Bloomington Nonprofits Invited to Apply for 2026 Digital Opportunity Grants

The City of Bloomington invites nonprofit organizations to apply for funding through the Digital Opportunity Grants program to support their efforts to bridge the digital divide and increase digital resources for residents. Digital opportunity refers to the fair distribution of the internet and modern technology throughout society. 

Bloomington-based nonprofits may apply from Tuesday, September 1, to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29, to receive up to $55,000 in grant funding. Proposals will be accepted online at bloomington.in.gov/digital-opportunity.

Since 2020, the City’s Digital Opportunity Grant Program has awarded more than $250,000 to local nonprofits.  

An informational meeting for potential grant applicants about the Digital Opportunity Grant application process will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 3, via Zoom. It can be accessed at bton.in/zm26.

The Digital Opportunity Grants program will accept proposals from nonprofits for projects that build capacity in the community to address digital opportunity challenges by:  

• Facilitating access to broadband service, especially affordable options;
• Increasing access to computing devices to effectively use the internet;
• Cultivating the knowledge, familiarity, and digital skills needed to secure the benefits of the internet and computers;
• Improving skills needed to use the internet safely, securely, and confidently to engage in digital life;
• Mitigating community digital equity gaps identified in the City's digital equity survey 
• Aligning with initiatives recommended in the city’s Digital Equity Strategic Plan

Fourteen Digital Equity Grants were awarded in 2025 to support local organizations and projects.  Among the recipients were the Monroe County Public Library, which enhanced the circulating iPads to help homebound individuals and households without internet access get connected; Binary Heart, which allowed the organization to donate more refurbished devices locally;  the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bloomington, which trained youth ages 6–18 in digital safety curricula; and My Sisters Closet of Monroe County which provided digital access and education to job seeking women who are living in poverty.

More information about the City’s efforts to increase digital opportunity, including answers to frequently asked questions about the Digital Opportunity Grant program, is available at bloomington.in.gov/digital-opportunity.