Five for Friday:Special Labor Day Edition

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Curated by: The Western Nevada Development District…

This edition of Five for Friday focuses on opportunities for economic development around the region in the areas of energy, nutrition, transportation, and disaster loans.

Grant Opportunities & More

Solar for All Grants Target Low-Income and Disadvantaged Communities

The EPA’s $7 billion Solar for All grant competition will award up to 60 grants to states, territories, Tribal governments, municipalities, and eligible nonprofit recipients to expand the number of low-income and disadvantaged communities primed for distributed solar investment. Grantees must use funds to expand existing low-income solar programs or design and deploy new Solar for All programs nationwide. EPA will not fund individual projects under this competition. Solar for All grants will range from $25 million to $400 million to provide subsidies and other financial assistance to residential rooftop and residential-serving community solar projects in and benefiting low-income and disadvantaged communities. Grants may include project-deployment technical assistance such as workforce development, community outreach, and other project-deployment support (e.g., interconnection technical assistance, siting and permitting support) to help overcome barriers to solar deployment.

Application Deadline: October 12, 2023

NOFO

Farm to School Programs Support Child Nutrition Activities

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm to School Technical Assistance grants support nonprofit entities and Indian Tribal Organizations to implement national- and/or regional-level farm to school activities. Awardees under this cooperative agreement will undertake projects supporting USDA’s priorities of Food System Transformation, Improving Child Health through Nutritious School Meals, and Indigenous Food Sovereignty.

Available funding ranges from $500,000 to $1 million depending on the applicant’s choice of track. Eligible applicants are national and/or regional level nonprofit entities and Indian Tribal Organizations with a history of meaningful engagement with the target audience.

Application Deadline: October 10, 2023

Farm to School Program

Electrifying Tribal Communities

The Department of the Interior has launched a new program through the availability of $72.5 million to help Tribal communities electrify homes. The program will provide financial and technical assistance to Tribes to connect homes to transmission and distribution that is powered by renewable energy; provide electricity to un-electrified Tribal homes through zero-emissions energy systems; transition electrified Tribal homes to zero-emissions energy systems; and support associated home repairs and retrofitting necessary to install the zero-emissions energy systems. Awards range from $250,000 to $20 million and can include planning, implementation or both.

Pre-Application Deadline: September 18, 2023

Full Proposal Deadline: December 22, 2023

Tribal Electrification Program

Pre-Application Information

Pilot Program Targets Transit-Oriented Development Planning and Implementation

The U.S. Department of Transportation today announced the availability of approximately $13.4 million in competitive grant funds through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning. The funding will support local planning and investment near transit hubs to promote sustainable, livable, and equitable communities. TOD links public transportation, land use, and housing to create communities that are connected to transit and walkable. Comprehensive planning funded through the program must examine ways to improve economic development and ridership, foster multimodal connectivity and accessibility, improve transit access for pedestrian and bicycle traffic, engage the private sector, identify infrastructure needs, and enable mixed-use development near transit stations.

Application Deadline: October 10, 2023

Webinar: September 14, 2023 at 11:00 am PT

Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning

Webinar Registration

Disaster Loans Available for Businesses and Homeowners in Douglas, Lyon, Storey and Mineral Counties

Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available from the U.S. Small Business Administration to assist businesses and residents in Douglas, Lyon, Storey and Mineral counties affected by severe winter storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred March 8-19. Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofits may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, and other business assets.

Disaster loans of up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles. Interest rates for loans can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 2.375 percent for private nonprofits and 2.375 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

SBA’s Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center is open 8 am to 4:30 pm PT and can be reached at FOCWAssistance@sba.gov or 916.735.1512.

Apply online or email/call SBA’s customer service center at: Disastercustomerservicee@sba.gov or 800.659.2955.

Disaster Loan Assistance: Applications and More

In the News:WNDD Hosts Annual Program Meeting

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On Monday, August 21, 2023, the annual Western Nevada Development District’s Program Meeting hosted nearly 40 members and guests to tour the Reno-Stead Water Reclamation Facility. Attendees also received an update on the OneWater Nevada water reuse project.

