Digital opportunities are essential for civic participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to vital services. As affordable broadband access becomes more widely available through state and federal programs, enhancing digital literacy and skills will be critical to ensuring Kansans can fully leverage this connectivity.
The Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) has received an $8.2 million-year 1 grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to foster progress across key sectors. This funding will support workforce development, economic growth, and agricultural productivity while also improving access to online education, expanding telemedicine services, and enabling small businesses to compete globally. By advancing the digital economy, the grant will continue to create opportunities across Kansas.
“It’s not enough to expand high-speed internet across Kansas – we must also show Kansans of all ages and backgrounds how to make the internet a useful tool in their everyday lives. These funds will provide the devices and skills training to help every Kansan benefit from our investments to make high-speed internet available in their local communities.”
Governor Laura Kelly
Program Information
Developing Online Opportunities and Ready Skills (DOORS)
If you are interested in applying for these funds, please review the guidelines in full.
Tentative Grant Timeline
The application window will be open for sixty (60) days. Applicant interviews for selected applications will follow public comment and applicant response windows, which will be followed by Kansas Department of Commerce leadership grant selection and award announcements. Tentative program timelines are provided below for reference.
KOBD reserves the right to request additional information regarding applications throughout the application process review period.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible may applicants include:
Note: Eligible nonprofit organizations must have their own 501 C (3) tax status (or be a part of or chapter of a national organization that is a 501 C (3) nonprofit organization).
Key Definitions
Adoption Efforts
Adoption goes beyond access to high-speed internet and speaks to the ability of individuals and communities to harness access for quality-of-life implications. These efforts may include digital literacy training, low-income assistance programs (for equipment and/or broadband service), partnerships with co-working or entrepreneurship organizations, awareness or marketing campaigns, service provision to community anchor institutions and/or additional programing, along with other programs designed to meet the needs of the local community.
Applicant Match
At the time of application submission, the applicant must demonstrate available cash reserves in an account(s) of the applicant equal to at least the required amount specified in the sliding scale match table. Matching funds must be used solely for the Project and shall not include any financial assistance from federal sources unless there is a federal statutory exception specifically authorizing the federal financial assistance to be considered as such. An applicant must provide evidence of its ability to comply with this requirement in its application (www.ecfr.gov).
Broadband
Broadband (or high-speed internet) access allows users to access the internet and internet-related services at significantly higher speeds than those available through “dial-up” services. Broadband speeds vary significantly depending on the technology and level of service ordered. For additional information, visit the source of this information: Getting Broadband Q&A | Federal Communications Commission (fcc.gov).
Budget and Financial Requirements
Includes an explanation of costs that correspond with the information included in the project budget spreadsheet. The information should also explain the necessity and basis for costs and reflects only allowable costs consistent with project scope. Content must include the last year of organizations tax returns and / or 990s.
Co-Investment
Any funds provided by sources other than the applicant such as local, county, and eligible state programs or other contributors.
Community Anchor Institution
Community anchor institution means schools, libraries, medical and healthcare providers, public safety entities, community colleges and other institutions of higher education, and other community support organizations and agencies that provide outreach, access, equipment, and support services to facilitate greater use of broadband service by vulnerable populations, including low-income, unemployed, and the aged (www.usac.org).
Community Support (Narrative)
Community partners associated with the project planning, promotion, adoption – description of each party’s commitment and role in the project. Include any involvement by Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs) including municipalities, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, libraries, public safety, businesses, non-profits, and or other community stakeholders.
Reporting Information
To report suspected fraud, waste or abuse contact the U.S. Department of Treasury Office of Inspector General Office of Investigations.
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