Funding opportunities
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 | 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 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. | July 1, 2026 January 1, 2027 July 1, 2027 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 Appendix (Requirements & Guidelines): https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/-/media/cpuc-website/divisions/communications-division/documents/casf-adoption-and-access/adoption_account/information/adoption-account-guidelines-d25-11-003.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 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | October 1, 2026 | 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, 2026 July 1, 2026 And every January 1 and July 1 thereafter, until funds are exhausted. | Application Cycle Deadlines: January 1, 2026 July 1, 2026, and so on until funds are exhausted. | 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 California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Rural and Urban Regional Broadband Consortia Account offers grants to eligible consortia to facilitate deployment of broadband services by assisting CASF broadband infrastructure grant applicants in the project development or application process. This includes applicants to the CASF Infrastructure Account, Federal Funding Account, and other relevant programs approved under Senate Bill 156. Public Utilities Code section 281 is the guiding statute for the CASF. | Deployment | $9.818 million for Fiscal Year 2025-26 | Grant | Up to $200,000 per year, per consortium in previous funding cycles | No | No | Annual | December 19, 2025 to February 20, 2026; A separate application window for new Tribal Consortia will open after Tribal outreach and regional workshops. | Local and Regional Governments, Tribal Governments and Tribal Organizations, Public Safety, Elementary and Secondary Education, Healthcare, Libraries, Postsecondary Education Institutions, Community-based Organizations, Tourism, Parks and Recreation, Agricultural, Business, Workforce Organizations, and Air-pollution Control or Air-quality Management Districts | Tribal Consortia: A network of Tribal governments within a Tribal Consortia Region (Northern California Region, Central California Region, or Southern California Region) that represent public, non-profit, Tribal and/or for-profit entities that share common goals and objectives with a focus on development of broadband for Tribal communities. Regional Broadband Consortia: An eligible Consortium may include representatives of organizations including, but not limited to, local and regional government, public safety, elementary and secondary education, health care, libraries, post-secondary education, community-based organizations, tourism, parks and recreation, agricultural, business, workforce organizations, and air pollution control or air quality management districts. An eligible Consortium 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 | Decision Adopting Modifications: https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Published/G000/M588/K645/588645246.PDF See Decision for FY 2024-25 at https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Published/G000/M534/K270/534270733.PDF Payment Request Process: https://ecap.cpuc.ca.gov/s/ Consortia Account Administrative Manual: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/-/media/cpuc-website/divisions/communications-division/documents/casf-adoption-and-access/consortia/main-consortia-page/2025-updates/casf-consortia-external-administrative-manualpdfv12-december-2025.pdf | Healthcare Entities | |||||||
| 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 | $108.583 million for FY 2024-2025 | Subsidy | 50% of approved service costs | No | N/A | Rolling | Rolling | Libraries, education, Tribal entities, governments, healthcare entities | entities that share common goals and objectives with a focus on development of | 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 | Closed | 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 | February 12, 2026 | Qualifying low-income rural or urban schools or a non-profit community-based organizations. | broadband for Tribal communities. | Student home broadband connection, student required hardware, cirriculum, software to enable 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 | Link to Application Flyer: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/-/media/cpuc-website/divisions/communications-division/documents/california-teleconnect-fund/ddgp/ddgpround-3-flyer11182025.pdf | https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/-/media/cpuc-website/divisions/communications-division/documents/california-teleconnect-fund/ddgp/ddgp_2024flyer.pdf | Local Agencies | |||||||
