Community Connect Grant Program

The Community Connect Grant Program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants to provide high-speed internet at the Broadband Grant Speed in rural, economically-challenged communities where broadband service does not currently exist. The program aims to stimulate economic development and provide enhanced educational and healthcare opportunities in rural areas. Key aspects of the program include: • Grant funds can be used to deploy high-speed internet, construct or expand a community center, and equip a community center to provide free access to high-speed internet. • The minimum grant request amount is $100,000, and the maximum grant request amount is $5 million. • Applicants must contribute a matching contribution of at least 15% of the grant amount requested. • The program gives priority to rural areas that demonstrate the greatest need for broadband services. • Applications will be reviewed and scored based on the provisions of 7 CFR 1739 and the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).