Community Connect Grant Program
ID: 358143Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Rural Utilities Service (USDA-RUS)

Award Range

$100K - $5M

Eligible Applicants

Small Businesses

Funding Category

Regional Development

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/358143

Additional Information

https://www.rd.usda.gov/community-connect
Timeline
    Description

    The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) under the USDA is offering the Community Connect Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2025, aimed at providing financial assistance to eligible applicants to establish broadband services in rural communities lacking adequate internet access. The program specifically targets areas where broadband service is defined as providing less than 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload speeds, with a focus on community-oriented connectivity that enhances economic development and educational opportunities. With an estimated total funding of $26 million available for grants ranging from $100,000 to $5 million, applications will be accepted from February 20, 2025, until April 21, 2025, and interested parties can reach out to the Community Connect Help Desk at community.connect@usda.gov for further information.

    Point(s) of Contact
    community.connect@usda.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    CC.pdf
    The document outlines the announcement of the Community Connect Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2025 by the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) under the USDA. Its primary purpose is to support rural communities lacking broadband service by providing financial assistance to build community-oriented broadband networks. An estimated $26 million is available for grants ranging from $100,000 to $5 million, with applications open from February 20, 2025, to April 21, 2025. Eligible applicants include various legal entities, such as organizations, tribal governments, and local governments, which must propose a service area that lacks adequate broadband service, defined as providing below 10 Mbps for downstream and 1 Mbps for upstream. The program emphasizes community engagement, requiring free broadband service to essential community facilities and providing local community centers with internet access for at least two years. The application process requires compliance with federal regulations, including SAM registration, and mandates reporting on project performance and expenses. The document stresses the significance of equitable access, climate change mitigation, and local community empowerment throughout the funding initiative. This grant program exemplifies federal efforts to enhance broadband infrastructure in underserved rural regions.
    Similar Opportunities
    Calendar Year 2022 Disaster Water Grants
    Rural Utilities Service
    The Rural Utilities Service, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is offering the Calendar Year 2022 Disaster Water Grants Program to assist rural communities in recovering from water infrastructure damages caused by Presidentially Declared Disasters in 2022. This program aims to provide at least $247.25 million in grant funding to eligible entities for expenses related to the repair and enhancement of water systems, including drinking water, wastewater, solid waste, and stormwater projects, thereby improving community resilience and addressing long-term risks. Eligible applicants include public bodies, nonprofit organizations, and tribal entities, all of which must demonstrate legal authority, financial capability, and compliance with federal regulations. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted, and interested parties can contact Angela Tilghman at Water-RD@usda.gov or by phone at 302-857-3598 for further information.
    Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI)
    Rural Housing Service
    The Rural Housing Service is offering the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) grant to support qualified intermediary organizations in providing financial and technical assistance to low-income rural communities and tribal organizations. Eligible applicants, including small businesses and nonprofit organizations with at least three years of relevant experience, must match the grant amount, which ranges from $50,000 to $500,000, with a total program funding of $5 million available for approximately 30 awards. This initiative aims to enhance the capacity of communities to undertake projects related to housing and economic development, with applications due electronically by August 7, 2025, or via paper by August 12, 2025. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact Janelle Gustafson at janelle.gustafson@usda.gov or by phone at 406-585-2508.
    Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program
    Rural Business-Cooperative Service
    The Rural Business-Cooperative Service of the USDA is offering the Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program, a federal grant opportunity aimed at supporting agricultural producers in enhancing their energy efficiency and renewable energy systems. This program has a total estimated funding of $35.4 million, with individual grants ranging from $1,500 to $500,000, and is designed to promote sustainable energy practices within rural communities. Applications are accepted year-round, with specific deadlines for grants of $20,000 or less due by October 31, 2018, and for larger grants by April 1, 2019. Interested applicants can reach out to Maureen Hessel at maureen.hessel@wdc.usda.gov for further information and guidance on the application process.
    Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program
    Rural Utilities Service
    The Rural Utilities Service, part of the USDA, is offering the Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program to support qualified private nonprofit organizations in assisting rural communities with water and wastewater systems. The program aims to provide technical assistance and training to address water and waste problems, improve facility operations, and help applicants prepare for federal financial assistance, particularly focusing on issues like water contamination. With an estimated total funding of $35 million available for Fiscal Year 2026, applications will be accepted from October 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, through www.grants.gov. Interested organizations must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) and can contact the TAT Grant Manager at water-rd@usda.gov for further information.