Lunch was held at the Sierra Nevada Job Corps Center where attendees learned about programming and toured the facility. EDA’s John Edmund and Civil Engineer, Louis Aguilar, were on hand to give some grant writing and project management tips.

OneWater Nevada

Five for Friday: August 18, 2023

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Curated by: The Western Nevada Development District…

This edition of Five for Friday focuses on opportunities for economic development around the region in the areas of placemaking, infrastructure, mobility, drought preparedness, and wildfire defense.

Grant Opportunities & More

Placemaking: Community Development Success Stories

Creative placemaking integrates arts, culture, and design activities into efforts that strengthen communities. Community leaders and public and private grant funding organizations interested in rural placemaking are encouraged to attend the USDA and University of Kentucky Webinar on Placemaking Resources in Rural Communities.

Attendees will hear about firsthand experiences of rural leaders who have received grants to finance creative placemaking projects. The presentations will also provide successful placemaking models that small funding organizations can replicate in their own communities.

Webinar: August 30, 2023, at 10:00 am PT

Webinar Registration

Rural America Placemaking Toolkit

Infrastructure ‘Bootcamps’ Help Small Cities Get Grants

The National League of Cities’ (NLC) Local Infrastructure Hub is a national program designed to connect cities and towns with the resources and expert advice they need to access federal infrastructure funding in order to drive local progress, improve communities, and deliver results for residents.

As part of the Local Infrastructure Hub, NLC hosts Grant Application Bootcamps for local governments with 150,000 or fewer residents. The Bootcamps are designed to assist smaller communities navigate grant opportunities. More than 600 cities have participated in the Bootcamps, with new registrations opening later this summer.

Local Infrastructure Hub

Grant Application Bootcamps

Getting SMART about Transportation Technology

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is accepting applications for the second year of its Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants Program. This SMART Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will accept applications for Stage 1 Planning and Prototyping grants. During Stage 1, the SMART program seeks to fund innovation aimed at solving real-world transportation problems and is focused on building data, technology capacity, and experience for State, local, and Tribal governments.

Recognizing that many public sector transportation agencies face challenges finding the resources and personnel to leverage new technologies, the program also builds in the time and support to enable successful deployment. The funding opportunity is open to public sector entities seeking to carry out transportation projects that demonstrate at least one of the following technology areas:

• Coordinated automation

• Connected vehicles

• Sensors

• Systems integration

• Delivery/logistics

• Innovative aviation

• Smart grid

• Traffic signals

Anticipated funding for Phase 1 projects is $250,000.

Application Deadline: October 10, 2023

SMART Grants Program

Application Submission

NOFO

WaterSmart Grants for Drought Preparedness Webinar

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation provides funding for projects that will help communities prepare for and respond to drought. Typically, these types of projects are referred to as “mitigation actions” in a drought contingency plan.

Reclamation will fund projects that build resiliency to drought by:

    Increasing the reliability of water supplies

    Improving water management

    Providing benefits for fish and wildlife and the environment

The Bureau will host an informational webinar to discuss eligible applicants and project types, program requirements, and the evaluation criteria for both the Planning and Project Design Grants funding opportunity and the Drought Resiliency Projects funding opportunity. The new Planning and Project Design Grants funding opportunity includes:

    Water Strategy Grants

    Project Design Grants

    Drought Contingency Planning

Awards range from $25,000 to $5 million.

Application Deadline: October 31, 2023

Webinar: August 24, 2023, 10:30 am PT

WaterSmart Grant and Webinar Information

Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program

The Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service is again accepting applications for the Community Wildfire Defense Grant program. Now in its second year, the competitive program is designed to assist at-risk communities, including Tribal communities, non-profit organizations and state forestry agencies with planning for and mitigating wildfire risks.

In the first round of funding, the program awarded $197 million to 99 project proposals across 22 states and 7 Tribes. The program provides funding to communities for two primary purposes:

• Develop and revise Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP)

• Implement projects described in a CWPP that is less than 10 years old

Application Deadline: October 31, 2023

Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program

Envision Tahoe Venture Summit

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October 20, 2023

Tahoe Prosperity Center will be hosting their annual economic summit, Envision Tahoe Venture, on October 20, 2023, at the Tahoe Blue Event Center. The event will showcase the new economic driver for the community.

