Advocating for Early School Success

Donors can use their wealth more flexibly to fund for-profit businesses, social ventures, and political campaigns in pursuit of their social impact goals.

Government Programs

The Computers for Learning program was created as a part of an Executive Order signed by President Clinton in 1996, and it’s still going strong today. It allows federal agencies to donate their excess computers and technology, where eligible recipients can then view and request specific equipment. The program is open to K-12 schools and educational nonprofits.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program provides a discount for broadband services and certain devices to help eligible low-income households stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a temporary program, and will last as long as it still has funds.

The Federal Communications Commission Emergency Connectivity Fund  announced on November 11 that it will commit over $421 million in the latest round of Emergency Connectivity Fund announcements, bringing total program commitments to over $3.05 billion. The funding is supporting schools and libraries in all 50 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia to support off-campus learning, such as nightly homework and virtual learning, as schools and libraries continue to respond to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic

Lifeline is the FCC’s program to help make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participate in certain federal assistance programs. Lifeline provides up to a $9.25 monthly discount on cellphone and/or internet service for eligible low-income subscribers and up to $34.25 per month for those on Tribal lands.

Advocacy Organizations

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) brings together hundreds of community advocates around the country who are working to expand broadband access. The NDIA works connects consumers to low-cost plans and advocates for federal funding.

Partners Bridging the Digital Divide provides a useful directory of nonprofits promoting equitable internet access..

The Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition  advocates for better broadband connections in anchor institutions and their communities.