Every investment in digital opportunity helps create pathways to education, employment, healthcare, civic participation, and community connection.
As we close this chapter of our strategic plan, we remain committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of the resources entrusted to our work.
Support from public agencies, philanthropic organizations, corporate partners, and community stakeholders has enabled CDE to expand services, strengthen partnerships, and build a more connected North Carolina.
FY26 Funding Snapshot
Funding Digital Opportunity
CDE’s work is supported through a diverse mix of public investment, philanthropic funding, corporate partnerships, contracts, and earned revenue.
Together, these investments expand digital opportunity across North Carolina by supporting Digital Navigator services, digital skills training, ecosystem development, research, advocacy, and community partnerships.
As funding landscapes continue to evolve, we remain focused on building a sustainable model that balances innovation, accountability, and long-term community impact.
Major Investments & Funding Sources
- Knight Foundation supports organizational infrastructure, leadership, and long-term strategic development.
- North Carolina Division of Aging supports statewide Principal Digital Navigator implementation and older adult digital opportunity efforts.
- City of Charlotte supports Digital Navigator services and community-centered digital opportunity initiatives including digital skilling.
- NCDIT Digital Equity Champions Grant supports regional expansion and Digital Navigator services across Gaston, Union, Cabarrus, and Mecklenburg counties.
- The Spectrum Digital Education program supports digital skills training, resource access, and technical support across affordable housing communities.
- Advocate Health supports Digital Navigator services specifically for their employees including devices.
Beyond Our Budget: Ecosystem Investment
The impact of CDE extends beyond our organizational budget.
Through partnerships, shared resources, training opportunities, device distribution programs, software licensing, technical assistance, and collaborative initiatives, we help create value across a broader network of organizations working to expand digital opportunity.
This year, partners benefited from direct and indirect investments that strengthened their ability to serve residents, build organizational capacity, and advance digital opportunity within their communities.
By the Numbers
Estimated direct and indirect value generated across the ecosystem
Devices distributed through partner networks*
Organizations receiving tools, training, or technical assistance
Organizations participating in shared learning opportunities
Partner organizations supported
*Note: Number of devices distributed through partner networks within the do.OS Access Layer.
Looking Ahead
As CDE enters the next phase of its work, we remain focused on building a sustainable future for digital opportunity across North Carolina.
Our long-term approach combines philanthropy, public investment, strategic partnerships, and mission-aligned earned revenue to support the systems, services, and collaborations communities rely on.
Through partnerships with organizations such as PwC and others, we continue exploring opportunities to leverage CDE’s expertise in ecosystem development, implementation support, and digital opportunity strategy in ways that strengthen—and never compete with—the broader ecosystem.
The goal is not simply organizational growth.
It is ensuring that digital opportunity efforts remain strong, adaptable, and sustainable for years to come.
