The Community Connect Grant Program, administered by the USDA Rural Utilities Service, provides financial assistance to deploy broadband infrastructure in rural, economically-challenged communities where high-speed internet service does not currently exist. Eligible applicants, including local governments, nonprofits, and for-profit organizations, can apply for grants to construct broadband networks capable of providing service at speeds of at least 100 Mbps downstream and 20 Mbps upstream to all premises in the proposed service area. Projects must also include a community center with free public computer access and offer free broadband service to essential community facilities for two years. Applications will be evaluated based on criteria such as community need, project feasibility, and sustainability. The application window opens on February 20, 2025, and submissions are due by 11:59 a.m. Eastern Time on April 21, 2025.
Approximately $26 million in grant funding is available, with individual awards ranging from $100,000 to $5,000,000. Successful projects will have a 3-year performance period, and awards are expected to be announced in September 2025. The grant program aims to stimulate economic development and enhance educational and healthcare opportunities in underserved rural areas.
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