State and federal funding is available to support:
- Broadband deployment
- Adoption
- Digital literacy planning and implementation
Funding programs that have an annual cycle will display the current fiscal year open and close dates.
Search for available broadband funding programs
| State or Federal | Program Status | Program Name | Administering Agency | Program Division | Program Purpose | Funding Purpose | Available Funding | Type of Award | Size of Award | Match | Match Requirement | Funding Cycles | Application Due/Filing Window Closes | Eligible Applicants | Eligible Entities | Eligible Costs | Program Contact | Website | Link to Application Site (and to any guidelines) | Key Links, Notes, and sources | Eligible Costs | Eligibility notes | Minimum Speeds | Program Contact | Website | Link to Application Site (and to any guidelines) | Key Links and notes and sources | Funding Categories |
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| State | Open | California Advanced Services Fund: Broadband Adoption Account | California Public Utilities Commission | Communications Division | The Broadband Adoption Account provides grants to increase publicly available or after-school broadband access and digital inclusion, such as grants for digital literacy training programs and public education to communities with limited broadband adoption. | Adoption, Digital Equity | $36.385 million for fiscal year 2024-2025 | Grant | $150,000 maximum in previous funding cycles | Yes | 15% | Applications may be submitted at any time. However, staff will consider applications submitted on or before each deadline listed below as a batch, until all funds have been awarded. | January 1, 2025 July 1, 2025 January 1, 2026 And every January 1 and July 1 thereafter, until funds are exhausted. | Governments, libraries, education, senior centers, nonprofits, community organizations | Local governments, senior centers, schools, public libraries, nonprofit organizations, and community-based organizations with programs to increase publicly available or after school broadband access and digital inclusion, such as digital literacy training programs are eligible to apply for grants. | i. Education and outreach efforts (including travel, up to 10% of grant amount) and materials. ii. Acceptable computing devices (does not include smartphones) within budgetary limits and inclusive of computer. iii. Software (inclusive of licensing for online platforms). iv. Printers. v. Network routers, switches, modems, and cabling deployed for the purpose of establishing a space for broadband access or digital literacy that connects to an existing in-building broadband network such as Wi-Fi (inside network). vi. Mobile hotspots, only when no inside network is available. vii. Provision of technical support for the installation of equipment subsidized through this program or technical support for the equipment for the duration of the project subsidized through this program. viii. Desks and chairs to furnish a designated space for training/access. ix. Gathering, preparing, creating and distributing digital literacy curriculum (for Digital Literacy projects). x. Digital literacy instructors or staffing for monitoring the designated space or staffing for call centers. xi. Reimbursement for administrative costs is limited to administrative costs representing 15% or less of the overall proposed budget. | CASF_Adoption@cpuc.ca.gov | https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/internet-and-phone/california-advanced-services-fund/casf-adoption-account | Overview of Application Process: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/-/media/cpuc-website/divisions/communications-division/documents/casf-adoption-and-access/adoption_account/informatioN/Applying-for-a-grant-from-the-casf-adoption-account.pdf | See Decision for FY 2024-25 at https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Published/G000/M534/K270/534270733.PDF Main website: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/internet-and-phone/california-advanced-services-fund/casf-adoption-account | Community-Based Organizations | |||||||
| State | Open | California Advanced Services Fund: Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account | California Public Utilities Commission | Communications Division | The Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account subsidizes the cost of middle-mile and last-mile infrastructure to expand the State’s broadband network. | Infrastructure | $60.458 million for fiscal year 2024-2025 | Grant | 2025 application deadline October 31, 2025 | 1) Entities with a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity that qualify as a "telephone corporation" as defined under Public Utilities (Pub. Util.) Code section 234; or 2) Wireless carriers who are registered with the Commission (i.e., hold a Wireless Identification Registration (WIR)); or 3) Non-telephone corporations that are facilities-based broadband service providers; or 4) A local governmental agency if no other eligible entity applied. | Costs directly related to the deployment of infrastructure; Costs to lease access to property or for Internet backhaul services for a period not to exceed five years; and Costs incurred by an existing facility-based broadband provider to upgrade its existing facilities to provide for interconnection. | CASF_Application_Questions@cpuc.ca.gov | https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/internet-and-phone/california-advanced-services-fund/casf-infrastructure-grant | https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Published/G000/M370/K490/370490001.pdf | See Decision for FY 2024-25 at https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Published/G000/M534/K270/534270733.PDF | Education | ||||||||||||