| State | Closed | CPUC Broadband Loan Loss Reserve Fund | California Public Utilities Commission | Communications Division | The Broadband Loan Loss Reserve Fund (the Fund) is a $50 million fund that provides a credit enhancement related to financing local broadband infrastructure development. The reserve fund expands the ability of local governments, tribes and non-profits to secure financing for building last-mile projects, with an emphasis on public broadband networks. The Fund will provide collateral to local governments to enable more favorable borrowing rates and terms for bonds issued to deploy broadband infrastructure. | Infrastructure | $50 million | Grant | Not available | No | N/A | The CPUC intends to offer funding each calendar year three times in three separate four-month cycles. Commission Staff will publish dates and timelines. The CPUC will accept applications three times per calendar year beginning and ending on the first seven days of a funding cycle. Each funding cycle will appropriate a subset of that calendar year’s available LLP funds equally, including any unawarded funds from prior years. | April 9, 2024 at 4 PM | Local agencies, nonprofits | Local governments, tribes and non-profits | Costs related to the financing broadband infrastructure deployment by a local government or non-profit agency, including, but not limited to, the payment of costs of debt issuance, obtaining credit enhancement, and establishing and funding of reserves for the payment of principal and interest on debt issued by fund participants. | Broadband.loanloss@cpuc.ca.gov | https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/internet-and-phone/broadband-implementation-for-california/loan-loss-reserve-fund | Requirements and Guidelines: https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Published/G000/M520/K655/520655737.PDF | 521112033.PDF (ca.gov) and also see https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/-/media/cpuc-website/divisions/communications-division/documents/broadband-implementation-for-california/loan-loss-reserve/documents/llr-program-webinar---version-1---mar-2024.pdf New funding passed June 29, 2024: https://legiscan.com/CA/text/SB109/id/3012977 | Nonprofits | |||||||
| 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 | N/A | Loans or bonds | N/A | No | No but ISRF financing may serve as a matching fund for other financing | Ongoing | Open | Governments, nonprofits | representatives of organizations including, but not limited to, local and regional | 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/ | N/A | Tribal Entities | ||||||||
| 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 and Tribal Consortia are eligible for Tribal 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 | https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/-/media/cpuc-website/divisions/communications-division/documents/tribal-technical-assistance-grant/web-page-docs/tribal-technical-assistance-application-form-package-revised-oct-4-2024.xlsx | 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 | ||||||||
| Federal | Closed | Broadband Technical Assistance | U.S. Department of Agriculture | Rural Utilities Service | The Broadband Technical Assistance (BTA) program provides financial assistance through cooperative agreements to eligible entities to receive or deliver broadband technical assistance and training. | Planning | $25 million for FY 2024 | Grants | Varies by funding category | No | N/A | Annually | August 20, 2024 | For-profit companies, nonprofits, higher education, governments, tribal entities | Federally recognized tribes and tribal entities; states or local governments, including any agency, subdivision, instrumentality, or political subdivision thereof; a territory or possession of the U.S.; an institution of higher education; nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) IRS status; cooperatives or mutual organizations; corporations; or Limited Liability Companies or Limited Liability Partnerships. | Broadband technical assistance activities that promote the expansion of broadband into rural areas. | To submit questions to RUS staff regarding the BTA, please complete the form available at www.usda.gov/reconnect/contact-us | https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/telecommunications-programs/broadband-technical-assistance-program | Via https://www.grants.gov/. Application Guide: https://www.rd.usda.gov/media/file/download/bta-appguide-fy24.pdf | Federal Register announcement: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-06-21/pdf/2024-13691.pdf?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov Fact sheet: https://www.rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/usda_rus_bta_factsheet-06212024.pdf | ||||||||
| Federal | Closed | 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: Open | 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 portal opens Feb 2, 2026 | April 3, 2026 | 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 ( Sept 2025): https://www.hcd.ca.gov/sites/default/files/docs/grants-and-funding/cdbg/2025-cdbg-nofa.pdf | |||||||||
| Federal | Open | 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 from October 1 - September 30 | Rolling through September 30 | 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 | Closed | Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) | U.S. Department of Agriculture | Rural Utilities Service | Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) provides financial assistance to enable and improve distance learning and telemedicine services in rural areas. DLT grant funds support the use of telecommunications-enabled information, audio and video equipment, and other technologies by students, teachers, medical professionals, and rural residents. | Adoption, Utilization | $40 million | Grants | $50,000 to $1 million | Yes | 15% | Varies annually | March 6, 2025 | For-profit companies, nonprofits, tribal entities, governments | State and local government organizations, federally-recognized tribes, non-profit organizations, incorporated, for-profit businesses, groups of eligible entities working together. | Audio, video, interactive video equipment; broadband facilities used for distance learning or telemedicine (up