Philadelphia’s Digital Literacy Alliance (DLA) is a city-focused coalition working to reduce the digital divide. It brings together government, nonprofits, businesses, universities and community leaders to fund digital-literacy and inclusion programs, develop strategy, raise money and oversee funded projects. The City’s Digital Equity team coordinates the Alliance, whose members meet monthly to review proposals, make grants and raise funds.1
The Alliance was established in 2016, according to the City’s digital equity plan; a later City account dates its creation to 2017.69 Its work is local: grants support Philadelphia residents’ access to technology and their ability to use it, with priorities varying by grant cycle.3 The DLA Fund is part of the Philadelphia City Fund.1
Its projects have addressed practical barriers to digital participation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alliance funded digital navigator helplines and remote support through organizations including Beyond Literacy, Drexel University’s ExCITe Center and SEAMAAC.4 A later cycle supported programs for immigrants and people with limited English proficiency, including digital skills training, health-resource access and community network development.410 In a device-reuse initiative, PCs for People received a contract to refurbish computers and distribute 200 low-cost devices monthly by the end of its grant period.4
The Alliance’s membership includes organizations such as the Free Library of Philadelphia, Community College of Philadelphia, Drexel University, Temple University, Comcast and the Philadelphia Housing Authority.2 The City reported that it had awarded more than $1 million to local digital-inclusion programs by 2023.9