| State | Open | California Advanced Services Fund: Broadband Public Housing Account | California Public Utilities Commission | Communications Division | The Broadband Public Housing Account provides funding for inside wiring projects that will offer broadband access to low income communities at no cost to residents of those communities. | Adoption, Digital Equity, Infrastructure | $30.141 million for fiscal year 2024-2025 | Grant | $150,000 maximum in previous funding cycles | No | No | Applications may be submitted at any time. However, staff will consider applications submitted on or before each deadline listed below as a batch. Deadlines: January 1, 2024 July 1, 2024 And every January 1 and July 1 thereafter, until funds are exhausted. | Application Cycle Deadlines: January 1, 2025 | Publicly-supported housing developments, farmworker housing, and other housing developments serving low-income communities | Publicly supported housing developments and farmworker housing are eligible to apply for grants. Low-income communities that otherwise meet eligibility requirements and comply with program requirements established by the CPUC may also apply, including other housing developments or mobile home parks with low-income residents. | All broadband networking equipment (hardware and software), wireless access points, wireless bridge(s), modem(s), switches, router(s), and firewall(s) for network security but not personal computers, laptops, handheld or human interface devices. Low voltage contracting work including the installation of inside wiring, network cabinets, NEMA boxes, conduits, patch panels, cable tray or ladders, and other cabling requirements to provide power and connectivity for the broadband network equipment funded as part of the project. Broadband network engineering and designing documentation. Hardware warranty of broadband network equipment as needed. Installation, provisioning, and configuration labor costs at the Minimum Point of Entry (MPOE), MDFs (Main Distribution Frame), IDFs (Intermediate Distribution Frame), WAPs (Wireless Access Point), Wireless Bridges such as P2P and P2MP (Point to Point and Point to Multi-point) Radios, Switched Ethernet, and xDSL (Digital Subscriber Line) modems. Taxes, shipping and insurance costs (if applicable) that are directly related to broadband network equipment deployed under the BPHA. | CPUC_Housing@cpuc.ca.gov | https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/internet-and-phone/california-advanced-services-fund/casf-public-housing-account | https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/-/media/cpuc-website/divisions/communications-division/documents/casf-adoption-and-access/bpha/bpha-application-process-overview.pdf | Final Ruling: https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Published/G000/M479/K637/479637749.PDF Rules and Guidelines: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/-/media/cpuc-website/divisions/communications-division/documents/casf-adoption-and-access/bpha/bpha-guidelines.pdf See Decision for FY 2024-25 at https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Published/G000/M534/K270/534270733.PDF. Main website: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/internet-and-phone/california-advanced-services-fund/casf-public-housing-account | For-Profit Companies | |||||||
| State | Open | California Advanced Services Fund: Line Extension Program | California Public Utilities Commission | Communications Division | The Line Extension Program awards infrastructure grants to an individual household and/or property owner to offset the costs of connecting a household or property to an existing or proposed facility-based broadband provider. | Infrastructure | $1.294 million for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 | Grant | A maximum of $500 for fixed wireless in previous funding cycles A maximum of $9,300 for wireline installations in previous funding cycles | No | No | Rolling | Rolling | Individuals | Customer residing at the location to be served. All recipients of the LEP grant must meet the income-based requirements. | Costs of connecting the eligible applicant to existing or new facilities-based internet providers | CASFLineExtensionProgram@cpuc.ca.gov | https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/internet-and-phone/california-advanced-services-fund/casf-line-extension-program | https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/-/media/cpuc-website/divisions/communications-division/documents/casf-infrastructure-and-market-analysis/line-extension-program/lep-rules-appendix-extracted-from-d1904022.pdf | Application Requirements: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/-/media/cpuc-website/divisions/communications-division/documents/casf-infrastructure-and-market-analysis/line-extension-program/lep-rules-appendix-extracted-from-d1904022.pdf See Decision for FY 2024-25 at https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Published/G000/M534/K270/534270733.PDF. Main website: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/internet-and-phone/california-advanced-services-fund/casf-line-extension-program | Governments | |||||||
