Technology Equipment Grants
Federal and state grants fund technology equipment, computers, broadband infrastructure, digital tools, and research equipment for schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community institutions. Access to modern technology is critical for educational success, business competitiveness, and community development. Below are 450 verified technology equipment grant opportunities supporting digital infrastructure and innovation.
Types of Technology Equipment Grants
Broadband Infrastructure Grants
Federal funding for broadband expansion, wireless networks, fiber optic infrastructure, and internet connectivity in underserved rural and urban communities.
Computer & Device Grants
Grants for purchasing computers, laptops, tablets, interactive displays, and other hardware for educational institutions, nonprofits, and underserved populations.
Research Equipment Grants
Funding for scientific and research equipment for universities, research institutions, and nonprofit research organizations advancing innovation and discovery.
Digital Skills & Training Grants
Grants supporting technology training programs, digital literacy, cybersecurity training, coding bootcamps, and IT workforce development initiatives.
Major Federal Technology Equipment Programs
FCC Connectivity Fund
Purpose: Expand broadband and digital access in schools and libraries nationwide
Funding: $7.2B+ program (competitive federal initiative)
Equipment: Broadband infrastructure, wireless access points, computers, fiber optics
Eligible Applicants: Schools, school districts, libraries, consortia
Application: Through USAC (Universal Service Administrative Company)
Website: USAC E-Rate Program
NSF Research Equipment Grants
Purpose: Fund scientific instruments and equipment for university and research institution research
Funding Amounts: $100K-$10M+ depending on research area
Eligible Equipment: Laboratory instruments, computing systems, analytical equipment, research facilities
Eligible Institutions: Universities, research nonprofits, minority-serving institutions, tribal colleges
Website: NSF Funding Opportunities
NTIA Broadband Infrastructure Program
Purpose: Deploy broadband infrastructure in underserved and unserved communities
Funding: $65B (historic infrastructure investment)
Eligible Applicants: States, local governments, nonprofits, broadband providers, tribal governments
Focus: Fiber, fixed wireless, and satellite broadband expansion
Website: Broadband USA
IMLS Grants for Museums & Libraries
Purpose: Fund technology, equipment, and digital access programs in libraries and museums
Funding Amounts: $5K-$500K depending on program
Equipment: Computers, digital equipment, maker space equipment, broadband access
Programs: Digital Humanities, Closing the Digital Divide, Museum Grants
Who Can Apply for Technology Equipment Grants?
Technology equipment grants serve schools, nonprofits, government agencies, research institutions, libraries, and eligible organizations. Eligibility varies by program:
- Public Schools & School Districts: K-12 institutions eligible for e-rate, broadband, and computer grants
- Colleges & Universities: Higher education institutions eligible for research equipment, broadband, and digital technology grants
- Libraries: Public, academic, and special libraries eligible for broadband, computer, and digital infrastructure grants
- Nonprofit Organizations: Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations serving community technology needs
- Government Agencies: Federal, state, local agencies and tribal governments
- Research Institutions: Universities, independent research nonprofits, research centers
- Rural & Underserved Communities: Broadband funding prioritizes areas with low connectivity
- Minority-Serving Institutions: HBCUs, tribal colleges, Hispanic-serving institutions eligible for special programs
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of technology equipment qualify for grants?
Equipment eligibility varies by program: (1) Broadband/Infrastructure Grants: fiber optics, network equipment, wireless infrastructure, modems, routers. (2) Computer Grants: laptops, desktops, tablets, interactive displays. (3) Research Equipment: laboratory instruments, scientific equipment, specialized computing systems. (4) Educational Technology: smartboards, learning management systems, educational software. (5) Maker Space Equipment: 3D printers, laser cutters, robotics kits. Generally equipment must be for organization use (schools, nonprofits, libraries), have useful lifespan 5+ years, support mission-aligned activities. Some grants cover only equipment (hardware), while others include software, training, installation, and support.
How much equipment funding can organizations receive?
Funding varies significantly: (1) E-Rate (schools/libraries): Up to 80% reimbursement, no funding cap but competitive allocation. (2) NSF Research Equipment: $100K-$10M+ per award. (3) Broadband Infrastructure: $1M-$500M+ for major infrastructure projects. (4) Smaller programs: $5K-$100K typical for nonprofits. Most require: (1) Equipment cost documentation, (2) Budget justification, (3) Maintenance/sustainability plan, (4) Proof of matching funds (20-50% local match typical). Apply strategically—multiple grants can fund different equipment categories. Grants typically reimburse 50-90% of costs.
What's required to qualify for E-Rate broadband funding?
E-Rate requirements: (1) Eligible organization: Public school, school district, library, or school district library. (2) Urban Hardship Grant: Rural schools, schools serving low-income students also prioritized. (3) Registration: Register with USAC (Universal Service Administrative Company). (4) Technology plan: Develop technology plan aligned with educational goals. (5) Competitive bidding: Request proposals from multiple vendors. (6) Application: Complete USAC Form 471 by deadline (typically summer). (7) Funding decision: Announced following year. (8) Purchase & approval: Procure equipment after funding commitment letter. Timeline: 12-18 months from application to equipment receipt. Covers broadband connectivity, equipment, and internal networking.
How do research institutions get NSF equipment funding?
NSF Research Equipment Programs: (1) Major Research Instrumentation (MRI): $100K-$5M for single major instrument. (2) Instrumentation and Lab Improvement (ILI): $50K-$500K for equipment clusters. (3) Chemistry Research Instrumentation (CRI): For chemistry research equipment. Eligibility: Ph.D.-granting institutions and research nonprofits. Requirements: (1) Demonstrated research need, (2) Faculty research team, (3) 20-30% institutional cost-share (match), (4) Detailed equipment justification, (5) Research plan showing how equipment enables research. Competitive process: ~20-30% success rate. Timeline: 3-6 months review, 1-2 years from approval to equipment delivery. Partner with grants office for application.
