A targeted investment aimed at closing the digital divide is expanding access to technology, workforce training and opportunity across North Alabama. GFiber and the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville awarded grants to seven local nonprofits serving Madison County this past week.
Through the GFiber Digital Inclusion Fund, $48,000 in grants has been distributed in 2026 to organizations focused on digital access, education and workforce readiness. Leaders say the effort reflects a broader push to ensure residents can fully participate in an increasingly connected economy.
Representatives from both organizations visited grant recipients April 27 and 28, meeting with staff and participants to see programs in action across Huntsville-area neighborhoods.
The funding supports a range of initiatives, from assistive technology for individuals with disabilities to workforce development tools and community-based internet access.
Among the recipients, Ability Plus will use its $7,000 award to provide iPads and customized applications designed to build independence and communication skills for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Aum Foundation USA, Inc. received $7,500 to expand college and career readiness programs for high-achieving young women from under-resourced communities.
Other grants include $6,500 to Catholic Center of Concern to establish a digital access kiosk for low-income residents, and $10,000 to Grandparents as Parents (GAP) to create a technology center supporting caregivers and children with internet access and educational tools.
Additional recipients include Huntsville Learning Center, which will expand digital skills training, including responsible use of artificial intelligence; Riley Behavioral and Educational Center, which is enhancing learning environments for children with autism through new classroom technology; and Urban Strategies, Inc., which will install computers in public housing community centers to support job searches and academic success.
“We are proud to deepen our commitment to Huntsville through the GFiber Digital Inclusion Fund, and it’s truly inspiring to witness the vital work our grant recipients are doing on the front lines to close the digital divide and foster greater opportunity,” said John-Michael Cortez, GFiber’s head of government and community affairs for the South and Southwest.
“By providing essential tools for digital literacy, technology access, and workforce readiness, these organizations are empowering our neighbors to thrive in an increasingly digital world. We are deeply grateful to partner with the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville and these dedicated groups to make more possible for every resident in our community,” Cortez said.
Since its launch in 2018, the fund has supported nonprofits working to expand digital literacy, increase access to devices and prepare residents for technology-driven careers. The initiative has also earned national recognition, including a 2025 Community Broadband and Digital Equity Award from the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors.
Local leaders say the impact is already visible, with investments reaching classrooms, community centers and housing communities across the region.
From helping students build technical skills to connecting families with essential online services, the program is designed to create long-term economic mobility and strengthen the region’s workforce pipeline.
