Broadband & Telecom

Community Connect Grants

Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development
Summary: Provides broadband service in rural, economically challenged communities where internet service does not yet exist. Funds can also cover costs to provide broadband service to critical community facilities for two years.
Eligible Applicants: Corporations, LLCs, cooperatives, state and local governments. Must serve rural areas that lack any existing broadband speed of at least 10Mbps downstream and 1Mbps upstream
Local Match Requirement: 15%, non-federal
Deadline: February 20, 2024

ReConnect Program

Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Summary: Loans, grants, and loan-grant combinations to expand access to high-speed internet in rural America.
Eligible Applicants: Corporations, LLCs, cooperatives, and local governments
Eligible Geographies: Areas with at least 50% of households lacking sufficient access to broadband (100MBps down, 20Mbps up)
Local Match Requirement: None
Deadline: February 20, 2024

Rural Broadband Loans, Loan/Grant Combinations, and Loan Guarantees

Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Summary: Provides loans and loan guarantees to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide service at the broadband lending speed in eligible rural areas.
Eligible Applicants: Corporations, LLCs, cooperatives, state and local governments
Local Match Requirement: N/A
Deadline: TBA

Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans and Loan Guarantees

Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Summary: Provides financing for construction, maintenance, improvement, & expansion of telephone/broadband service in rural areas.
Eligible Applicants: Corporations, LLCs, cooperatives, state and local governments
Deadline: Applications accepted year-round

*Prepared by the Northeast Ohio Four County Regional Planning and Development Organization (NEFCO). Funding opportunities provided for general informational purposes. NEFCO does not guarantee accuracy of information listed (i.e., eligibility requirements, application deadlines, matching requirements, etc.). Please consult appropriate funding agency for additional information.