The Summit is an opportunity to catalyze change and take action to benefit the regional economy while supporting the community, quality of life, and the environment. The 2023 focus is on Tahoe Inc. – organizing and accelerating Tahoe’s innovation ecosystem. Spearheaded by local entrepreneurs and success stories, the Summit will explore creative ideas, provide insight and inspiration.

When:
October 20, 2023
9:00 am till 5:00 pm

Where:
Tahoe Blue Event Center
75 HWY 50
Stateline, NV

Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available.

Get Your Tickets Today!

Sponsorship Opportunities

Five for Friday: August 4, 2023

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Curated by: The Western Nevada Development District…

This edition of Five for Friday focuses on opportunities for economic development around the region in the areas of disaster repair grants, professional development, Brownfields Workshops and local issues.

Grant Opportunities & More

USDA Announces Disaster Repair Grant

The USDA announced $50 Million to pay for up to 75% of disaster repair projects in communities with less than 20,000 residents. Nevada Counties are able to apply for these funds directly due to the Federal disaster declaration.

Rural Development Key Priorities:
• Assisting rural communities recover economically through more and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure
• Ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to RD programs and benefits from RD funded projects
• Reducing climate pollution and increasing resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural communities

Application Deadline: Ongoing

Disaster Repair Grant

National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference –
September 26 thru 28, 2023

The 2023 NACO Annual Conference is just two short months away and will be held in Elko, NV, at the Elko Convention Center.

Educational sessions will focus on: community health, emergency management, public lands and natural resources.

Tuesday, September 26

President’s Reception – Help us celebrate!
2023 NACO President, Lincoln County Commissioner, Varlin Higbee

Wednesday, September 27

General Session with an exciting and engaging Keynote Speaker
Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony

Thursday, September 28

Final Educational Sessions and Engagement Opportunities

Registration and Schedule

NNDA Conference: Realities and Opportunities in Nevada’s Workforce –
Wednesday, August 30, 2023

NNDA invites you to join educational stakeholders, businesses, and state agency leaders for an informational discussion regarding the efforts to support Nevada’s workforce.

Engage with our panelists in a discussion about the current problems facing the state and how we can better prepare our workforce to the changing job trends and opportunities through trainings, career education, and apprenticeships.

When:
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Doors open at 11:00 am
1:00 am till 11:30 am Networking
11:30 am till 1:00 pm Lunch & Speakers

Where:
Atlantis Casino
3800 S. Virginia Street
Reno, NV 89502

Tickets

Nevada Brownfields Workshops: Connecting the Dots – Reuse, Renew & Revitalize Land

Two Sessions

Henderson, NV: Thursday, September 7, 2023, 8:00 am till 3:00 pm
Carson City, NV: Wednesday, September 13, 2023, 8:00 am till 3:00 pm

Choose which session you would like to attend or attend both.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

As the first event of its kind, the Nevada Brownfields Workshop will connect you with federal, state, and local experts to assist and support in overcoming land redevelopment challenges specific to Nevada, so you can transform unused land and revitalize your neighborhood! Meet the broad range of speakers, including housing and economic development experts, environmental consultants, and technical assistance providers!

Hosted by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Center for Creative Land Recycling (CCLR), these workshops will enable you to connect the dots between your idle or contaminated land and the end vision.

Learn More and Register

Webinar: Marketing Your Revolving Loan Fund (RLF)

When:
Wednesday, August 23, 2023, 1:00 pm ET

Where:
Virtual

NDC has partnered with marketing firm DH to host a workshop and discussion on RLF marketing strategies, responding to Community of Practice participants identifying marketing as a key area to improve their RLF’s capacity.