| State | Annual | California Advanced Services Fund: Rural and Urban Regional Consortia Account | California Public Utilities Commission | Communications Division | The Rural and Urban Regional Consortia Account facilitates the deployment of broadband services by assisting CASF infrastructure grant applicants in the project development or grant application process, or assisting broadband deployment projects related to programs created under SB 156 and Assembly Bill (AB) 164. | Planning | $3.433 million for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 | Grant | Up to $200,000 per year, per consortium in previous funding cycles | No | No | Annual | 7/15/2022, no dates published for 2023 or 2024 | Governments, local agencies, education, healthcare, libraries, community organizations, for-profit companies, etc. | An eligible consortium may include, as specified by the Commission, representatives of organizations, including, but not limited to, local and regional government, public safety, elementary and secondary education, health care, libraries, postsecondary education, community-based organizations, tourism, parks and recreation, agricultural, business, workforce organizations, and air pollution control or air quality management districts, and is not required to have as its lead fiscal agent an entity with a certificate of public convenience and necessity. | Consortia will be reimbursed for the costs of performing eligible activities, including primarily conducting activities that will lead to or that can be reasonably expected to lead to CASF infrastructure projects or broadband deployment projects, including assisting potential applicants, outreach, etc. | CASF_Consortia_Grant_Administrator@cpuc.ca.gov | https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/internet-and-phone/california-advanced-services-fund/casf-consortia-account | Main page: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/internet-and-phone/california-advanced-services-fund/casf-consortia-account | Revised Program Rules: https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Published/G000/M479/K637/479637749.PDF See Decision for FY 2024-25 at https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Published/G000/M534/K270/534270733.PDF Payment Request Process for Consortia: https://ecap.cpuc.ca.gov/s/ | Healthcare Entities | |||||||
| State | Open | California Digital Equity Program (CalDEP) | California Department of Technology’s State Digital Equity Capacity Grant | California Department of Technology/Office of Broadband and Digital Literacy | To support the goals and measurable objectives of California's State Digital Equity Plan (SDEP) | Adoption, Digital Equity | Track 1 (regional/local ecosystems): $43 million; Track 2 (statewide ecosystems): $7 million | Grant | Track 1: Subject to county allocations; Track 2: $400,000 to $1 million | No | No | Single | 30-May-25 | Per SDEP: Local governments; indian tribes; a foundation, corporation, institution, or association that is a not-for-profit and not a school; a local educational agency; a community anchor institution (includes schools--see SDEP for definition of community anchor institution); an entity that carries out a workforce development program; a partnership between any of the above; Regional Broadband Consortia (subject to conditions) | A local political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality of the State of California. An Indian Tribe or a Native Hawaiian organization. A foundation, corporation, institution, or association that is: a not-for-profit entity; and not a school. A community anchor institution. A local educational agency. An entity that carries out a workforce development program. A partnership between any of the entities listed above. A Regional Broadband Consortia (as long as they or their fiscal agents belong to an Eligible Entity category as listed above and have an active UEI). | https://broadbandforall.cdt.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/03/Allowable-vs-Unallowable-Costs-and-Activities.pdf | CalDEP@state.ca.gov | https://broadbandforall.cdt.ca.gov/caldep/ | https://broadbandforall.cdt.ca.gov/caldep-grant-guidelines-and-request-for-applications/; also see SDEP at https://broadbandforall.cdt.ca.gov/state-digital-equity-plan/. For application portal, see https://apply-caldep.broadbandforall.cdt.ca.gov/submit | Income-qualified Individuals | ||||||||
| State | Open | California LifeLine | California Public Utilities Commission, in conjunction with FCC | Communications Division | California LifeLine offsets the costs of wireless and home phone service. | Adoption | Varies annually | Subsidy | Monthly service connection discount of up to $17.90; may be combined with federal subsidy of $9.25 | No | No | Annual renewal | Continuous | Income-qualified individuals | Income-qualified individuals or individuals that participate in other qualifying programs. | Monthly service connections and activation fees | https://www.californialifeline.com/en/contact | http://www.californialifeline.com/ | https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/consumer-support/financial-assistance-savings-and-discounts/lifeline/california-lifeline-eligibility#How_to_Apply_or_Renew | Individuals | ||||||||
| State | Open | California Teleconnect Fund | California Public Utilities Commission | Communications Division | The California Teleconnect Fund (CTF) program provides a 50% discount on advanced communication services (including Internet access and broadband services) to qualifying K–12 schools, libraries, community colleges, government-owned hospitals/health clinics, and community-based organizations. | Adoption, Utilization | $108.296 million | Subsidy | 50% of approved service costs | No | N/A | Rolling | Rolling | Libraries, education, Tribal entities, governments, healthcare entities | https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/-/media/cpuc-website/divisions/communications-division/documents/california-teleconnect-fund/ctf_eligible_entities.xlsx | Internet access and broadband services | Entities participating in the CTF Program should email ctfhelp@cpuc.ca.gov to update their contact information in order to receive important information and notifications on maintaining eligibility and discounts. For general application inquiries before submitting an application, please direct them to CTFHelp@cpuc.ca.gov or call Amy Lau at (415) 696-7310. If you have submitted an application and are inquiring about its status, please direct them to CTFHelp@cpuc.ca.gov or call Ligia Serpas at (415) 703-4332. For participant recertification inquiries, please direct them to CTFHelp@cpuc.ca.gov or call Joanne Leung at (415) 703-1149. Carriers and service providers can direct inquiries to CTFClaims@cpuc.ca.gov or contact Wylen Lai at (415) 703-2616. | https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/ctf | https://ecap.cpuc.ca.gov/pcms/s/ and also see https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/consumer-support/financial-assistance-savings-and-discounts/california-teleconnect-fund | Guidebook: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/-/media/cpuc-website/divisions/communications-division/documents/california-teleconnect-fund/ctf_applicant_and_participant_guidebook.pdf | Libraries | |||||||