What qualifies as broadband infrastructure under NTIA grants?
NTIA Broadband Infrastructure Program eligible infrastructure: (1) Fiber optic networks, (2) Fixed wireless access, (3) Satellite broadband deployment, (4) Network infrastructure for underserved areas. Requires: (1) Deployment in underserved/unserved areas (specific FCC definitions), (2) Minimum speeds (100 Mbps down/20 Mbps up), (3) Affordability assurances, (4) Sustainability plan. Eligible applicants: States, local governments, nonprofits, tribal governments, broadband providers. $65B available nationally. Competition high but underserved rural areas have advantage. Contact state broadband office for application guidance.
Do organizations need matching funds for technology grants?
Matching requirements vary: (1) E-Rate: No match required (up to 80% reimbursement federal). (2) NSF Equipment: Typically 20-30% institutional match required. (3) NTIA Broadband: Often 10-25% match depending on project. (4) IMLS Library Grants: May require 25-50% match. (5) Smaller nonprofit grants: Often 10-25% match or in-kind contribution. Match can be: Cash (local funds), In-kind (donated equipment, staff time, facilities). Strategy: Secure foundation grants or local funding to cover match portion, then apply for federal grants. Some funders explicitly fund match (for disadvantaged organizations). Check each grant's specific match requirements.
How to Apply for Technology Equipment Grants
- Identify Equipment Needs: Assess organization's technology gaps and priorities. Determine specific equipment needed, quantities, and costs. Connect equipment purchases to organizational mission and strategy.
- Research Grant Programs: Match your organization type and equipment needs to available grants. Review grant requirements, deadlines, matching requirements, and award amounts. Check: FCC E-Rate, NSF programs, NTIA Broadband, IMLS, state/local programs, private foundations.
- Develop Budget & Justification: Get quotes for specific equipment. Develop detailed budget showing: equipment costs, installation, training, maintenance, ongoing support. Write justification explaining: why equipment is needed, expected impact on mission, how equipment will be maintained and sustained.
- Prepare Documentation: Gather: organizational profile, mission statement, 501(c)(3) status, technology plan (if required), current infrastructure assessment, implementation timeline. For research: research team bios, institutional commitment, cost-share documentation. For broadband: service area maps, underserved population data.
- Build Matching Funds (if required): Identify local funding sources: school budget allocation, foundation grants, corporate donations, grant funding for match. Document commitments from funding sources. Some grants fund match—check if available.
- Submit Application: Follow grant application process exactly: online portal, paper forms, letters of support, budget narratives. Meet all deadlines. Submit early (allow for technical issues). Provide complete documentation—incomplete applications not reviewed.
- Wait for Award Decision: Timeline varies: 6-12 months typical. Stay alert for funding announcements. Once funded, receive funding commitment letter or contract. Follow grant requirements for procurement: competitive bidding, vendor approval, purchase timelines.
- Procure Equipment & Report: Once funded, purchase equipment per grant requirements. Install and implement. Track spending and results. Submit required reports on implementation and impact. File final reports and evaluations.
Technology Equipment Grant Resources
FCC E-Rate Program
Broadband and technology funding for schools and libraries nationwide.
NSF Research Equipment Grants
Funding for scientific research equipment at universities and research institutions.
NTIA Broadband Infrastructure
Broadband expansion grants for infrastructure deployment in underserved communities.
IMLS Grants & Funding
Technology and digital access grants for museums and libraries.
GrantStation Foundation Database
Search thousands of grants including technology and equipment funding.
Foundation Center Tech Grants
Research technology grants from major private and corporate foundations.
Available Technology Equipment Grants (450)
Showing 1-20 of 450 grants
Feasibility Clinical Trials of Mind and Body Interventions for NCCIH High Priority Research Topics (R34 Clinical Trial Required)
National Institutes of Health
Data Coordinating Center for NCCIH Multi-Site Investigator-Initiated Clinical Trials of Mind and Body Interventions (Collaborative U24 Clinical Trial Required)
National Institutes of Health
Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
National Institutes of Health
Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)
National Institutes of Health
Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health (R03 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
National Cancer Institute Youth Enjoy Science Research Education Program (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
National Institute of General Medical Sciences Predoctoral Basic Biomedical Sciences Research Training Program (T32)
National Institutes of Health
Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (Parent K01 - Independent Clinical Trial Required)
National Institutes of Health
Cutting-Edge Basic Research Awards (CEBRA) (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)
National Institutes of Health
Substance Use/Substance Use Disorder Dissertation Research Award (R36 Clinical Trials Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
Institutional Training Programs to Advance Translational Research on Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and AD-Related Dementias (ADRD) (T32 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
Developing Country Collaborations in Plant Genome Research (DCC-PGR)
U.S. National Science Foundation
BRAIN Initiative: Promoting Health for All Through BRAIN Technology Partnerships (R34 - Clinical Trials Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
High Impact Specialized Innovation Programs in Clinical and Translational Science (RC2 Clinical Trials Optional)
National Institutes of Health
Facilitating Research at Predominantly Undergraduate Institutions:
U.S. National Science Foundation
Research Enhancement Award Program (REAP) for Health Professional Schools and Graduate Schools (R15 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) Small Research Grant (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)
National Institutes of Health
NIDCD's Mentored Research Education Pathway for Otolaryngology Residents and Medical Students (R25 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
Translational Research in Maternal and Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
National Institutes of Health
Translational Research in Maternal and Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)
National Institutes of Health