BizRecycling Waste Reduction & Innovation Grant

The City of Bloomington's Digital Equity Grants program aims to bridge the digital divide and increase digital resources for residents. This initiative aligns with the city's broader mission to recover from the pandemic and economic collapse, and advance racial, economic, and climate justice. Established in 2020 as part of the Recover Forward initiative, the program has become a regular part of the Information & Technology Services Department’s annual general fund budget since 2022. To date, the program has awarded over $190,000 to local nonprofits, demonstrating its sustained commitment to digital equity. The program targets Bloomington residents facing digital equity challenges, specifically those lacking access to broadband, computing devices, and essential digital skills. The primary impact goal is to build community capacity to address these challenges, ensuring that all residents can effectively use the internet safely, securely, and confidently to engage in digital life. This includes facilitating access to affordable broadband, increasing the availability of computing devices, and cultivating the knowledge and skills necessary for digital literacy. The Digital Equity Grants program prioritizes projects that address identified community digital equity gaps, as highlighted in the City’s digital equity survey, and those that align with initiatives recommended in the city’s Digital Equity Strategic Plan. Key focus areas include improving digital skills, mitigating access barriers, and enhancing confidence in using digital tools. Eligible projects will demonstrate a clear strategy for building capacity within the community to tackle these specific challenges. Expected outcomes of the program include a measurable increase in broadband service access, particularly affordable options, and a greater availability of computing devices among residents. Furthermore, the program anticipates an improvement in the digital literacy and skills of Bloomington residents, enabling them to navigate the internet safely and securely. The ultimate goal is to reduce community digital equity gaps, leading to more equitable participation in the digital landscape of Bloomington. The City of Bloomington's strategic priorities are rooted in advancing racial, economic, and climate justice, with the Digital Equity Grants program serving as a direct mechanism to achieve economic justice through digital inclusion. The underlying theory of change posits that by investing in community-based initiatives that address the foundational elements of digital access, skills, and safety, the city can empower its residents and foster a more equitable and resilient community. The regular funding and ongoing support for this program underscore its importance within the city's long-term vision for inclusive recovery and development.