| State | Open | Digital Divide Grant Program | California Public Utilities Commission | Communications Division | The Digital Divide Grant program will address the physical gaps in local broadband networks, affordability, access to personal devices and digital skills training. Funding is avaiable for low-income rural or urban schools or a non-profit community-based organizations with a demonstrated record of work in addressing the digital divide. | Adoption, Utilization | $300,000 | Grant | $50,000-$100,000 | No | N/A | Rolling | 30-May-25 | Qualifying low-income rural or urban schools or a non-profit community-based organizations. | https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/-/media/cpuc-website/divisions/communications-division/documents/california-teleconnect-fund/ddgp/eligible-schools-2025.xlsx | Student home broadband connection, student required hardware, cirriculum, software to enabel distance learning for students and teachers, teacher trainings in the use of technology for distance learning. | digitaldividegrantprogram@cpuc.ca.gov | http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/ddgp | https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/-/media/cpuc-website/divisions/communications-division/documents/california-teleconnect-fund/ddgp/ddgp_2024flyer.pdf | Local Agencies | ||||||||
| State | Open | Infrastructure State Revolving Fund Loan Program | California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank | The Infrastructure State Revolving Fund Loan Program finances public infrastructure and private development projects that promote a healthy climate for jobs, contribute to a strong economy, and improve the quality of life in California communities. | Deployment | Loans or bonds | N/A | No | No but ISRF financing may serve as a matching fund for other financing | Ongoing | Open | Governments, nonprofits | The applicant may be any subdivision of a state or local government, including departments, agencies, commissions, cities, counties, nonprofit corporations formed on behalf of an applicant, special districts, assessment districts, and joint powers authorities. | All or any part of the cost of construction, renovation, acquisition of all lands, structures, real or personal property, rights, rights of way, franchises, licenses, easements, and the cost of machinery and equipment. | infrastructureloans@ibank.ca.gov 1325 J Street, Suite 1300, Sacramento, CA 95814 | https://ibank.ca.gov/ | https://www.ibank.ca.gov/loans/loan-applications-documents/ | Nonprofits | ||||||||||
| State | Rolling | Tribal Technical Assistance | California Public Utilities Commission | Communications Division | Tribal Technical Assistance provides funding to California tribes interested in technical assistance to pursue improved communications (for example, voice and broadband) to assist California Tribes in developing market studies, feasibility studies, and/or business plans, with the goal of improving internet and communications systems. | Planning | $4.5 million for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 | Grants | Up to $250,000 | No | N/A | Applications may be submitted at any time. However, CD will consider applications submitted on or before each deadline listed below as a batch and quarterly for processing. October 1 January 1 April 1 July 1 | Quarterly | Tribal entities | California Tribes, with or without federal recognition, that demonstrate Tribal leadership support are eligible for technical assistance grants. | Market studies, feasibilities studies, and/or business plans which support Tribes in their pursuit of improved communications. | Tribal_Tech_Assist@cpuc.ca.gov | https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/internet-and-phone/california-advanced-services-fund/tribal-technical-assistance | Program FAQs: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/-/media/cpuc-website/divisions/communications-division/documents/tribal-technical-assistance-grant/web-page-docs/faqs-tribal-technical-assistance.pdf See Decision for FY 2024-25 at https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Published/G000/M534/K270/534270733.PDF Fact sheet: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/-/media/cpuc-website/divisions/communications-division/documents/tribal-technical-assistance-grant/web-page-docs/casf-tribal-technical-assistance-grants-one-sheet.pdf | Tribal Entities | ||||||||
