Grants
Community Space Public Wi-Fi Program
Phase II
We are excited to offer an opportunity to apply for funds to assist in the goal of helping entities increase access to the internet by providing new or expanded Wi-Fi in spaces used by community members.
This project is part of a greater effort toward digital equity and closing the digital divide for residents of our region and is an initiative of the Alliance for Digital Equity at Baystate Health, as the recipient of a Massachusetts Broadband Institute (“MBI”) Regional Partnerships Program grant.
The Community Space Public Wi-Fi Program will provide funds to purchase wireless network hardware and install it to expand internet access in public spaces. Funding as part of these grants will also include resources to hire a vendor independently or through the Alliance. Our goal is to help organizations increase access to the internet by providing new or expanded Wi-Fi in spaces used by community members.
To that end, we are also connecting grantees with regional Digital Navigators who will meet with organizations, learn about their needs, and provide linkages to digital skills, devices, hotspots, and affordable internet solutions to benefit community members. Through connections with Digital Navigators, we hope to advance digital equity and provide an ongoing way for grantee organizations to share individual and collective impact stories that emerge from the Community Space Public Wi-Fi Program, thus helping to support and promote sustainable digital access and equity programming going forward.
Community Space Public Wi-Fi Program Grantee, Phase I
Berkshire South Regional Community Center
“We know that every one of our constituents and every staff member continues to benefit from the increased digital equity through the Community Space Public Wi-Fi program and the expanded consistent access to robust Wi-Fi service.
Beneficiaries include those with disabilities; ESL populations; elderly individuals and youth in education programs; and participants in financial literacy classes, mental health first aid, and other courses reliant upon digital training and access.
We are deeply thankful for this grant. It has been a major improvement in our functionality and expands our ability to serve our community and positions us well to maintain and upgrade to keep current with technological advances as we grow.”
Application and Questionnaire Guidelines
The Application and Questionnaire will help us get a sense of your current internet/wireless network as well as help us understand the landscape of service provided across our region.
Please answer the questions to the best of your ability. We do not expect or require technical expertise to complete this questionnaire.
If you have questions about any aspect of this program, please contact the Alliance for Digital Equity, Rachel Wilson at [email protected].
Opportunity Summary:
The Alliance for Digital Equity is providing an opportunity to advance digital equity through the Community Space Public Wi-Fi program.
Our goal is to help organizations increase access to the internet by providing new or expanded Wi-Fi in spaces used by community members.
Overview of Program
Eligibility:
Entities must be ready and able to expand public internet access.
Locations for eligible installations of new or expanded Wi-Fi include, but are not limited to, public housing facilities, libraries, community centers, senior centers, educational facilities, workforce training centers, nonprofit organizations, and any other public space, including those that are municipality-owned, which serve the intended populations.
Geography:
Organizations with primary operations in western Massachusetts or municipalities in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties are eligible to apply.
Population Served:
The overarching intent is to provide access to the internet for low-income or otherwise digitally disenfranchised people. Eligible organizations or municipalities must serve the following populations which includes people already enrolled in or eligible for:
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program or
- Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) OR
- Households including a child eligible for federally recognized free or reduced-price lunch
Eligible populations may also be determined by income level based on the following U.S. Treasury definitions:
“Impacted”
- At or below 300% of Federal Poverty guidelines for household size or
- Income at/below 65% of AMI
“Disproportionately Impacted”
- At or below 185% of Federal Poverty guidelines for household size or
- Income at/below 40%of AMI
Taking place in a qualified census tract (QCT) or zip code where:
- Median household income is <50% of state average or
- The poverty rate is at least 25%
Process:
Funds granted to the organization will pay for installation work to either the organization’s own vendor or a pre-assigned vetted installer. Organizations working with their own vendor and/or IT staff will be able to take advantage of a streamlined process.
Funding:
There is no match required. The final grant amount will be determined based on the proposed installation plan. We anticipate grants will be approximately $5,000.
Reporting:
Each grantee will work with the Alliance for Digital Equity to provide information showing documentation on internet usage and impact stories.
Timeline:
- October 1, 2025 – Program Launch
- October 1, 2025 – Application/Questionnaire opens
- October 8, 2025 – Application/Questionnaires Review (On-Going)
- Late Fall 2025 through Winter 2026 – Projects Approved and Awards Granted
- Winter 2026 through Spring 2026 – Installation (Rolling Basis)
- Installation of hardware and software must be completed by late Spring 2026.
Funding is non-renewable.
Important Reminder:
You do not need extensive IT or Wi-Fi network knowledge to complete the application. Answer questions to the best of your ability.
Application and Questionnaire
Preview (PDF) and Online Form
To preview the Application and Questionnaire prior to completing the form, please click this PDF link Application and Questionnaire PDF.
When you are ready to complete the form, please click the yellow button below.
