What does this program do?

The Community Connect provides financial assistance to eligible applicants that will provide broadband service in rural, economically-challenged communities where service does not exist.

Who may apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Incorporated organizations
• Federally-recognized Tribes
• State and local units of government
• Any other legal entity, including cooperatives, private corporations, or limited liability companies organized on a for-profit or not-for-profit basis

What is an eligible area?

Rural areas that lack any existing broadband speed of at least 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream are eligible.

• The Application Guide provides guidance on rural areas currently eligible for Community Connect Grants.
• The Rural Utilities Service publishes all Community Connect Proposed Funded Service Areas (PFSAs) through its Public Notice Filing (PNF) process. Incumbent service providers may challenge the eligibility of a PFSA by filing a Public Notice Response (PNR). More information on the PNF/PNR process can be found by visiting the Rural Development Public Notice Filings Portal User Guide. For a demonstration on how to search for PNFs, submit a PNR, subscribe to PNF notifications, and more, watch the PNF Demonstration of the Public Filing Tool video. Those interested in receiving email notifications whenever a new application has been submitted and the PNF has been published can do so by signing up for our Public Notice Filing Subscription Service.

How may the funds be used?

• The construction, acquisition, or leasing of facilities, spectrum, land or buildings used to deploy broadband service for:
  • All residential and business customers located within the Proposed Funded Service Area (PFSA)
  • All participating critical community facilities (such as public schools, fire stations, and public libraries)
• The cost of providing broadband service free of charge to the critical community facilities for 2 years.
• Less than 10% of the grant amount or up to $150,000 may be used for the improvement, expansion, construction or acquisition of a community center that provides online access to the public.

Are there other grant requirements?

• Buildings constructed with grant funds must be located on property owned by the awardee
• Leasing expenses will only be covered through the advance of funds period included in the award documents
• Grantees must have legal authority to provide, construct, operate and maintain the proposed facilities or services
• Partnerships with other federal, state, local, private and non-profit entities are encouraged
• For additional detail see Code of Federal Regulations 7 CFR, Part 1739

Are there any other grant requirements?

• Matching funds of at least 15% from non-federal sources are required and can be used for operating costs

Who can answer questions about this program?

For questions about the Community Connect Grant Program, please email Community Connect or call the Loan Origination and Approval Division at (202) 720-0800.

You may also contact one of our General Field Representatives (GFR). To find a GFR, visit our GFR contact map at https://rd.usda.gov/contact-us/telecom-gfr.

What governs this program?

• 7 CFR, Part 1739 Subpart A

Why does USDA Rural Development do this?

The Community Connect program helps rural communities extend access where broadband service is least likely to be commercially available, but where it can make a tremendous difference in the quality of life for people and businesses. The projects funded by these grants help rural residents tap into the enormous potential of the Internet for jobs, education, healthcare, public safety, and community development.