    Solid Waste Management Grant Program
    Rural Utilities Service
    The Rural Utilities Service of the USDA is offering the Solid Waste Management Grant Program to assist rural communities in improving solid waste management through technical assistance and training. This program aims to reduce pollution, enhance the sustainability of waste sites, and address emerging contaminants, with a total funding pool of $4 million available for grants. Eligible applicants include private non-profit organizations, public bodies, Native American tribes, and academic institutions that demonstrate proven experience in solid waste management. Applications will be accepted from October 1, 2025, until December 31, 2025, with a maximum award ceiling of $1 million per project. Interested parties can find more information and submit applications via Grants.gov, and may contact the SWM Grant Manager at water-rd@usda.gov for further inquiries.
    Rural Health Network Advancement Program
    Health Resources and Services Administration
    The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is offering the Rural Health Network Advancement Program, a federal grant aimed at supporting networks of independent rural hospitals and clinics in collaborative efforts to enhance healthcare delivery. This initiative seeks to address structural barriers faced by rural providers, enabling them to improve operations, maintain services, and develop new care lines through integrated network collaboration while preserving local autonomy. With an estimated total program funding of $1 million and an award ceiling of $500,000, HRSA anticipates awarding two grants for this pilot program. Interested applicants, which may include various public and private entities, are encouraged to reach out to Maribel Nunez at mnunez@hrsa.gov or call 301-443-0466 for further information, with applications due by June 23, 2026.
    Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP)-Planning
    Health Resources and Services Administration
    The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is offering the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP)-Planning grant to support organizations in rural areas in developing comprehensive systems for addressing substance use disorders (SUD), particularly focusing on opioid misuse. This grant aims to assist rural communities in building partnerships and foundational capacity to implement sustainable prevention, treatment, and recovery services, addressing the broader mental and behavioral health needs of individuals affected by substance use. With an estimated total program funding of $4 million and an award ceiling of $100,000 for approximately 40 awards, eligible applicants include domestic public or private entities, both non-profit and for-profit. Interested parties can reach out to Lynlee Tanner Stapleton at 301-443-5764 or via email at ruralopioidresponse@hrsa.gov for further information, with applications due by April 6, 2026, and awards expected to be announced by August 1, 2026.
    Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP)-Impact
    Health Resources and Services Administration
    The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is offering the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP)-Impact grant to support rural communities in enhancing access to integrated treatment and recovery services for substance use disorder (SUD), particularly opioid use disorder (OUD). This grant aims to fund new or expanded evidence-based SUD prevention, treatment, and recovery services, while fostering coordination across health and social services to promote sustained recovery and well-being. With an estimated total program funding of $60 million and an expected 80 awards, eligible applicants include all domestic public or private entities, with no cost-sharing requirement. Interested parties can reach out to Lynlee Tanner Stapleton at 301-443-5764 or via email at ruralopioidresponse@hrsa.gov for further information, and applications must be submitted electronically by April 22, 2026.
    Rural Residency Planning and Development Program
    Health Resources and Services Administration
    The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is offering a grant opportunity through the Rural Residency Planning and Development Program aimed at improving and expanding healthcare access in rural areas. This program seeks to develop new, accredited, sustainable rural residency programs, particularly in qualifying medical specialties such as family medicine, internal medicine, and psychiatry, to address physician shortages in these communities. The initiative is critical for enhancing the training of physicians who will practice in rural settings, thereby contributing to the overall health of underserved populations. The total estimated funding for this program is $10.5 million, with individual awards ranging from $0 to $750,000, and applications are due by May 15, 2026. For further inquiries, interested applicants can contact Jason Steele at (301) 443-2203 or via email at jsteele@hrsa.gov.
    Rural Communities Opioid Response Program-Stimulant Support
    Health Resources and Services Administration
    The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is forecasting a grant opportunity titled "Rural Communities Opioid Response Program-Stimulant Support," aimed at enhancing access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services for stimulant use disorder in rural areas. This program seeks to reduce the prevalence and impact of stimulant use disorder, with a focus on coordinated and comprehensive service delivery. The estimated total program funding is $20 million, with an award ceiling of $500,000 and approximately 10 awards expected. Interested applicants, particularly small businesses, can reach out to Sarah O'Donnell at 301-443-0298 or via email at ruralopioidresponse@hrsa.gov for further information. Key deadlines include an estimated synopsis post date of December 16, 2024, and a close date of March 19, 2025, with project start anticipated on September 1, 2025.