Digital Equity

High-speed internet is a necessity in today's world. United Way supports and leads efforts to improve digital access throughout Greater Cincinnati.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $65 billion in funding to connect everyone in America to affordable, reliable high-speed internet. These funds add to and support existing programs that expand Internet access and use, and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are leading efforts at the federal level.

In February 2023, Broadband Ohio established five Regional Digital Inclusion Alliances (RDIAs) to champion digital equity and inclusion. Each RDIA is led by a backbone organization that centers its work around the needs of covered populations which often experience the greatest barriers to digital inclusion.

United Way of Greater Cincinnati is administering a grant program for Hamilton County to enable local governments and community organizations to provide FREE public Wi-Fi in underserved areas of the county. Broadband infrastructure has been shown to be critical for work, education, health care and civic participation. A total of $1,425,000 is available through the county’s American Rescue Plan/State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.  

The program will consist of two rounds of funding: 75%, or $1,068,750, is anticipated to be awarded in the first round and the remainder (about $356,250) will be awarded in the second round. To complete the full application, you will be asked to use United Way’s application system called e-CImpact. The application portal will be available starting Feb. 8.

Applicants must also fill out and submit a DOB Supplanting Form with their application. Click here to download: DOB Supplanting Form.pdf.

To complement Hamilton County’s investment in public broadband infrastructure, United Way of Greater Cincinnati is implementing a Digital Equity Grant Program. Nonprofits can submit an application for the Hamilton County Public Wi-Fi Grant Program and for the United Way of Greater Cincinnati Digital Equity Grant Program. 

United Way will fund programs that bridge the digital divide, fostering inclusivity and accessibility. We invite proposals for innovative digital inclusion solutions, empowering diverse populations to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and competence.

The requests for proposals for both the Hamilton County and United Way programs will run around the same time. To complete the full application, you will be asked to use United Way’s application system called e-CImpact. The application portal will be available starting Feb. 8.

Need help deciding which program to apply for?

Use this document to help you decide: UWGC Digital Equity Decision Tree.pdf.

• Jan. 31, 2024: Program announcement date 
• Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024: Program overview via webinar — watch now
• Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024: Application opens in e-CImpact
• Friday, March 8, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.: Applications DUE in eCImpact
• Tuesday, March 29, 2024: Funding awards announced
• Monday, April 1, 2024: Grant period begins

Because of work slowdowns, furloughs, and job losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, many families were unable to afford internet service. United Way of Greater Cincinnati partnered with altafiber (formerly Cincinnati Bell) and others to establish the NKY Digital Equity Initiative to help families with high-speed internet for one year.

United Way of Greater Cincinnati’s NKY Digital Equity Initiative for Students provided more than 3,700 students with access to technology and opportunities to participate in virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the program’s launch before the 2020-21 school year, 16 Northern Kentucky school districts have benefited and 1,670+ homes have been connected.

These efforts resulted in UWGC’s Northern Kentucky Area Center being awarded the 2021 Business Engagement of the Year Award during the annual Excellence in Education Celebration presented by the Northern Kentucky Education Council and the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

The Business Engagement of the Year Award recognizes a local organization or business that works with Northern Kentucky schools to improve student achievement through activities such as mentoring, internships, job shadowing, STEM activities, literacy coaching, Junior Achievement, First Lego League, and service-learning.