The Mid-America Regional Council announced on February 1, 2023 that the Advisory Board for the KC Regional COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund has an open call for community non-profit organizations and libraries to submit requests for funding to help area adult residents and households enroll in the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), obtain computer devices to make use of the internet in homes, and gain skills through training and technical assistance. 

What you need to know: 

  • Apply for funds here. Applications must be completed online 
  • Download a PDF of the application questions here
  • Read the Digital Equity Funding Opportunity here
  • Maximum grant request is $50,000 
  • Deadline to submit requests is February 28, 2023 at 5 pm CST 

Applicants may apply for one project category or for more than one category as long as the total request does not exceed the $50,000 maximum.

The Advisory Board is particularly interested in serving adults and households in geographic areas where needs, but few resources, exist; and those adults and households challenged with the greatest needs to secure services, such as (but not limited to) those with limited English proficiency, unemployed, disabled, or older adults. The Fund is intended to serve needs in the 9-county Kansas City region, including Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte and Ray counties in Missouri and Johnson, Leavenworth, Miami and Wyandotte counties in Kansas.

The Advisory Board encourages organizations to collaborate in serving the region’s residents with digital services during 2023. The Advisory Board hopes to support organizations and services that could be further strengthened and expanded once federal broadband/digital equity dollars are available later this year or in 2024 through the two states.

Questions should be directed to Marlene Nagel at mnagel@marc.org

Further Reading

Net Inclusion 2025: Reflections from the Gila River Indian Community

KC Digital Drive reflects on Net Inclusion 2025, hosted at the Gila River Indian Community, where digital inclusion leaders gathered to address the end of Digital Equity Act funding, explore the rise of AI, and share innovative solutions to bridge the digital divide. Read takeaways from Kansas City attendees and how these insights will shape future digital equity efforts in our region.

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From Tax Help to Tech Clinics: How Education Leaders Are Closing the Digital Divide

The Kansas City Coalition for Digital Inclusion (KCCDI) gathered for its May 2025 meeting with a focus on how digital access impacts the delivery of essential services. Speakers from the University of Missouri Extension, the City of Kansas City and LINC shared real-world examples of how digital barriers affect residents, and how local efforts are helping bridge the gap.

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