Community Connect Rural Internet Grants – Due April 21

Cities can apply for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Rural Development (RD) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) grants to increase the availability of internet services in rural communities. Applicants are advised that required registrations must be completed prior to applying. Funding is intended to promote the expansion of broadband networks that provide services on a community-oriented connectivity basis in rural areas.

The program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants that will provide service at or above the broadband grant speed to all premises in rural, economically challenged communities where broadband service does not exist. The deployment of broadband services on a ‘‘community-oriented connectivity’’ basis stimulates economic development and provides enhanced educational and healthcare opportunities in rural areas.

Funding may be used as follows:

• The construction, acquisition, or leasing of facilities, spectrum, land, or buildings used to deploy broadband service for:
• The cost of providing broadband service free of charge to the critical community facilities for two 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.

The Agency encourages applicants to consider projects that will advance the following key priorities:

• Assisting rural communities to recover economically through more and better market opportunities and improved infrastructure.
• Ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to RD programs and benefits from RD-funded projects.
• Reducing climate pollution and increasing resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural communities.

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