The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the opening of the application window for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Community Connect Grants Program.
This initiative aims to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants to deliver broadband services in rural, economically challenged communities where such services are currently unavailable.
By fostering “community-oriented connectivity,” the program seeks to stimulate economic development and enhance educational and healthcare opportunities in these areas.
Program Overview
| Aspect | Details |
| Funding Available | Approximately $26 million |
| Grant Amounts | Ranging from $100,000 to $5 million |
| Application Window | Opens: February 20, 2025 Closes: April 21, 2025, at 11:59 a.m. Eastern Time |
| Eligible Applicants | State and local governments, federally recognized group, nonprofits, for-profit corporations, and other legal entities |
| Eligible Areas | Rural areas lacking existing broadband speeds of at least 10 Mbps downstream and 1 Mbps upstream |
| Matching Requirement | Minimum 15% match of the requested grant amount |
Purpose and Benefits
The Community Connect Grants Program is designed to extend broadband access to rural communities where such service is not yet economically viable for private sector providers.
Deploying broadband services on a community-oriented connectivity basis stimulates economic development and provides enhanced educational and healthcare opportunities in rural areas.
Eligible Applicants
Entities eligible to apply for the Community Connect Grants include:
- State and Local Governments: Governmental bodies at the state or local level.
- Federally Recognized group: Native American tribal organizations recognized by the federal government.
- Nonprofit Organizations: Incorporated organizations with tax-exempt status.
- For-Profit Corporations: Private corporations and limited liability companies organized on a for-profit basis.
- Other Legal Entities: Including cooperatives and limited liability companies organized on a not-for-profit basis.
Funding Details
The USDA estimates that approximately $26 million will be available for the FY 2025 grant cycle.
Individual grants will range from $100,000 to $5 million. Applicants are required to provide a minimum 15% match of the requested grant amount.
Eligible Areas
To qualify for funding, proposed service areas must be rural regions where broadband service is not currently available at speeds of at least 10 Mbps downstream and 1 Mbps upstream. This ensures that the grants target communities most in need of connectivity improvements.
Use of Funds
Grant funds may be utilized for:
- Broadband Infrastructure: Constructing, acquiring, or leasing facilities, spectrum, land, or buildings used to deploy broadband service within the proposed service area.
- Community Centers: Improving, expanding, constructing, or acquiring a community center that provides online access to the public.
- Free Broadband Service: Providing broadband service free of charge to critical community facilities for two years.
Application Process
Click on the link here to apply.
The application window opens on February 20, 2025, and closes on April 21, 2025, at 11:59 a.m. Eastern Time. Applications must be submitted electronically through the USDA’s online application system.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the FY 2025 Community Connect Grant Program Application Guide available on the program’s website.
Contact Information
For further inquiries, applicants can visit their official website here.
Conclusion
The Community Connect Grants Program 2025 represents a significant opportunity for rural communities to enhance their connectivity infrastructure.
By providing financial assistance to eligible applicants, the USDA aims to bridge the digital divide, foster economic growth, and improve access to essential services in underserved areas.
Interested parties are encouraged to prepare and submit their applications within the specified timeframe to take advantage of this funding opportunity.
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