Community Connect Grants

Category: USDA Rural Development, Federal Programs

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

Who may apply?

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

What is an eligible area?

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

The Application Guide provides guidance on rural areas currently eligible for Community Connect Grants.

How may the funds be used?

• 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.

Are there other grant requirements?

• Buildings constructed with grant funds must be located on property owned by the awardee
• Leasing expenses will only be covered through the advance of funds period included in the award documents
• Grantees must have legal authority to provide, construct, operate and maintain the proposed facilities or services
• Partnerships with other federal, state, local, private and non-profit entities are encouraged
• For additional detail see Code of Federal Regulations 7 CFR, Part 1739

Are there any other grant requirements?

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