Community Connect Grant Program

The USDA Rural Development's Community Connect Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2026 offers financial aid to deploy high-speed internet in rural, economically challenged areas lacking broadband. The program aims to ensure rural communities have access to services comparable to urban areas. Grants range from $100,000 to $5 million and require a minimum 15% cash match, with special provisions for U.S. territories. Eligible projects must serve contiguous rural areas without existing 10/1 Mbps broadband, offer 100/20 Mbps service to all residents and businesses, and provide free broadband to essential community facilities for two years. A community center with free internet access must also be established. Applications are due by June 29, 2026, and must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov, requiring a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and SAM.gov registration. The application includes an executive summary, scoring criteria documentation, system design, service area demographics, scope of work, community-oriented connectivity plan, and financial information to demonstrate project sustainability.

The USDA Rural Development's Community Connect Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2026 offers financial assistance to rural, economically challenged communities without high-speed internet. Grants, ranging from $100,000 to $5 million, support the deployment of high-speed internet (100 Mbps downstream/20 Mbps upstream) to essential community facilities, rural residents, and businesses. Funds can also be used to construct, acquire, or expand community centers providing free internet access for at least two years. A 15% cash match is required, with special provisions for certain U.S. territories. Applications, due June 29, 2026, must be submitted through Grants.gov and the Community Connect Application Intake System. Eligibility criteria include serving a rural area without existing broadband service and offering free internet to essential community facilities. Applications must include an Executive Summary, Scoring Criteria Documentation, System Design, Service Area Demographics, Scope of Work, Community-Oriented Connectivity Plan, Financial Information, Statement of Experience, Additional Funding, and compliance documentation.