News Release - 35 Mile Foundation Supports National Digital Inclusion Alliance with Pledge Totaling $11 million

Boulder, CO, (January 7, 2025)- National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) announced it has been recommended for a funding grant from the National Telecommunication and Information Agency (NTIA) to help bridge the digital divide and serve historically marginalized communities. The goal of the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program is to fund initiatives that ensure communities have the access and skills to fully participate in the digital world, regardless of their background or circumstances. 

NDIA’s proposal “Digital Navigator+ (DN+) Program” expands upon their digital navigator program, equipping 13 local Digital Navigator programs in 11 states to scale their existing programs, sustain their work beyond the life of the grant, and serve over 30,000 people. Through this grant, NDIA will support the 13 DN+ Sites as they tailor their services to the community’s needs.

One aspect of 35 Mile Foundation’s mission is to fund digital equity initiatives and make it easier for people around the world to fully participate in the digital world. They have pledged more than a total of $11,275,000 over the next four years to support NDIA’s Digital Navigator+ Program. 

“NDIA is honored to have 35 Mile Foundation as an essential partner in the DN+ Program. Together with the 13 Sites, we will support 30,000 people with the technology access and digital skills necessary to care for their families, talk to their doctors, reskill for new jobs, support their kids with doing their homework at home, contribute to their local economies, and be prepared to efficiently use new and emerging technologies,” states Angela Siefer, executive director, National Digital Inclusion Alliance. 

“35 Mile Foundation is on a mission to help people step across the digital divide by enabling affordable internet access. We are excited to announce today that our friends at NDIA have been awarded a grant by the NTIA to support their Digital Navigator+ Program.  When NDIA approached 35 Mile Foundation as a potential partner, it was a matter of “how” and not “if” we could support their grant proposal. 35 Mile Foundation’s pledge of cash and in-kind support over four years will directly contribute to the program’s ambitious goal of reaching 30,000 individuals with technology access and digital skills necessary to thrive in our digital world.” states Adam Miller, executive director, 35 Mile Foundation.

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About 35 Mile Foundation

The 35 Mile Foundation works to help people equitably participate in today’s digital society. Schools, libraries, nonprofits, and social welfare agencies in under-resourced communities are offered affordable internet services and devices through our telecommunication company partners. We combine telecommunication revenue and investment income to fund digital equity and social justice grantmaking operations, as well as convening and collaboration work. Our goal is to empower historically marginalized people around the world to be more involved in modern civil society, democracy, and culture, and take an active role in overcoming systemic inequity and elevating themselves in every aspect of their lives. 

Contact
Cassie Bair
35 Mile Foundation
Cassie.Bair@35mile.org

About National Digital Inclusion Alliance

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) combines grassroots community engagement with technical knowledge, research, and coalition building to advocate on behalf of people working in their communities for digital equity.

Contact:
Email: press@digitalinclusion.org