| Federal | Open | Community Connect Program | U.S. Department of Agriculture | Rural Utilities Service | The Community Connect Program provides financial assistance in the form of grants to eligible applicants that will provide, on a “community -oriented connectivity” basis, broadband service that fosters economic growth and delivers enhanced educational, health care, and public safety benefits. | Deployment, Adoption | $79 million | Grants | $100,000 to $5 million | Yes | 15% | Annually | The application window for the FY2025 round of funding will open on February 20, 2025 and close on April 21, 2025, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. | For-profit companies, Tribal, Governments, nonprofits | Incorporated organizations, federally recognized Tribes, state or local units of government, cooperatives, and Limited Liability Companies organized on a for-profit or not-for-profit basis. | Broadband infrastructure deployment to residents and businesses, construction of a community center (five percent of the grant can be used for this purpose), establishing a community center with computer access points. | https://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/telecom-gfr | https://www.rd.usda.gov/community-connect | https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/telecommunications-programs/community-connect-grants#overview | FOA for FY2023: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-03-20/pdf/2023-05549.pdf | ||||||||
| Federal | Annual | Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) Program | U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development | The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program provides annual grants on a formula basis to states, cities, and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons. Infrastructure installation in new or substantially rehabilitated HUD-funded multifamily rental housing is required. | Deployment | Varies annually | Grants | Varies | No | N/A | Application window in California opened on Oct. 22, 2024 and closed Dec. 30, 2024 | 30-Dec-24 | Governments | Urban "entitlement" jurisdictions, which are generally cities = or > 50,000 and counties = or > 200,000, receive funds based on a formula. Other jurisdictions, including most rural areas, can apply for and receive funds available to "non-entitlement" jurisdictions. Those grants are distributed by the State Small Cities CDBG programs. | CDBG funds may be used for broadband and telecommunications projects, including such infrastructure improvements as the installation of wiring, fiber-optic cables, and distribution lines. Other eligible activities include digital literacy classes and economic development grants and loans to for-profit businesses, particularly businesses that focus on broadband internet access and technology. | CDBG@hcd.ca.gov | https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/comm_planning/cdbg | https://www.hcd.ca.gov/grants-and-funding/programs-active/community-development-block-grant | CA HCD NOFA (August 30, 2024): https://www.hcd.ca.gov/sites/default/files/docs/grants-and-funding/cdbg/2024-cdbg-nofa.pdf | |||||||||
| Federal | Annual | Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program | U.S. Department of Agriculture | Rural Utilities Service | The Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. An essential community facility is defined as a facility that provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area, and does not include private, commercial, or business undertakings. | Deployment | Varies annually | Grants, Loans | The maximum amount of a guaranteed loan is $100 million | Yes | Variable | Rolling applications | Rolling | Governments, nonprofits, tribal entities | Public bodies, community-based non-profit corporations, federally recognized tribes. | The purchase, construction, and improvement of essential community facilities, the purchase of equipment, and related project expenses. Utility services such as telemedicine or distance learning equipment are considered essential community facilities. | Contact the applicable state office: https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices | https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities/community-facilities-direct-loan-grant-program | Guidebook: https://www.rd.usda.gov/media/file/download/usda-rd-rd-rhs-cf-direct-loan-guidance-book-fy22.pdf | Note: The term “facility” refers to both the physical structure financed and the resulting service. https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities/community-facilities-guaranteed-loan-program | ||||||||
| Federal | Annual | E-Rate | Federal Communications Commission | Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) | The FCC's E-Rate program makes telecommunications and information services more affordable for schools and libraries by discounting telecommunications, internet access, and internal connections, including purchases of telecommunications equipment. | Deployment, Adoption | Determined annually, $4.940 billion cap for FY2024 | Subsidy | 20% to 90% discount | N/A | N/A | Annually | 26-Mar-25 | Education, tribal entities, governments, libraries | Eligible schools, school districts, libraries, and tribal libraries, or a consortium of such. | Specific eligible costs are published each year, but generally include data transmission services, internet access, internal connections, managed internal broadband services, and basic maintenance of internal connections. On July 18, 2024, the FCC made hotspots eligible for E-Rate funding, see https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-approves-rules-support-wi-fi-hotspots-through-e-rate-program. | (888) 203-8100 | https://www.usac.org/e-rate/ | FY2024 Public Notice: https://www.fundsforlearning.com/news/2024/03/fy2024-e-rate-funding-cap-4-94-billion; https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-24-229A1.pdf | |||||||||
