About TOP

The Department of Commerce's Technology Opportunities Program (TOP) promotes the widespread availability and use of digital network technologies in the public and non-profit sectors. As part of the Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), TOP gives grants for model projects demonstrating innovative uses of network technologies. TOP evaluates and actively shares the lessons learned from these projects to ensure the benefits are broadly distributed across the country.

TOP makes matching grants to state, local and tribal governments, health care providers, schools, libraries, police departments, and community-based non-profit organizations. TOP projects demonstrate how digital networks support lifelong learning for all Americans, help public safety officials protect the public, assist in the delivery of health care and public health services, and foster communication, resource-sharing, and economic development within rural and urban communities. To date, TOP has awarded 610 grants, in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, totaling $233.5 million and leveraging $313.7 million in local matching funds. TOP projects are demonstrations of how digital network technologies can be used to extend and improve the delivery of valuable services and opportunities to all Americans. By serving as models that can be replicated in similar communities across the country, TOP projects extend their benefits far beyond the communities in which they take place, and provide economic and social benefits to the nation as a whole.

In addition, TOP continuously disseminates the results and insights learned from the projects it supports by providing technical assistance, creating publications, newsletters and online resources, and hosting conferences.

See also TOP's News from the Field for news and information about TOP grantees.

See also NTIA Press Releases for additional information and updates on NTIA and TOP activities.