2026-27 Digital Divide Grant Program Round 4

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is offering three competitive grants totaling $200,000 to address the digital divide in low‑income urban and rural school districts. One grant of $100,000 is reserved for a public school or district, and two grants of up to $50,000 each are for nonprofit community‑based organizations (CBOs) that will partner with those schools. Projects must provide a holistic solution to broadband gaps, device affordability, or digital skills training, and must include a written agreement with the beneficiary school. Applications open July 1, 2026 and close October 30, 2026; award announcements are expected January 2027. Funding is reimbursed, with 10 % held back until project completion. • Eligible applicants: 501(c)(3) nonprofit CBOs or public agencies with a partnership agreement. • Target beneficiaries: public schools/districts in urban or rural “small” districts (≤2,500 students) with ≥50 % FRPM eligibility. • Funding: $200,000 total; $50,000‑$100,000 per award; reimbursement method; no matching funds required. • Evaluation criteria: baseline eligibility, scope of work, experience, budget, overall score. • Deliverables: broadband infrastructure improvements, device procurement, or digital literacy training within a 90‑day performance period.