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 enhance broadband access in rural, economically-challenged communities lacking adequate service. Eligible applicants, including small businesses, tribal governments, and local organizations, must propose projects that deliver broadband speeds of at least 100 Mbps down and 20 Mbps up to areas currently underserved by broadband, defined as having speeds below 10 Mbps down and 1 Mbps up. This initiative is crucial for stimulating economic development and improving educational and healthcare opportunities in these regions, with a total funding pool of approximately $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.
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