Virginia Digital Opportunity Survey
The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development's (DHCD) Office of Broadband is excited to announce the launch of a statewide survey to gather data that will inform the Virginia Digital Opportunity Plan. The Office of Broadband is currently in the process of developing the comprehensive Virginia Digital Opportunity Plan, the required output of Virginia's Digital Equity Act Planning Grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The Digital Opportunity Plan will enable the Commonwealth apply for Federal broadband funding from the Digital Equity Act Capacity Grant program, as well as for eligible entities to apply for funds from the Digital Equity Act Competitive Grant program. These grants will be used to improve the affordability of internet services in the Commonwealth, increase digital literacy programming and resources aimed at increasing digital adoption, and fund unique programs that address the digital divide beyond just access to physical broadband infrastructure.
We strongly encourage all Virginia residents to complete this quick, 10-minute survey to help our office better understand your digital needs. Together, we can foster digital opportunity in the Commonwealth by ensuring that residents have access to affordable, reliable, and high-speed internet, and have the skills necessary to use the internet to its full potential.
The Digital Opportunity Survey is currently available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, and Ukrainian. Paper copies of the survey are available in the resources tab.
Please take the Digital Opportunity Survey now!
Paper Survey Instructions
If distributing paper surveys, please ensure that you collect them from participants once they are done. Completed surveys can be mailed or faxed to SIR Research. If possible, we recommend collecting the paper surveys and mailing them in one batch directly to SIR. If you find that you are receiving a significant amount (20+) of paper surveys each week, we recommend you send a weekly collection to SIR. If you would prefer to email or fax completed surveys in, please retain the hard copies to be returned at a later date for quality assurance.
Mailing Address
SIR
2601 Floyd Avenue
Richmond, VA 23220
Scan and Email Address: Becky.Chipman@sirhq.com
Fax: 804-342-1790
Regional Digital Opportunity Plans
Program Purpose
DHCD is partnering with the Department of Social Services, the Virginia Community Action Partnership, and Community Action Agencies to develop Regional Digital Opportunity Plans. Across nine regions, Community Action Agencies are assessing the digital divide through stakeholder engagement, survey distribution and data analysis, and community input sessions to develop regional plans that address identified community needs related to the digital divide. The nine regions, as well as the lead Community Action Agency for each regional plan, are listed in the map.
Digital Opportunity Case Study Pilot Program
Program Purpose
The intent of this program is to bring organizations working to close the digital divide into the state’s planning process. The objective of this grant opportunity is to identify best practices of initiatives/efforts that are addressing the digital divide in communities throughout Virginia. DHCD will provide grant funding to the organizations operating these programs, with the deliverable of a case study highlighting key findings, which DHCD will incorporate into the Commonwealth Digital Opportunity Plan.
How to Apply
Eligible organizations to participate in this program are listed under the "Eligibility" tab on this page. Groups interested in applying should review the Program Guidelines, which are also under the "Resources" tab on this page. Applications will be accepted and evaluated by DHCD on a rolling basis, until all available funds are committed. Interested organizations are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to begin development of their case study if selected. This page will be updated when all available funds are committed.
