TVA announces new “Connected Communities in the Valley” grant opportunity
TVA has announced a new funding opportunity to advance “Connected Communities in the Valley” which are towns, main streets, neighborhoods, and cities that use technology and share information to enable equitable access to new and improved services for all people.
Approximately $3 million will be available to fund projects in each of the three “Connected Communities” focus areas. At least one pilot per focus area will be funded, and the maximum award amount will be $1 million per pilot. Those areas are:
- Equitable Access to Services. Pilot ideas should be aimed at addressing the digital divide and gaps in broadband connectivity, including by increasing access to online platforms and services, internet-enabled devices, and tools to help build digital literacy and empowerment.
- Economic Empowerment. Pilot ideas should be aimed at helping communities increase awareness of and access to emerging career pathways to next generation jobs and equipping the workforce with the technology and data skills needed to make Connected Communities possible.
- Energy & Environmental Justice. Pilot ideas should be aimed at finding new ways to promote grid interactive technologies, maximize access to and adoption of clean energy technologies, and address environmental and public health outcomes through digitally connected devices, sensors and data analytics.
Links to apply for the grants as well as more information, including community resources and details about the evaluation criteria can be found at this link.