| Federal | Open | Lifeline | Federal Communications Commission | Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) | Lifeline provides a discount on phone and broadband service for qualifying low-income households to ensure that all Americans have the opportunities and security that those services bring, including being able to connect to jobs, family, and emergency services. The monthly discount is up to $9.25 toward phone or internet services for eligible subscribers (up to $34.25 for those living on Tribal lands). | Adoption | $2.78 billion for 2024 | Subsidy | Monthly benefit of up to $9.25 towards phone or internet services for eligible subscribers (up to $34.25 for those living on Tribal lands). | N/A | N/A | Rolling/Ongoing | Rolling | For-profit companies | Providers of voice and broadband service, either wireless or wireline, designated as "eligible telecommunications carriers." | Consumers' monthly costs for phone and broadband service. | FCC Telecommunications Access Policy Division: 202-418-7400 or LifelineProgram@usac.org | https://www.usac.org/lifeline/ | N/A | 2024 budget announcement: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-23-621A1.pdf For further information: https://www.usac.org/lifeline/learn/; https://www.usac.org/lifeline/resources/program-data/ | ||||||||
| Federal | Open | OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative | U.S. Department of Agriculture | Rural Development | The OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative is designed to remove unnecessary regulations to increase private investment and to improve customer service through four flagship loan guarantee programs for rural businesses and essential community facilities. | Deployment, Utilization | Business & Industry Guaranteed Loan Program 3% & 1%: $1,803,167,652 Rural Energy for America Guaranteed Loan Program: $1,050,000,000 Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan Program: $197,080,000 Guaranteed Loan Program for Water and Waste Disposal: $50,000,000 | Loan Guarantees | Varies per award type | No | N/A, but the program charges fees | Rolling applications | Rolling | For-profit companies, nonprofits, tribal entities, governments | Federal and state-chartered banks, savings and loans, farm credit banks, and credit unions may apply for loan guarantees. Entities eligible to qualify for Business & Industry guarantees are for-profit and non-profit businesses, cooperatives, federally recognized tribes, public bodies, and individuals. Entities eligible to qualify for Community Facilities loan guarantees are public bodies, Indian tribes, and non-profits. | Business & Industry loan guarantees can be used for business conversion, enlargement, repair, modernization, or development; the purchase of land, buildings, equipment, supplies, or inventory; debt refinancing; and business acquisitions. Community Facilities loan guarantees can be used for facilities including healthcare, public safety, education, transportation, water infrastructure, renewable energy, community parks, and more. | Contact the applicable state office: https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices | https://www.rd.usda.gov/onerdguarantee | https://www.rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/OneRDLenderGuide.pdf | 2025 fee announcement: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/06/25/2024-13895/onerd-annual-notice-of-guarantee-fee-rates-periodic-retention-fee-rates-loan-guarantee-percentage 2024 funding announcement: https://www.rd.usda.gov/onerdguarantee | ||||||||
| Federal | Annual | PIH Capital Fund | U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development | Public and Indian Housing | The PIH Capital Fund program provides grant funds to PHAs (Public Housing Authorities) annually via a formula. For computer internet connectivity, PHAs have used Capital Funds to update buildings to support broadband internet and Wi-Fi. It covers installing and upgrading broadband infrastructure; purchasing and installing Wi-Fi extenders, routers, etc. | Deployment | $3.17 billion | Grants | N/A | No | N/A | Applicants should contact their public housing agency for information. | N/A | Governments | Public Housing Agencies | Eligible costs include modernizing buildings to support broadband internet and installing or upgrading broadband infrastructure—cables, fiber optics, or wiring, including in individual units—and purchasing and installing such equipment as directional antennae, satellite/cellular receivers, Wi-Fi extenders, routers, hotspots, and modems. | David Fleischman, the Director of the Office of Capital Improvements, can be reached at: (202) 402-2071. | See https://www.hud.gov/helping-americans/public-indian-housing | N/A | COVID-19 funding increased the Capital Fund and expanded its uses related to the internet. Main page: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/ph/capfund/2024pi Award letter May 6, 2024: https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/PIH/documents/FY24LettertoExecutiveDirectors.pdf | ||||||||
| Federal | Annual | PIH Operating Fund | U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development | Public and Indian Housing | The PIH Operating Fund helps PHAs (Public Housing Authorities) to provide computer internet services to residents of public housing both in their units and in common areas. HUD has allowed PHAs to use Operating Funds to cover costs of computer internet service for computer labs and for PHA operation and management. | Adoption | $4.5 billion | Grants | N/A | No | N/A | Applicants should contact their public housing agency for information. | N/A | Governments | Public housing agencies. | Eligible costs include providing computer internet services, including computer labs, to residents of public housing in their units and in common areas. Other eligible costs include the maintenance of PHA-purchased broadband equipment and wiring; Wi-Fi network equipment; satellite/cellular receivers; and in-unit routers, hotspots, and modems. | REAC - Technical Assistance Center 1-888-245-4860 REAC_TAX@hud.gov | https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/PIH/documents/PublicHousingFundingSupportInternetConnectivityResidents.pdf | N/A | COVID-19 funding increased the Capital Fund and expanded its uses related to the internet. Main page: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/ph/am/opfnd2024 FY2024 Schedule: https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/PIH/documents/2024_PHA_Operating_Fund_Grant_Submission_Schedule_042024.pdf Shortfall funding notice May 9, 2024: https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/PIH/documents/ShortfallFunding_Notice_2024_15pihn.pdf | ||||||||
