Jan 22, 2025
Press Release: State of Maine Invests $5M to Create More Opportunity through Internet Education and Digital Tools
Maine Connectivity Authority to host an information session for grant applicants

PORTLAND – Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA), the public agency leading the statewide expansion of broadband and digital equity in Maine, has opened a competitive grant program for Maine-based organizations. The program will enable greater opportunities for individuals and communities through access to digital skills, devices, internet safety education, and technical support.
In the first phase of the Digital Opportunity Networks grant program application, MCA is accepting letters of intent from nonprofits, state agencies, local and Tribal governments and similar public entities. The program will fund networks of partners that can integrate digital education and technical assistance into their ongoing programs and supports, effectively reaching Maine people who face the most barriers to connectivity.
"MCA’s commitment to statewide internet access does not stop at facilitating an internet connection, but extends to providing the opportunity for communities and individuals to thrive in an increasingly connected world," said Maggie Drummond-Bahl, Senior Director of Digital Equity & Partnerships at the Maine Connectivity Authority. "Meaningful access to the internet improves lives, and it should not be limited for anyone. Connectivity is a right, not a privilege.”
MCA will evaluate grant applications using program criteria and allocate funding to organizations that demonstrate the ability to execute effectively, meet critical needs, and deliver widespread, positive impact. Interested applicants should join the next information session on January 23 at 2:15 pm to learn more. MCA will share a recording of the meeting afterward.
The Digital Opportunity Networks grant program is part of addressing Maine’s ambitious goals identified in the statewide Digital Equity Plan. Achieving these goals would mean that everyone in Maine has the ability to access the internet and understands how to leverage the benefits of connectivity, particularly for targeted groups like older adults, veterans, and English-language learners.
“AARP Maine applauds Maine Connectivity Authority’s impressive work to offer digital opportunity through their strong, statewide plan reflecting the digital needs of underserved populations, including older adults,” said Noël Bonam, AARP Maine State Director. “Until now, the long-standing digital divide has held too many older Mainers, particularly those in rural communities, back from opportunities to improve health access, social opportunities, increase online safety and engage both in the workforce and their own communities.”
The Digital Opportunity Networks grant program marks MCA’s third program focused on reducing the barriers to internet connectivity access and use since 2021. The Regional & Wabanaki Broadband Partners program recently entered its third year of providing capacity and expertise to execute solutions at a local level. Launched in 2024, the Connectivity Hubs competitive grant program funded capital improvements for community institutions, such as local libraries and schools essential assets like affordable devices for public access and lending programs.
“With the Connectivity Hub grant from MCA, our community was able to radically expand the impact of the project to provide online workforce training with hands-on application, remote learning for adults in subjects ranging from digital literacy to data analytics, and telehealth integrated with the community paramedicine program,” said Mike Felton, Superintendent of the St. George Municipal School Unit. “By taking a cross-sector, cradle-to-career approach, we'll expand digital equity and foster a healthy, highly skilled, and innovative workforce that supports student learning, strong families, economic growth, and community resilience.”
Within the last month, Maine has received three grant awards totaling nearly $30M through two federal programs administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA):
- $5.7 million in State Capacity funding will act as a “down payment” toward resourcing the long-term sustainability of digital equity in Maine, including the Digital Opportunity Networks grant program.
- Two State Competitive awards to Maine-based organizations for $24.2 million will implement distinct programming aligned with the state’s digital equity goals. The National Digital Equity Center (NDEC) received an award for $13.7 million and Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG) received an award for $11.1 million.
As with the Connectivity Hubs program, MCA expects funding requests for the Digital Opportunity Networks grant program to exceed the available federal funding. Later this year, MCA will launch a fundraising campaign to bridge that gap in the available resources. The fund aims to raise $15 million in private and philanthropic funding over three years. The combination of these funding sources will enable MCA to continue investing in making investments across the state, working to improve the lives of all people in Maine using internet connectivity.
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About MCA: Focusing on projects, places and people, the Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) advances digital equity and works to improve connectivity for all Maine people. Established in 2021, MCA is Maine’s public agency charged with achieving universal access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet service statewide. MCA has three statutory goals:
-Expand effective, accessible connectivity in every part of the state;
-Support the creation of secure, affordable, reliable, competitive, sustainable and forward-looking internet infrastructure that can meet future needs; and
-Ensure that all residents, businesses and institutions in Maine are able to take full advantage of the economic, health, educational and other opportunities available through connectivity services.