Broadband Equity
& Access
Connecting New Jersey communities to create better opportunities.
Overview
In November 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was signed into law. Among many other provisions, the law established the Broadband Equity, Adoption, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. BEAD dedicates more than $42 billion to constructing broadband networks for households without an adequate broadband connection. This includes funding for mapping to identify those households, subsidizing the cost of Internet service for lower-income households, and providing end users with the devices and training they need for the new and upgraded networks.
With nearly 99% of New Jersey residents already having access to broadband, the state will have significant resources remaining after closing these last few gaps. The state has the opportunity to also fund non-deployment, or digital skills and adoption programs (like digital navigator programs, job skills development, etc.). These include programs such as training and workforce development, remote learning or telehealth services, digital literacy and upskilling programs, and more.
This site provides you and your organization with the information and tools you need to apply for some of the available funding.
Learn More
Click the arrows to go through the slides to learn more about BEAD and the importance of digital skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Once a state can demonstrate it has a plan for bringing affordable, high-speed broadband service to all unserved and underserved locations within its jurisdiction, that state may also allocate funding to non-deployment activities. Eligible non-deployment uses include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Training and workforce development;
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User training with respect to cybersecurity, privacy, and other digital safety matters;
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Remote learning or telehealth services/facilities;
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Digital literacy/upskilling (from beginner-level to advanced);
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Computer science, coding, and cybersecurity education programs;
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Supplementation of previously approved plans for Digital Equity Act grant funding;
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Broadband sign-up assistance and programs that provide technology support;
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Multilingual outreach to support adoption and digital literacy;
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Prisoner education to promote pre-release digital literacy, job skills, online job-acquisition skills, etc.;
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Digital navigators;
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Direct subsidies for use toward broadband subscriptions, where the Eligible Entity shows the subsidies will improve affordability for the end user population (and to supplement, but not to duplicate or supplant, the subsidies provided by ACP);
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Costs associated with stakeholder engagement, including travel, capacity-building, or contract support.
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We are still awaiting federal guidance. If you subscribe for updates (see below to sign up), we will notify you when this information is made available.
We are still awaiting federal guidance. If you subscribe for updates (see below to sign up), we will notify you when this information is made available.
There are a few ways to give your organization a voice in this process.
The easiest is traditional public advocacy. This involves calling on the governor and other state elected officials to responsibly allocate these funds to the organizations that can best use them. If you are interested in publicly advocating for BEAD dollars to reach community nonprofits, you can find a social media toolkit and a sign-on letter under the Get Involved tab.
Another way to give your organization a voice in this process is by forming a coalition. By joining with peer organizations, you will show elected officials that there is a strong desire for these funds to be dispersed amongst local and community-based organizations. You also demonstrate that there is an increased capacity to receive and effectively use the funding. Small and medium-sized organizations joining forces will have a greater impact and influence than if they were to advocate separately.
Meet the Partners
NJ Center for Nonprofits
NJ Center for Nonprofits’ Mission is to build the power of New Jersey’s nonprofit community to improve the quality of life for all people of our state. We envision a New Jersey nonprofit community that is strong, vibrant, valued, and effective in advancing a civically engaged society and equitable in delivering a thriving quality of life to all communities throughout the state of New Jersey.
New Jersey Library Association
Established in 1890, the New Jersey Library Association (NJLA) is the oldest and largest library organization in New Jersey. It advocates for library services for New Jersey residents, provides education and networking opportunities for library staff, and supports intellectual freedom and access to books, music, movies, and information. Our office in Bordentown, NJ, serves over 3,000 members.
National Skills Coalition
NSC is a national organization fighting for inclusive, high-quality skills training so that people have access to a better life, and local businesses see sustained growth. We engage in analysis and technical assistance, organizing, advocacy, and communications to improve state and federal skills policies.
Get Involved
If you are interested in getting involved and advocating for the responsible use of BEAD funds, please take a look at our social media toolkits available for download. You can use these resources to help spread the word about the available BEAD funding and to call on our elected officials to ensure it is allocated to community organizations that can best utilize it.
Please feel free to share these toolkits with your colleagues and peers to help spread awareness of the BEAD funding that will soon be available.