Apply now for the IMPACT Program’s Infrastructure Round!

Applications are due June 15, 2026.

This round of IMPACT funding is focused on supporting projects that will address the infrastructure communities need to be connected. Cook County and City Bureau are taking the broad view on infrastructure: it takes the physical tools (like fibers, cables and towers) for communities to get online, but we also need community centers and people power to build, manage and expand access to the connectivity these tools provide. 

Read below to learn more about this funding opportunity.

Are you: 

• A nonprofit or local government that connects residents to physical infrastructure they need to get online?

• A community hub, library, school, or affordable housing provider that wants to expand internet connectivity for the people you serve?

• A digital skills trainer or workforce development program that wants to teach community members how to build systems that connect us to the internet?

• A newsroom or community organization interested in documenting what Suburban Cook County’s internet infrastructure looks like and how it impacts people? 

Then we want to hear from you.

Overview of funding opportunity

The Digital Equity IMPACT Small Grants Program was created to advance the Cook County Digital Equity Action Plan’s strategic direction for a more connected county. 

This round of IMPACT funding is focused on the Action Plan’s Infrastructure Cornerstone: Ensure that Cook County has sufficient physical infrastructure (conduit, cables, towers, and data centers) to support healthy, robust internet service for all. 

Most people think of infrastructure as just cables and towers. Our definition also includes the institutions, shared tools, and local people who keep connectivity working in communities where connectivity gaps have proven hardest to close.

You may already be doing infrastructure work. Read our IMPACT Infrastructure Grant Guide to see examples of the diverse approaches that are eligible for this opportunity.

Grant types for this opportunity 

This round of the Cook County Digital Equity IMPACT Small Grants Program has TWO grant types:

Six HORIZON grants ($30,000) for projects that address a connectivity need or gap in your community. 

Projects can look like: 

• A library or affordable housing provider installs/expands WiFi coverage to increase access for the people they serve. 

• A training program that teaches community members how to build and maintain infrastructure for connectivity, like local WiFi networks.

• A school, nonprofit or local government partners with Cook County to connect their community with public broadband resources. 

Two EMPOWERMENT grants ($15,000) for a project that documents infrastructure solutions or needs to raise public awareness or understanding. 

Projects can look like: 

• A local institution engages its community to collect data about the landscape for internet infrastructure and shares its findings with the public. 

• A newsroom creates and distributes an information resource that helps people understand how to navigate broadband options and where there are gaps. 

• A media organization collaborates with the IMPACT cohort to create a documentary about challenges and opportunities for Suburban Cook County’s connectivity infrastructure. 

IMPACT program objectives

The Cook County Digital Equity IMPACT Small Grants Program will help to:

→ Provide resources and add capacity to existing Suburban Cook County organizations (excluding Chicago) that implement digital equity activities.

→ Encourage pilot programming that aligns with one or more IMPACT solution recommendations.

IMPACT solutions recommended by the Digital Equity Action Plan

• Innovative—Replication of a successful model or new model that meets the needs of County residents and builds equity.

• Measurable—Defined metrics to track, qualify, quantify, and “storify” progress based on agreed-upon impact goals.

• Purposeful—Activities are intentional, useful, relevant, and specific, with a vision of the change we want to see.

• Actionable—Mindset, attitude, or strategy focused on taking practical steps to change course or improve circumstances.

• Collaborative—Joining forces and working collectively toward shared goals or objectives.

• Timely—Activities meet current, demonstrated needs and create strategic pathways for bigger goals.

→ Build partnerships with local media, journalists, and storytellers to capture, create, and share content to strengthen and expand digital inclusion access and equity information.

→ Grow the digital equity ecosystem in Cook County, by establishing a community of practice that fosters collaboration, shares best practices, and drives collective impact. By building a supportive network, we can enhance the effectiveness of individual projects and contribute to broader digital equity objectives across the region.

Application process

The application has 16 questions about your organization and proposed project and includes an optional video submission. 

We aim to notify applicants in early July if their application has been selected. Applicants who are selected for funding will be required to submit a detailed budget after award selections. This step underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the use of grant funds. 

The submitted budget should clearly outline projected expenses and demonstrate alignment with the project’s goals and objectives, ensuring that resources are effectively utilized to advance your project and Cook County’s digital equity initiatives.

What to expect during the grant period

Funded organizations will receive storytelling support and opportunities to connect with members across the IMPACT cohort virtually and in-person during the grant period. Grantees are expected to commit time to participating in cohort-wide events if selected.

Have questions about the application?

Reach out to tyra@citybureau.org and CookCountyDigitalEquity@cookcountyil.gov.