For immediate release | May 15, 2025

ALA raises alarm over termination of Digital Equity Act grants

Library grantees asked to report grant terminations to ALA

Washington, D.C. – The American Library Association (ALA) raised alarm over the Trump Administration’s cancellation of the Digital Equity Act grant program as of May 9. 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).

ALA President Cindy Hohl said, “ALA is gravely concerned about the abrupt and illegal end of Digital Equity Act programs and funding. Broadband is a human right, and broadband access is core to modern life and success for school, work, healthcare, civic participation and social connections. Library workers, who serve community members at every stage and from every walk of life, know that public access to devices and the internet, as well as digital skills building, are needed more than ever.

“Libraries across the country are essential leaders and partners in Digital Equity Act grant programs and are relying on this funding to advance our commitment to closing the digital divide. States and community anchor institutions around the country have already developed promising models, begun establishing resources and partners, and carefully navigated contracts.

“Cancelling the Digital Equity Act at this stage is a devastating blow to rural Americans, veterans, senior citizens, jobseekers, and learners of all ages.”

The ALA, which created a series of resources to guide libraries in all contexts to apply for grants, is collecting information regarding Digital Equity Act grant cancellations to identify the impact of this loss of funding for libraries. ALA urges library workers who have received grant termination notifications to report their program cancellation and share the impact this loss of funding will have on their library using this form.

Contact:

Shawnda Hines

Deputy Director, Communications

American Library Association

Public Policy & Advocacy Office

shines@alawash.org