for digital inclusion at the state and local level. The $2.75 billion Digital Equity Act, a congressionally authorized program, was designed to close the digital divide in every state and territory by establishing grants to support broadband access and digital skills training for underserved communities. The Digital Equity Act is administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

Simply put, these funds were allocated to ensure that all residents, especially those who have been disproportionately impacted by digital inequity, have the skills, technology, and internet access necessary to fully participate in the digital economy. This includes being able to enroll in school, do homework or attend classes remotely, apply for a job, access healthcare, pay bills, connect with family, or start or grow businesses, and much more.

What is the current status of the Digital Equity Act?

On May 8th, President Trump announced via social media his decision to end the Digital Equity Act (DEA) programs. On May 9th, the United States Department of Commerce sent letters to states, like this one sent to the State of Vermont, informing them that funding for the State Digital Equity Planning and Capacity Grant was terminated and any project activity costs incurred after that will not be reimbursed.

All states have digital equity plans, and many were beginning to put those plans into action using funds from the Digital Equity Capacity Grant program.

How are different states addressing DEA grant cancellations?

States are beginning to issue statements regarding the cancellation of the State Digital Equity Planning and Capacity Grant. Here are some examples: California Digital Equity Program (CalDEP), Idaho Commission for Libraries, Maine Connectivity Authority, and the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.

How will the cancellation of the Digital Equity Act grants affect libraries?

This was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a digitally equitable future for all. Community anchors, including libraries, were eligible to apply for funding. Libraries were exploring how they could use these funds to expand existing programs, create new ones, and/or increase capacity to meet growing demand, while also providing resources needed to develop and implement innovative approaches that promote and support digital equity, literacy, and inclusion in the years to come.

Libraries provide equitable access to information and broadband-enabled services to our communities and have been doing so for decades. Each state created a digital equity plan that outlines its goals for achieving digital equity. Many of the programs and services the library provides are included in the state plans. Examples include:

  • Device distribution programs.
  • Digital literacy and skills training.
  • Economic development e.g. building new skills, starting or expanding a business, applying for jobs, etc.
  • Online access to telehealth services.
  • E-government and civic engagement.
  • Online accessibility.
  • Access to affordable broadband services.

What is ALA doing?

The American Library Association is exploring the impacts of the loss of the Digital Equity Act grant funding for libraries. ALA encourages library workers who have been impacted by Digital Equity Act grant terminations to report program cancellations and share the impact this loss of funding will have on their library using this form. You can also read our official statement.

What is the difference between the Digital Equity Planning, Capacity and Competitive Grant?

The DEA allocated $2.75 billion to establish three main grant programs:

  1. The $60 million State Digital Equity Planning Grant provided money to states to develop Digital Equity Plans.
  2. The $1.44 billion State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program provided awards to states, territories, and Tribal entities to implement their Digital Equity Plans.
  3. The Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program included $1.25 billion in grant awards over 5 fiscal years for private sector, public sector, and not-for-profit entities to advance digital equity and engage in digital inclusion activities.

I applied for a Digital Equity Competitive Grant and/or Digital Equity subgrant. What is the status?

As of now the Digital Equity Act Competitive Grant and State Planning and Capacity Grants were canceled by the President.

States and Competitive Grant awardees will not be reimbursed for project costs incurred after May 9, 2025. Many states have closed their subgranting process. If your library has been harmed by a grant cancellation, you may want to seek legal counsel or contact your state’s attorney general.

While the DEA funding has been canceled, some states have additional grant programs supporting digital equity programs that are not funded by the DEA. Check your state’s broadband office website for more information.

What can I do?

  • Share your story with ALA on the impact of the loss of Digital Equity Act funding for libraries and the communities you serve.
  • Download your state's Digital Equity Act plan.
  • Connect with your state, regional, county, or city-level digital inclusion coalition
  • Visit your state library and/or broadband office website to see if they have provided any guidance.
  • If you applied for the Digital Equity Act Competitive Grant or applied for your State’s Capacity Grant you may want to seek legal counsel and/or contact your State Attorney General’s office.

Which groups are identified as being disproportionately impacted by digital equity?

The Digital Equity Act promotes digital inclusion and spurs greater broadband adoption among covered populations disproportionally impacted by digital inequity. These populations include:

  • Aging populations (60 and above)
  • Covered households (the income for the most recently completed year is not more than 150 percent of an amount equal to the poverty level, as determined by using criteria of poverty established by the Bureau of the Census.)
  • Incarcerated individuals (other than individuals who are incarcerated in a Federal correctional facility)
  • Low-income households
  • People with disabilities
  • People with language barriers (including individuals who are English learners; and have low levels of literacy)
  • Racial and ethnic minorities
  • Rural inhabitants
  • Veterans

Where can I learn more about the Digital Equity Act cancellation?