| Federal | Closed | ReConnect | U.S. Department of Agriculture | Rural Utilities Service | ReConnect furnishes loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas. | Deployment | • 100% Grant (for Alaska Native Corporations, Tribal Governments, Colonias, Persistent Poverty Areas and Socially Vulnerable Communities): Up to $350 million available, maximum award amount is $35 million • 100% Loan: Up to $150 million available, maximum award amount is $50 million (with an interest rate set at a fixed 2%) • Combo: Up to $300 million available, maximum award amount is $25 million for the loan and $25 million for the grant (interest rate set at US Treasury Rate) • 100% Grant: Up to $150 million available, maximum award amount is $35 million (25% match required) • 100% Grant (Projects serving areas where 90% of households lack sufficient access to broadband): Up to $200 million available, maximum award amount is $25 million | Grants, Loans | Prior maximum amounts: for 100% grants $25 million, for 100% grants to Tribal Governments or Socially Vulnerable Communities $35 million, for grant-loan combinations $50 million, for 100% loans $50 million | Varies by Program Product | Variable | Varies annually | 28-May-24 | For-profit companies, nonprofits, governments, tribal entities | Cooperatives; nonprofits; mutual associations; state and local governments and their subdivisions; a territory or possession of the U.S.; federally recognized tribes. | Award funds can be used to fund the construction or improvement of broadband facilities, the acquisition of an existing system (up to 40 percent of the total requested award), and reasonable pre-application expenses (up to five percent of the total requested award). | Laurel Leverrier, Assistant Administrator, Telecommunications Program, Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), email laurel.leverrier@usda.gov, telephone: (202) 720-9554. | https://www.usda.gov/reconnect | FY2024 Program Guide: https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/ReConnect_Program_Application_Guide.pdf Program Fact Sheet: https://www.rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/usda_rus_reconnectfactsheet.pdf | Program website: https://www.usda.gov/reconnect Application Portal: eAuthentication (usda.gov) | ||||||||
| Federal | Rolling | Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Programs (REDLG) | U.S. Department of Agriculture | Rural Utilities Service | The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant programs (REDLG) provide funding for rural projects to promote rural economic development and job creation through local utility organizations. USDA provides zero-interest loans to local utilities which they, in turn, pass through to local businesses (ultimate recipients) for projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas. | Deployment, Utilization | Approximately $90 million | Grants, Loans | Up to $300,000 in grants to establish Revolving Loan Funds; up to $2 million in loans | Yes | 20% | Quarterly funding competitions; First Quarter, September 30, 2024; Second Quarter, December 31, 2024; Third Quarter, March 31, 2025; and Fourth Quarter, June 30, 2025. | 30-Jun-25 | Nonprofits, for-profit companies | A former Rural Utilities Service borrower who borrowed, repaid, or pre-paid an insured, direct, or guaranteed loan under the Rural Electrification Act; nonprofit utilities that are eligible to receive assistance from the Rural Development Electric or Telecommunications Programs; current Rural Development Electric or Telecommunications Programs borrowers. | Eligible projects include business incubators, community development assistance to nonprofits and public bodies for job creation and enhancement, facilities and equipment to train rural residents to facilitate economic development, facilities and equipment for medical care for rural residents, startup venture costs including equipment, business expansion, and technical assistance. Up to 10% of grant funds may be applied toward operating expenses of the Revolving Loan Fund. | Choose state from dropdown menu and click on Contacts tab: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/rural-economic-development-loan-grant-program/me | https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/rural-economic-development-loan-grant-program/ca | https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/rural-economic-development-loan-grant-program/ca | Federal Register notice for 2024 (published September 14, 2023): https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-09-14/pdf/2023-19925.pdf | ||||||||
| Federal | Annual | Rural Health Care Program - Healthcare Connect Fund | Federal Communications Commission | Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) | The Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) Program provides a 65% discount on eligible broadband connectivity expenses for eligible rural healthcare providers (HCP). | Deployment, Adoption | The Rural Health Care (RHC) program funding cap for funding year (FY) 2024 is $706,926,603. The internal cap for upfront payments and multi-year commitments under the Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) Program is $178,496,95 | Subsidy | 65% discount on eligible expenses | No | N/A | Annually | 1-Apr-25 | Nonprofits, healthcare entities | Non-profit or public entities located in rural areas that are one of the following types of facilities: teaching hospitals, medical schools, local health departments and agencies, community mental health centers, nonprofit hospitals, rural health clinics, skilled nursing facilities, healthcare provider consortiums. | Broadband services, network equipment, and healthcare provider constructed and owned networks. | 800-453-1546, rhc-assist@usac.org | https://www.usac.org/rural-health-care/healthcare-connect-fund-program/ | https://www.usac.org/rural-health-care/healthcare-connect-fund-program/step-4-submit-funding-requests/ | March 8 2024: https://www.usac.org/rural-health-care/resources/announcements/; https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-24-229A1.pdf Deadlines: https://www.usac.org/rural-health-care/additional-program-guidance/funding-year-overview/; FCC granting 30 day extension where a waiver request was filed within 30 days of the deadline: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-24-366A1.pdf | ||||||||
