2026-27 Digital Divide Grant Program Round 4
🏛 Public Utilities Commission (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Oct 7, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for Forest Health projects in California. Eligible applicants typically include state and local government agencies, tribes, nonprofits, and land trusts working on forest management and resilience. Projects may focus on wildfire prevention, forest restoration, fuel reduction, and ecological health. Geographic scope is limited to California.
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Program description
The Digital Divide Grant Program (DDGP) will provide three grants for a total of $200,000. The DDGP is funded by fees collected from leases of state-owned property to wireless telecommunications service providers, pursuant to Government Code Section 14666.8. Eligible projects will serve a beneficiary public school or district located in an urban or rural low-income small school district and two non-profit Community Organizations. Projects may address physical gaps in local broadband networks, affordability, access to personal devices and digital skills training. Projects must provide a holistic solution. Grant recipients must be a non-profit community-based organization (CBO) with a demonstrated record of work in addressing the digital divide. For public schools or districts, the CBO will partner with an eligible public school or district to deploy the project. The beneficiary of the project will be the partner school or district. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will evaluate and score applications and award grants for up to three projects using the competitive process described in CPUC Administrative Letter No.33. Eligible non-profit CBOs may submit applications for grant funding. Applicants must have demonstrated record of successful and satisfactory work deploying community technology projects and/or projects to bridge the digital divide. Applicants must have an agreement with a beneficiary school or district to execute a proposed project. In the first stage of review, panelists will evaluate the baseline requirements to determine if the CBO’s application can progress to the second stage of review. The baseline requirements include: The application must be complete and submitted timely. The applicant is a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The applicant must be in good standing with the California Franchise Tax Board. The applicant must submit at least three letters of recommendation. The applicant must have a written agreement with the beneficiary public school or district to execute a proposed project. The applicant must submit at least two letters of endorsement per the beneficiary public school or district supporting the project. One letter is required from the beneficiary public school or district office and one letter from the beneficiary’s school Parent Teachers Association. The beneficiary public school or district must be located within the boundaries of an urban or rural small school district as identified by the California Department of Education. The beneficiary public school or district must have a Free or Reduced Price Meal (FRPM) of at least 50 percent. In the second evaluation stage, panelists will review the remaining applications to assign scores on each of the following categories: Scope of Work, Experience, Budget and Overall. The application window is open from July 1, 2026, and will close on October 30, 2026. For more information on the DDGP, CBO eligibility criteria, the application process, schedules and forms, please go to: www.cpuc.ca.gov/ddgp.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- RFP application form (when released)
- Project narrative and forest health plan
- Budget and budget justification
- Letters of support from partner agencies or organizations
- Maps and site documentation
Program contact
- 📧 DigitalDivideGrantProgram@cpuc.ca.gov
- 📞 1-415-703-1739
Funding track record
Past applications & awards under this program (California Grants Portal) — how competitive it is.
By fiscal year
| Fiscal year | Applications | Awarded | Award rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-2027 | 12 | — | 0% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
State agencies, local governments, tribes, nonprofits, and land trusts can typically apply. Check the full RFP for specific eligibility requirements.
What is the deadline?
The deadline is June 8, 2026. Check CAL FIRE's website for any updates or rolling deadlines.
What types of projects are funded?
Forest health projects including wildfire prevention, fuel reduction, forest restoration, and ecological management are typical priorities.
How competitive is this grant?
CAL FIRE grants are competitive. Strong proposals demonstrate clear outcomes, community benefit, and alignment with California's forest management goals.
What is the funding range?
Award amounts are not yet specified. Check the RFP when released for funding levels and project budget limits.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Request the full RFP immediately when available to understand specific eligibility, budget limits, and evaluation criteria.
- Emphasize wildfire mitigation impact and long-term forest health outcomes in your proposal.
- Document community support and partnerships with local agencies or nonprofits.
- Provide clear maps, data, and metrics showing project scope and expected results.
- Budget realistically for implementation timeline and include contingency for permitting delays.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Vague project scope or unclear wildfire prevention benefits. Lack of community engagement or partner support letters. Unrealistic timelines that don't account for California permitting and environmental review processes.
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