Digital Learning Initiative Instructional Innovation Grant

The Digital Learning Initiative Instructional Innovation Grant is administered by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction on behalf of the North Carolina State Board of Education. Established under state legislation directing the advancement of digital learning across public schools, this competitive grant program is designed to support the continued implementation of North Carolina’s Digital Learning Plan. Since its inception, the initiative has focused on strengthening instructional practices through technology integration, professional development, and systemic innovation. The program reflects a statewide commitment to improving student outcomes and ensuring equitable access to high-quality digital learning environments. The primary purpose of this grant is to support Public School Units in addressing instructional challenges and leveraging innovative strategies that enhance digital teaching and learning. The program emphasizes two funding pathways: Professional Learning and Innovative Technologies. Both pathways are aligned with the North Carolina Digital Learning Plan and ISTE-aligned Digital Learning Competencies. Projects funded under this initiative must demonstrate how they will build educator capacity, improve instructional practices, and increase student engagement, agency, and mastery of critical skills such as collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. Funding is available for up to ten awards during the 2026-2027 cycle. Traditional public school districts may receive up to fifty thousand dollars, while charter schools, regional schools, and laboratory schools may receive up to twenty thousand dollars. The grant supports a one-year project period beginning in fall 2026 and concluding in spring 2027. Funds must be used strictly for allowable purposes tied to the approved project, including professional development activities, instructional technology integration, and operational costs directly supporting implementation. Restrictions apply to ensure funds are not used for infrastructure-only projects or to replace existing technology outside the approved scope. Eligible applicants are limited to North Carolina Public School Units, including traditional public school districts, charter schools, regional schools, and laboratory schools. Applicants must have completed required digital learning assessments, including the Digital Learning Media Inventory and Digital Learning Progress Rubric. Businesses and non-public school entities are not eligible. Each Public School Unit may submit only one application, and proposals must align clearly with one of the two defined pathways while demonstrating measurable outcomes and sustainability. The application process requires submission through a designated online form, with applicants expected to complete a structured template that includes objectives, timelines, program narratives, budgets, and required assurances. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on June 18, 2026. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. The review process evaluates proposals based on criteria such as clarity of goals, alignment to standards, feasibility of implementation, evaluation planning, stakeholder engagement, and budget justification. Selected applicants will be announced on August 6, 2026. Grant recipients are required to meet several program expectations, including presenting project outcomes at statewide events and sharing resources through designated dissemination channels. Projects must adhere strictly to approved budgets and maintain alignment with original goals unless formal approval for changes is granted. Additionally, applicants must ensure originality in their proposals and disclose any use of artificial intelligence tools during preparation. Noncompliance with these requirements may result in disqualification. Support for applicants is provided through a series of webinars and office hours offered throughout the application period. These sessions include guidance on grant requirements, proposal development, and best practices for storytelling and budgeting. Direct assistance is also available through program contacts. The structured timeline for this grant includes the release of the request for proposals on April 2, 2026, an application deadline of June 18, 2026, award announcements in early August, and implementation beginning shortly thereafter. The program operates on a recurring basis as part of the state’s ongoing investment in digital learning innovation.

Ensure strong alignment to NC Digital Learning Plan and ISTE competencies; clearly define measurable outcomes; provide a detailed and justified budget narrative; demonstrate feasibility and stakeholder engagement; avoid vague or device-focused proposals