| Federal | Annual | Rural Health Care Program - Telecommunications Program | Federal Communications Commission | s no b | The Telecommunications (Telecom) Program provides reduced rates to rural health care providers (HCPs) for telecommunications and voice services for the use of telemedicine and telehealth. Eligible services are discounted at the difference in cost between urban and rural areas in the state. | Adoption | The Rural Health Care (RHC) program funding cap for funding year (FY) 2024 is $706,926,603. The internal cap for upfront payments and multi-year commitments under the Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) Program is $178,496,95 | Subsidy | Determined based on the differential between urban and rural pricing | No | N/A | Annually | 1-Apr-25 | Nonprofits, healthcare entities | Non-profit or public entities located in rural areas that are one of the following types of facilities: teaching hospitals, medical schools, local health departments and agencies, community mental health centers, nonprofit hospitals, rural health clinics, skilled nursing facilities, healthcare provider consortiums. | Telecommunications services. | 800-453-1546, rhc-assist@usac.org | https://www.usac.org/rural-health-care/telecommunications-program/ | https://www.usac.org/rural-health-care/telecommunications-program/step-4-submit-funding-requests/ | On March 8, 2023, the FCC released FCC Order DA 23-189, extending the deadline for the FY2023 Application Filing Window to May 1, 2023: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-23-189A1.pdf On June 14, 2024, the FCC issued a public notice confirming the unused $161.57 million in funding from FY2023 will carry forward to FY2024: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-24-573A1.pdf Information for FY2024 RHC Program Applicants: https://www.usac.org/wp-content/uploads/rural-health-care/documents/handouts/RHC-Program-Information-for-FY2024.pdf | ||||||||
| Federal | Open | Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program | U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development | The Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program provides Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) recipients with the ability to leverage their annual grant allocation to access low-cost, flexible financing for economic development, housing, public facility, and infrastructure projects. | Deployment, Adoption, Utilization | $319.5 million + $50,000 for the Republic of the Marshall Islands | Loans | 5x CDBG entitlement amount | No | N/A | Rolling applications | Rolling | Governments | Eligible applicants include the following public entities: States; metropolitan cities and urban counties that are CDBG entitlement recipients; and certain non-entitlement communities. Although community organizations cannot apply directly, local grantees may fund community activities. | CDBG loan funds may be used to for broadband and telecommunications projects, including such infrastructure improvements as the installation of wiring, fiber-optic cables, and distribution lines. Other eligible activities include digital literacy classes and economic development grants and loans to for-profit businesses, particularly businesses that focus on broadband internet access and technology. | section108@hud.gov | https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/section-108/ | https://files.hudexchange.info/resources/documents/Section-108-Application-Tool.pdf | Current Availability of Section 108 Financing: https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/CPD/documents/Loan-Authority-2023-11-28.xlsx | |||||||||
| Federal | Open | Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans and Loan Guarantees Program | U.S. Department of Agriculture | Rural Utilities Service | The Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans and Loan Guarantees Program provides financing for the construction, maintenance, improvement, and expansion of telephone service and broadband in rural areas. | Deployment | Dependent on funding type | Loans, Loan Guarantees | $50,000 minimum | No | N/A | Rolling | Rolling | For-profit companies, nonprofits, tribal entities, governments | State and local governmental entities; federally recognized tribes; non-profits, including cooperatives, limited dividend or mutual associations; for-profit businesses (must be a corporation or limited liability company). | Application expenses are not eligible. Loans can be used to finance telecommunications in rural areas for improvements, expansions, construction, acquisitions, and refinancing. | For questions about the Telecommunications Infrastructure Loan Program, please call the Loan Origination and Approval Division at (202) 720-0800. | https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/telecommunications-infrastructure-loans-loan-guarantees | eAuthentication: https://www.eauth.usda.gov/eauth/b/usda/home | Main page: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/telecommunications-programs/telecommunications-infrastructure-loans-loan-guarantees |