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Update: On May 9, 2025, the California Department of Technology received formal notification from the Trump Administration that funding for our $70 million State Digital Equity Capacity Grant award was being immediately terminated. Effective immediately, the California Digital Equity Program (CalDEP) request for application process is suspended until further notice. We are disheartened by this news and remain committed to fighting for broadband for all Californians.
Overview
CDT has developed a range of Technical Assistance (TA) resources to support organizations in preparing and submitting applications for the California Digital Equity Program (CalDEP). These resources are designed to ensure an open, transparent, and equitable application process, helping eligible entities navigate funding opportunities effectively.
Below, you will find key materials to assist with your application. Additional resources will be added over time, so we encourage you to bookmark this page and check back regularly for updates.
Documents for Download
| Document | Description |
| Application Guidance – For Reference Only | Outlines all the questions and prompts that will be asked of applicants via the CalDEP Application Portal. This document should be used for planning and reference only |
| Program One-Pager | High level summary of CalDEP |
| Application Checklist | Summary of components needed to submit a complete application for CalDEP |
| List of example documents certifying Eligible Entity status | List of acceptable documents to certify an organization’s status as an Eligible Entity |
| Letters of Intent Template | Template for partner entities to express their intent to participate in a partnership and describe the activities that they intend to pursue or participate in |
| Letters of Support Template | Template for supportive stakeholders to express general support or endorsement for an application |
| Allowable / Unallowable Costs and Activities | List of costs and associated activities that are allowable under CalDEP and federal cost principles |
| Procuring Goods & Services | Guidance for applicants that may require contractual services for their proposed projects |
| County Covered Population Data | County-level Covered Population breakdown for applicants to use in their estimates for Covered Population outreach |
| CalDEP Funding Track Summary – Track 1 | Summary of CalDEP Track 1: Regional/Local Digital Equity Ecosystems Program Requirements and details for Model Applications |
| CalDEP Funding Track Summary – Track 2 | Summary of CalDEP Track 2: Targeted Statewide Digital Equity Ecosystems Program Requirements and details for Model Applications |
Pre-Recorded Videos
Watch the following videos to learn more about budget development, and the different requirements for Track 1 and Track 2 of CalDEP.
CalDEP Project Budget Development
Track 1 Selection and Application Development Considerations
Track 2 Selection and Application Development Considerations
Program Q&A
All questions about CalDEP must be communicated in writing and sent by email to: CalDEP@state.ca.gov. Please include “CalDEP RFA Question(s)” in the subject line of the email. CDT will only answer questions that seek to clarify the Guidelines & RFA, the application process, or general program design or policy. CDT will not provide advice or answer questions that are specific to an individual application.
Accepted questions will be reviewed and published with responses on the CalDEP Q&A page. Questions asked and accepted during Office Hours and Webinars will also be included as written responses on this page. CDT will release answers to accepted questions on the CalDEP Q&A webpage on a rolling basis throughout the Program Q&A period.
May 9, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. PT is the final deadline to submit questions.
Events
CDT is hosting a series of live events to share information about CalDEP to answer applicants’ questions. Please register in advance to attend.
There will be a launch webinar to kick off the open application period on March 28 from 11am to 1pm, which will include a presentation from the CDT team followed by an opportunity to ask questions.
Office Hours provide an additional opportunity for applicants to ask questions about the RFA process. These will be public meetings and will be open to any applicant that chooses to join.
All questions asked and answered during live events will be included on the CalDEP Q&A webpage on a rolling basis. CDT cannot answer questions that are specific to an individual application.
| Event Information | Registration Link | Resources |
| Launch Webinar March 28, 2025 11:00 am – 1:00pm PDT | Zoom | Presentation Recording Minutes |
| Office Hours 1 April 16, 2025 2:00 – 3:00 pm PDT | Zoom | Presentation Recording Minutes |
| Office Hours 2 May 7, 2025 2:00 – 4:00 pm PDT | Zoom | Presentation Recording Minutes |
Find other past events’ presentation materials, video recording, and other resources here.
Partnership Coordination Resource
The Partnership Coordination Resource is an optional resource that applicants may use to identify other organizations they might wish to partner with on an application. Organizations can be included in the Partnership Coordination Resource by submitting their information via this form. Note that information submitted for inclusion in the Partnership Coordination Page will be made publicly available for 120 days and does not obligate or guarantee a partnership between entities.
Participation is completely optional. Submitting information to the Partnership Coordination Page, and the contents of the information submitted, have no effect on an application.