Weaving Our Web Digital Equity Fund (WOW)

Geographic Scope: National - 13 urban Native nonprofits in 13 different states

Focus Areas:

• Closing the digital divide for urban Native American communities
• Providing affordable broadband access to urban Native families and households
• Funding for new digital infrastructure
• Growing relationships with internet service providers
• Digital literacy programs
• Access to broadband programs (Comcast Internet Essentials, Affordability Connectivity Program, etc.)
• Providing laptops, headphones, and hardware to families

Target Population:

• Urban Native American and Alaska Native (AI/AN) families and households
• Member organizations of NUIFC working on the frontlines

Background:
The American Indian and Alaska Native population faces the largest digital divide in the United States with the lowest computer ownership and broadband adoption rates of any racial/ethnic group. Based on Census data, a quarter of all AI/AN households lack stable or broadband internet connectivity. Urban Native people represent over 70% of the total AI/AN population but are significantly underresourced compared to tribal reservation and rural communities.