Community Connect
Opportunity Information
The Community Connect program serves rural communities where broadband service is least likely to be available, but where it can make a tremendous difference in the quality of life for citizens. Projects funded by these grants will help rural residents tap into the enormous potential of the Internet. http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-connect-grants
The Community Connect program serves rural communities where broadband service is least likely to be available, but where it can make a tremendous difference in the quality of life for citizens. Projects funded by these grants will help rural residents tap into the enormous potential of the Internet. http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-connect-grants
Program Amount
Minimum grant request amount of $100,000 and maximum of $3,000,000
Application Deadline
12/23/2020
Competitive
Applicants scored and prioritized to determine selection for further development and funding; minimum 15% match required
Eligible Applicants
State and local governments, federally recognized Tribes, non-profits, for-profit corporations. Rural areas that lack existing broadband speed of at least 10 Mbps downstream and 1 Mbps upstream
Objective
Funds broadband deployment into rural communities where it is not yet economically viable for private sector providers to deliver service
Equipment
Construction, expansion, improvement or acquisition of community center; broadband expansion, construction of communication towers
NOFO Language
Applications should include an analysis of the community-wide challenges and how the project proposes to address these issues, including public safety issues.
Interpretation
While NG911 is not specifically mentioned, recipients should consider integrating NG911 implementation activities into planning related to public safety efforts.