Innovating for Inclusion: 2025 Digital Equity Spark Grantees Tackle the Digital Divide

Ensuring everyone has access to affordable, reliable internet is key to unlocking educational, economic, and civic potential. The Michelson 20MM Foundation is committed to closing the digital divide, especially for underserved and historically marginalized communities. Through the 2025 Digital Equity Spark Grants cycle, we are proud to invest in innovative, systems-level strategies that have the power to create meaningful change at scale.

• BRITE: BRITE will bring DISCONNECTED, a feature documentary on the digital divide, to a broad public audience. 
• The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights: Building on their 2024 pilot internet service provider project in Pico-Union, CHIRLA is launching a community-driven effort to close the digital divide.
• UNITE-LA: UNITE-LA will advance community broadband pilots in Pacoima and the Antelope Valley. Their efforts target two of the most persistent barriers to digital equity: affordability and access.
• The Youth Law Center: The YLC will help close digital equity gaps for foster and justice-involved youth. These young people face systemic barriers to internet and mobile access that stem from both restrictive institutional settings and the instability and disruptions caused by foster care experiences—barriers that can limit educational achievement, economic opportunity, and long-term well-being. YLC will assess all 58 California probation agencies for compliance with digital access laws, ensuring youth can pursue education and stay connected.

[August 13, 2025]