What is the digital divide? 

If you are reading this, you probably have stable internet access, a laptop, smartphone, or tablet, and the skills required to use the internet effectively and safely. But many Canadians are not as fortunate. The digital divide is a serious gap in internet service experienced by communities across Canada—especially Indigenous communities and those in rural or northern areas. No longer viewed as a luxury, online connectivity is an essential human right, crucial to our society, economy, and democracy. The digital divide is the result of several obstacles in Canada, including challenges with infrastructure, affordability, and online safety.  

In many parts of Canada, access to reliable high-speed internet is limited or non-existent due to insufficient infrastructure investment and the high costs associated with delivering high-speed internet to these areas. Only half of rural households and just a third of First Nations households have access to the “basic” speed target of 50 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 10 Mbps upload set by Canada’s communications regulator in 2016. 

Another significant challenge in funding digital equity in Canada is the issue of affordability. Even in areas where high-speed internet is available, the cost of internet service can be prohibitive for many low-income individuals and families. Few families in Canada could afford to pay upwards of $1000 a month for internet access – but that is the reality for communities in the north. How does a family choose between paying rent and paying their internet bill – and what happens when, for example, a global pandemic hits and children are expected to attend class online? 

As more Canadians move online to access essential services and opportunities, the risk of cyber-attacks and identity theft increases. This can create a significant barrier to accessing opportunities that require internet access, such as online banking or healthcare. More needs to be done to ensure that all Canadians can access digital technology and the internet safely. 

These barriers mean many Canadians are isolated from participating fully in our digital society. 

Where does the funding come in? 

Bridging this divide and ensuring equal access to high-quality internet for all Canadians requires significant investment and changes in policy – but the needs of many communities are still not being fully met by the government or the private sector. 

My organization, CIRA, published a report on funding digital equity last year that underscores the role philanthropy can play to meet those needs and empower underserved communities. 

CIRA is an example of a nonprofit that is a leader in funding digital equity through Net Good by CIRA. Funded from the revenue CIRA generates through .CA domains and cybersecurity services, Net Good by CIRA encompasses all the initiatives CIRA leads that tackle the digital obstacles faced by communities across the country. With its flagship program CIRA Grants, CIRA is one of the few non-government funders in the digital equity space with a focus on empowering underserved communities by investing in internet projects that benefit Indigenous, rural, and northern communities, or students from kindergarten to post-secondary.  

I work in the nonprofit sector – how can I help bridge the digital divide? 

As someone with a background in fundraising, I understand how challenging it can be to work for a cause you care deeply about and struggle with a lack of funding. If you’re concerned about the digital divide and you have a great idea for a project that tackles the challenges of digital equity, your organization can apply for a grant from CIRA. Our annual call for applications opens in March and closes in April each year, and the deadline for 2023 is April 12. Grants of up to $100,000 are available to fund community-led projects in three funding areas: infrastructure, online safety, and policy engagement. 

Community-led internet projects funded by CIRA include: 

• An Indigenous Digital Equity Strategy co-created by the First Nations Technology Council, an Indigenous-led nonprofit based in BC, which aims to help leaders in First Nations communities mobilize their communities towards achieving digital equity. 
• A report by ACORN Canada, a member-driven national organization, researching the affordability barriers around digital access in communities across Canada. 
• Lesson plans, fact sheets, and informative videos providing Canadian youth ages 14-24 with an understanding of their digital rights and online privacy, created by the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association. 

Your organization can help advocate for change and provide support to underserved communities with an internet project funded by CIRA. You can read more about CIRA Grants and how to apply on our website.  

Chances are, if you are part of an organization with a mission to benefit underserved communities, you are already familiar with how the digital divide is negatively impacting the Canadians you are dedicated to helping. When more philanthropic organizations join CIRA in filling the gaps left by the private sector and government, we can ensure that all Canadians have equal access to the services and opportunities that are so essential to shaping a healthy, thriving, and equitable society.