Connecting Communities to a Brighter Future
The internet is a powerful enabler for social change; yet, for millions of Americans, it remains out of reach. A disproportionate number of these people include vulnerable populations such as low-income families or individuals, seniors, students, and adults living with a disability.
Mobile Beacon works hand-in-hand with community organizations to create digital inclusion programs that provide the internet to the people that need it most. Together, we help connect people to this vital tool to improve their lives. See how past winners have used the technology to impact their communities below.
Clearing the Runway for More Digital Inclusion Programs
Community anchor institutions understand the evolving needs of their communities best. That’s why we’re offering the Wi-Fly Lending Launch Kit to help YOU create programs that will really take off.
When you become one of our pilot sites, you’ll have access to the full Wi-Fly Lending Launch Kit which includes:
- 25 donated laptops
- FREE unlimited Mobile Beacon service for each device during the pilot program (the grant period is 12 months from the award date)
That’s an estimated value of over $20,000! All the equipment is yours to keep after the grant period is over.
Wi-Fly Grant Timeline
Apply Today!
Pilot applications should have a clear focus on how mobile, high-speed internet will make a tangible change for the people you serve. Provide as much detail as you need to explain what you plan to do and how you will measure your impact.
Questions? Email [email protected].
The application deadline is November 1, 2024 at 5 PM EST.
- Wi-Fly FAQs
- Testimonials/Success Stories
The grant period begins on the date the equipment is delivered to your organization and ends twelve (12) months from that delivery date.
You must fall within Mobile Beacon’s coverage area. Grant recipients must also sign and abide by Mobile Beacon’s terms and conditions. *Please review the terms and conditions to ensure you can comply before applying.
There must be a clear plan, outlined in your application, on how your organization will use the awarded equipment and service. Your organization must meet the requirements of the grant you are applying for. Ex: A non-profit organization is ineligible for a Connect for Success Grant, but may apply for the Wi-Fly Digital Inclusion Grant.
Mobile Beacon requires two feedback and evaluation reports during this one-year grant period. Submitting late or incomplete reports and delays in completing activities will impair project success.
After applying, please allow our Program Team time to review your application. Once reviewed, our Program team will be in contact with your grant administrator about the next steps. Send any questions or concerns to [email protected].
After receiving your award notification, your grant administrator will send the necessary paperwork. This paperwork should be signed by an authorized representative of your organization with information about your organization (i.e. E.I.N, address, etc.).
The grant Paperwork must be signed, completed, and returned to us within 30 days of being awarded (unless otherwise discussed with our Programs Team).
Completed documents can be returned electronically by email [email protected] or delivered physically via U.S. mail, UPS, etc. Signatures on paperwork must be physically signed or signed electronically via Docu Sign, Adobe Signature, etc.
Up to 25 mobile hotspots*, up to 25 laptops, and free unlimited Mobile Beacon internet service for 12 months.
*Please contact us at [email protected] if any specific technology requests will benefit the success of your organization's project.
Mobile Beacon wants your program to be successful and for your organization to achieve the goals approved in your grant application. Please note, you must notify Mobile Beacon in advance, if ever there is a proposed change that deviates from what was included in the project proposal.
At the end of your grant term, all awarded equipment will remain in your possession, but the free service period will end. However, the service can be renewed through Mobile Beacon, please contact the programs team at [email protected] to learn more.
A CIPA-compliant tool for content filtering is available on the devices. If you are interested in applying this content filtering tool, please email [email protected].
Nonprofits, schools, healthcare organizations, and libraries that are focused on creating digital inclusion within their communities are eligible to apply.
For the Wi-Fly Digital Inclusion grant, a pilot program is a new initiative an organization launches to serve their community. The structure and approach of a pilot program can vary widely based on the specific needs of the organization and the community it aims to assist. To see how past winning organizations have utilized this grant, check out our Check out our Testimonials/Success Stories tab below the FAQs.
Two eligible organizations will awarded the Wi-Fly Digital Inclusion Grant.
Check out our Testimonials/Success Stories tab below the FAQs to learn how past winning organizations have utilized this grant.
No, previous winners are not eligible.
Mobile Beacon will provide ongoing support to grant recipients, including technical assistance and resources to help maximize the impact of the Wi-Fly Lending Launch Kit.
Applications Open: August 5 at 9am EST until November 1st 5pm ET
Review Period: November 4th - December 6th
Finalist Interviews: December 9th - 13th
Winners Announced: By January 6th
No, you’re all set! Please review our grant timeline for more information on when you can expect updates.
Winners will be notified via email directly from Mobile Beacon
The laptops awarded through this grant depend on the availability of our distributing partners, so we are unable to guarantee the make or model until the grant is awarded. Previous recipients have received HP laptops and 4G hotspot devices with Mobile Beacon’s unlimited internet service.
Future Stars Inc.
WiFly Digital Inclusion Grant Winner 2022
"The Wi_Fly grant allowed us to meet the technology and internet connectivity needs of the elementary students in an inner city elementary school in Phoenix."
Caring Housing Ministries - Good Shepherd Homes
WiFly Digital Inclusion Grant Winner 2021
"The Wi-Fly project successfully deployed Mobile Beacon laptops, hotspots, and our personalized technology training program to 25 residents of the Good Shepherd Homes community in Los Angeles."
Carter's Crew
WiFly Digital Inclusion Grant Winner 2021
"The technology was used to loan out to participants of our program who did not have access to a home computer and/or internet services. The technology made access to career readiness workshops, anger management classes, life skills classes, virtual mentoring possible for families in our program who would otherwise not have access. The award made it possible for our court ordered participants to have access to this technology which ultimately made alternatives to detention possible for that demographic of teens that we serve."
Focusing Our Resources for Community Enlightenment (FORCE)
WiFly Digital Inclusion Grant Winner 2020
"We firmly believe that the majority of our objectives were met thanks to the Mobile Beacon Wi-Fly Lending Launch Kits. We wee able to expand our programming and reach more community residents than we ever imagined."