to a certain percentage); computer hardware, network components, and software; instructional programming; limited technical assistance and instruction on how to use distance learning and telemedicine equipment. | For DLT questions, please contact: https://www.usda.gov/reconnect/contact-us General Field Representative: Robert Machado robert.machado@usda.gov Cell Phone: 202-934-0601; State Office: Justin Garey, Community Facilities Programs Director, (530) 792-5834 Mike Vukas, State Office Community Programs Specialist, (530) 792-5824 | https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/distance-learning-telemedicine-grants | https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/telecommunications-programs/distance-learning-telemedicine-grants | Federal Register, Vol. 86, no. 61, notices (NOSA), p.17117: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/04/01/2021-06675/announcement-of-application-deadlines-and-requirements-for-section-313a-guarantees-for-bonds-and ( . . . notes Issued for Utility Infrastructure Purposes for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021, April 1, 2021.) | ||||||||
| Federal | Closed | 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 | April 1, 2026 | 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/ | N/A | FY2025 Public Notice: https://www.usac.org/e-rate/resources/announcements/#funding-year-fy-2026-fcc-form-471-application-filing-window-opens-january-21-2026 | ||||||||
| 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 | $2.9 billion for 2026 | 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 | 2026 budget announcement: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-25-619A1.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%: $1,978,493,340 Rural Energy for America Guaranteed Loan Program: $100,000,000 Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan Program: $293,800,000 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 13, 2025: https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/PIH/documents/FY25_Capital_Fund_Formula_Award_ED_Letter.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/opfnd2025 FY2025 Schedule: https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/PIH/documents/CY2025_PHA_Operating_Subsidy_Grant_Submission_Schedule_2_28_2025.pdf Shortfall funding notice Dec 17, 2025: https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/hudclips/documents/PIH-2025-30.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 | May 28, 2024 | 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: Open | 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 $1 million in loans | Yes | 20% | Quarterly funding competitions; First Quarter, September 30, 2025; Second Quarter, December 31, 2025; Third Quarter, March 31, 2026; and Fourth Quarter, June 30, 2026. | June 30, 2026 | 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 | Closed | 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 | April 1, 2026 | 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/ | Announcements: https://www.usac.org/rural-health-care/resources/announcements/ 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 | Closed | Rural Health Care Program - Telecommunications Program | Federal Communications Commission | Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) | 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 | April 1, 2026 | 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/ | FCC Guidance for FY2026: https://www.usac.org/wp-content/uploads/Telecom-Program-Urban-and-Rural-Rates-FY2026-tip-sheet_FINAL_11.19.2025.pdf Telecom Program Rural and Urban Rates: https://www.usac.org/wp-content/uploads/rural-health-care/documents/handouts/Telecom-Program-Urban-and-Rural-Rates-FY2024-FY2025-tip-sheet_FINAL.pdf Funding Request Summary: https://www.usac.org/wp-content/uploads/rural-health-care/documents/Funding-Request-Summary_Final_01.28.2026.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.hudexchange.info/resource/5197/current-availability-of-section-108-financing-cdbg-entitlement-and-state-grantees/ | |||||||||
| 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 from Oct 1 - Sept 30 | 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 Fact Sheet: https://www.rd.usda.gov/media/file/download/508-rd-fs-rus-telecommunicationsloan.pdf | ||||||||
| Philanthropy | Ongoing | Digital Equity Pooled Fund | Michelson 20MM Foundation | Our fund aims to ensure that equity is at the forefront of how broadband infrastructure dollars are invested in California. We ensure advocates, communities most affected by the digital divide, and local leaders are heard during critical regulatory processes at the state and federal levels. | Advancing Digital Equity | Not specified | Not specified | Unknown | Unknown | "Multi-year effort" | None specified | Nonprofits, Foundations, Tribal Communities | Not specified | Not specified | See https://20mm.org/contact/ | https://20mm.org/digital-equity-pooled-fund/ | See web form at https://20mm.org/digital-equity-pooled-fund/ See past applicants: https://20mm.org/spark-grants/past-recipients/ | Future priorities: Sustain progress made on digital equity policy in California; institutionalize support of sustained community engagement at the CPUC on broadband, digital literacy, and beyond; build the capacity of local grassroots organizations to engage on digital equity issues; and foster philanthropic affinity groups, creating space to educate philanthropy on opportunities to support systems change strategies | Not specified |