The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is soliciting applications for grants to establish broadband in unserved rural communities through its Community Connect Program. The program helps to fund the deployment of broadband into rural communities where it is not economically viable for private sector providers to offer service.
Grants awarded through this program will fund broadband infrastructure to help foster economic growth by delivering connectivity to the global marketplace, as well as broadband for community centers and public institutions.
The minimum grant amount is $100,000 and the maximum award amount is $3 million. Grants are awarded through a national competition. Prior Community Connect grants cannot be renewed. However, existing Community Connect awardees may submit applications for new projects, which USDA will evaluate as new applications.
The deadline to apply is March 13, 2017. For additional information about the current application window, including details about the application process, see page 2940 of the January 10, 2017, Federal Register.
Questions related to the current application window for USDA's Community Connect Program should be directed to Shawn Arner, (202) 720-0800. You can also learn more about the Community Connect Program online.