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USDA Community Connect Grants

Rural broadband internet grants up to $3 million

Grant Website

Grant Guidelines

Funding Opportunity Number: RDRUS-CC-2021

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.863

Grant Deadline: Dec. 23, 2020

Bring broadband internet to rural communities

The Community Connect provides financial assistance to eligible applicants that will provide broadband service in rural, economically-challenged communities where service does not exist.

What this grant does for your agency

Rural areas that lack any existing broadband speed of at least 10 Mbps downstream and 1 Mbps upstream are eligible.

Funds may be used for the construction, acquisition, or leasing of facilities, spectrum, land or buildings used to deploy broadband service for:

  • All residential and business customers located within the Proposed Funded Service Area (PFSA)
  • All participating critical community facilities (such as public schools, fire stations, and public libraries)

The cost of providing broadband service free of charge to the critical community facilities for 2 years.

Less than 10% of the grant amount or up to $150,000 may be used for the improvement, expansion, construction or acquisition of a community center that provides online access to the public.

Matching funds of at least 15% from non-federal sources are required and can be used for operating costs.

Agencies awarded the USDA Community Connect Grants receive $100,000 to $3,000,000 in grant funding.

Only a limited number of grants will be awarded.

Grant Eligibility

For full eligibility details, see the Grant Guidelines. Eligible applicants include:

  • Incorporated organizations
  • Federally-recognized Tribes
  • State and local units of government
  • Any other legal entity, including cooperatives, private corporations, or limited liability companies organized on a for-profit or not-for-profit basis

About USDA Rural Development

USDA Rural Development is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. More

Grant Deadline

Grant applications are due no later than 11:59 p.m. EST, Dec. 23, 2020.

Apply

Apply for the USDA Community Connect Grants