This $7.17 billion program funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 through the FCC’s E-rate program presents an unprecedented funding opportunity for libraries to expand broadband equity to those who need it most beyond the confines of library walls. The ECF program provides no-match-needed funding to schools and libraries for the reasonable costs of eligible equipment and services that can be provided to students, teachers, and library patrons who lack connected devices, such as laptop or tablet computers, and/or lack broadband access.
Participating public and tribal libraries and K12 schools will receive 100% reimbursement for the cost of hotspots and other Wi-Fi capable devices, modems, routers, laptops, tablets, and similar devices to loan to patrons, students, teachers, and staff for use off and on library and school grounds.
To help libraries take advantage of this one-time infusion of funding to offset expenses associated with providing connectivity to library patrons who need it most, the ALA Public Policy & Advocacy Office has created an Emergency Connectivity Fund Solutions Toolkit. "The ECF presents an unprecedented funding opportunity for libraries to expand broadband equity to those who need it most beyond the confines of library walls. With 100 percent reimbursement of costs for eligible equipment and services and the ability to receive upfront reimbursement, now is the moment to think big about how your library can leverage new funding to boost current technology lending efforts to reach more people or launch new services to connect your community…or both! Your library may also take advantage of other ARPA funds to support related digital inclusion needs, such as programming, staffing, and staff training."
Examples include:
- a library applied for $100,000 in funding to purchase Chromebooks that would accompany preexisting hotspots for a telehealth access program
- a rural library system applied for funding in partnership with the local city government to supply 2,000 hotspots to residents on a 1 year loan period
- an urban library applied for funding to purchase over 30,000 hotspots and Chromebooks to distribute to students in partnership with local school districts
NOTE: Organizations must be registered on SAM. It can take up to 20 days for SAM registration to become active. Apply as soon as
possible. Go to https://www.sam.gov. See the ECF toolkit for more instructions on Preparing to Apply for the ECF Program.
Emergency Connectivity Fund: https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-connectivity-fund
No comments:
Post a Comment