Digital Devices Subgrant Program

The subgrant application will be available to download from this webpage until May 15th, 2025.

 

Download the application here:

Download and fill out the Subgrant application and send to Brookelyn at btilton@smpdc.org

Digital_Device_Subgrant_Application.docx

Digital_Device_Subgrant_Application.pdf

 

Overview

SMPDC is offering a grant opportunity to support the start-up or expansion of digital device projects in its Broadband Program region. These grants are intended to provide community members, particularly those representing the covered populations defined by the Digital Equity Act and NTIA, with opportunities to access the devices and equipment needed to meet their digital needs in obtaining education, work, healthcare, social connection and other necessities of 21st-century life. The information on this page can also be found in this presentation shared at the March 2025 York County Digital Inclusion Coalition meeting.

 

Mission Statement

To promote learning and participation in 21st-century life among Southern Maine residents by creating opportunities for the development of community-based digital device projects.

 

Goals

  1. To increase the availability of free digital device projects across Southern Maine.

  2. To increase community members’ awareness of the available digital device projects across Southern Maine, especially among community members defined as a covered population.

  3. To support the establishment and expansion of new and existing digital devices projects.

 

Objectives

  1. By December of 2025, an average of 25 community members per project across The SMPDC Broadband Program region will participate in activities that are a result of projects awarded through the SMPDC’s Digital Device Subgrant Program. 

  2. By December of 2025, an average of 2 covered population subgroups will have access to digital devices per project awarded by SMPDC’s Digital Device Subgrant.

 

Subgrant Details

SMPDC anticipates awarding up to 4 subgrant projects in its region! Applicant organizations may apply for up to $5,000 in direct funds. Awards are expected to be issued in late June or early July 2025.

 

Project Requirements & Eligibility

    1. Applicants must have a valid 501(c)(3) status or be an entity with a secular tax exempt fiscal sponsor;
    2. Proposed project activities must take place within the SMPDC Broadband & Digital Inclusion Initiative program area.
    3. Proposed projects must offer access to free digital devices to community members;
    4. Proposed projects must offer digital devices to at least one covered population as defined by the Digital Equity Act; and
    5. Proposed projects must monitor and report community member impact of proposed activities through December of 2025. A standardized reporting form will be provided.

 

Desired Project Components 

Not required but may improve application scoring.

    • Reach multiple covered populations
    • Reach multiple geographies (multiple municipalities/subregions)
    • Form or engage partnerships between organizations
    • Matched funds or resources (not required)
    • Plan for project sustainability/longevity of project activities beyond life of grant funds
    • Project activities continue in 2026
    • Offer assistance for device maintenance/repair/replacement
    • Offer opportunity for digital skills training
    • Offer unique opportunity not currently offered within the applicant’s service area
    • Project evaluation beyond reporting requirements

  

Eligible Subgrant Activities

    • Staff time/operational costs (including fringe and indirect rates);
    • Communication & outreach related to project (flyers, printing, etc.);
    • The purchase of digital devices
      • desktops, laptops
      • tablets
      • hotspots (including subscriptions)
      • Smart home equipment (for accessibility purposes)
    • Device & software subscriptions as necessary, including setting aside funds for subscription renewals;
    • Training for device use & security;
    • Supplementary Device Equipment and facilitating equipment; and
    • Protective covers, charging cords, connection cables, mouse, and keyboards, charging station, internet access infrastructure, and library pods.

 

Ineligible Subgrant Activities

    • Cellular devices and plans (excluding hotspot plans, which are eligible);
    • Devices exclusively for use by the organization’s staff;
    • Partisan, political, or election-related activities; 
    • Planning activities, assessments, and surveys of communities that do not result in follow up implementation of community based activities.
    • Studies without follow-up action;
    • Publication of books or reports;
    • Acquisition of land, vehicles and/or buildings; 
    • Sponsorships of other organizations’ events or activities;
    • Research and development for a nonprofit endeavor or for-profit endeavor; and
    • The promotion of a for-profit entity and/or its products and services.

 

 

This program is made possible as part of the SMPDC Broadband and Digital Inclusion Initiative with funding granted by the Maine Connectivity Authority.