The Digital Opportunity Grant (DOG) is administered by the Utah Broadband Center (UBC), a division of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO), and is funded through the federally backed Digital Equity Act Program by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). With Utah receiving $7.8 million in federal funding for this initiative, the DOG program seeks to promote digital equity across the state, ensuring residents can access and utilize high-speed internet, affordable devices, and essential digital skills training. The grant's overarching goal is to close the digital divide and provide equal opportunities for all Utah residents to thrive in the digital age.
Eligible applicants for this competitive grant include nonprofit organizations, state agencies and institutions, municipal, county, and regional governments, educational entities, anchor institutions, tribal governments and entities, and public-private partnerships formed to expand broadband access. Applications are accepted through the AmpliFund portal and must be submitted by May 5, 2025, at 11:55 PM MDT. Prior registration on AmpliFund and a valid SAM.gov registration are prerequisites for application submission.
The application process comprises several key components, including a detailed proposal describing project goals, implementation plans, risk management strategies, and financial details. Projects must range in funding between $50,000 and $500,000, and matching funds are not required. Grant funds can be used for allowable expenses such as materials and supplies, personnel compensation, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, and consulting services. However, certain costs are ineligible, including food, capital and construction expenses, and broadband installation or upgrades.
UBC supports applicants with a range of resources, including recorded webinars, weekly office hours from April 8 to April 29, 2025, and ongoing email support. In-person training was held on March 20, 2025. Applicants must submit audited or unaudited financial statements and a detailed budget narrative with their application. Reviewers will evaluate applications based on demonstrated need, organizational capacity, project implementation strength, and measurable impact.
Each application undergoes a multi-stage review process, including eligibility screening, merit scoring, and programmatic evaluation. The scoring system allocates up to 100 points based on criteria such as project need, capability, implementation feasibility, and outcomes. Bonus scoring may be applied for projects addressing rural communities, sustainability, and evidence-based community engagement. Questions about the application process can be directed to connectingutah@utah.gov. Contact persons include Rebecca Dilg (rdilg@utah.gov) and Lindsey Thurgood (lthurgood@utah.gov).