Marketing Your Revolving Loan Fund

Kick Off Meeting: Humboldt County EPA Brownfields Community Assessment Grant

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A Pathway to Economic Opportunities for Our Communities

The Kickoff Meeting for the Humboldt County EPA Brownfields Community Assessment Grant was held this week in Winnemucca. The EPA’s Brownfields program provides technical assistance to communities, states, and tribes to assess, safely clean up and sustainably repurpose underutilized or blighted properties.

The redevelopment of vacant or underutilized land is an opportunity for new growth. This grant funding can be a pathway to new economic opportunities, private investment, and improved quality of life for Humboldt and Pershing county residents.

A partnership between Humboldt and Pershing counties, the grant is being administered through Humboldt County and the Nevada 95-80 Regional Development Authority. As a sub awardee, Western Nevada Development District will assist with community outreach and engagement activities. Converse Consultants is providing the Environmental Consulting Services that will lead the assessment, reuse planning for assessed and/or clean-up sites, and co-develop revitalization strategies.

Five for Friday: July 21, 2023

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Five for Friday: Grant Opportunities and More!

Curated by: The Western Nevada Development District…

This edition of Five for Friday focuses on opportunities for economic development around the region in the areas of forestry resources, wastewater, workforce development, and cultural enrichment.

Grant Opportunities & More

Urban Forestry: Nature Based Solutions to Extreme Heat and Climate Change

The USDA Forest Service Urban & Community Forestry Program is a technical, financial, and educational assistance program, delivering nature-based solutions to ensure a resilient and equitable tree canopy where more than 84 percent of Americans live. It is the only dedicated urban forest program in the federal government.

The UCF Program assists State Forestry agencies and partner organizations in addressing and applying nature-based solutions to:

  • Become more resilient to climate change
  • Combat extreme heat with the cooling effects of increased urban tree canopy
  • Experience improved forest health conditions and safer access to tree benefits
  • Attain broadened exposure and access to environmental career pathways

In the State of Nevada, $3 million is available to non-profits, educational institutions of higher learning, any U.S. federally recognized Tribal Organization that is operating within the United States or its territories, and state organizations representing multi-state or national proposals are eligible. Local governments may apply if their proposal includes other local governments/eligible entities.

Grants are up to $500,000 and all grant funds are to be matched at least equally (dollar for dollar) with non- federal match, which may include in-kind donations, volunteer assistance, and private and public (non- federal) monetary contributions.

Next Application Deadline: August 15, 2023

Urban and Community Forestry Program

Application Process

Water and Waste Disposal Loans & Grants

Through the USDA’s Rural Utilities Service Water and Environmental Programs (WEP), rural communities obtain the technical assistance and financing necessary to develop drinking water and waste disposal systems.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program helps very small, financially distressed rural communities extend and improve water and waste treatment facilities that serve local households and businesses. Good practices can save tax dollars, improve the natural environment, and help manufacturers and businesses to locate or expand operations.

Eligible applicants include:

  • Most state and local governmental entities
  • Private nonprofits
  • Federally-recognized tribes
  • Rural areas and towns with populations of 10,000 or less

Funds available include long-term, low-interest loans. If funds are available, a grant may be combined with a loan if necessary to keep user costs reasonable. Funds may be used to finance the acquisition, construction, or improvement of facilities and a wide variety of related activities including land acquisition.

Water and Waste Disposal Loans & Grants

Sharing Community and Cultural Stories

The National Endowment for the Humanities Media program supports the development, production, and distribution of radio programs, podcasts, documentary films, and documentary film series that engage general audiences with humanities ideas in creative and appealing ways.

Projects must be grounded in humanities scholarship and demonstrate an approach that is thoughtful, balanced, and analytical. Media Projects offers two levels of funding: up to $75,000 for Development and up to $700,000 for production.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations recognized as tax-exempt; accredited institutions of higher education (public or nonprofit); state and local governments and their agencies; and federally recognized Native American tribal governments. Individuals are not eligible to apply.

Application Deadline: August 9, 2023

Application Overview

FAQs

EDA Announces Recompete Pilot Program

The Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program (Recompete Pilot Program) will invest $200 million in persistently distressed communities to create and connect people to good jobs. This program will create renewed economic opportunity in communities that have been forgotten for too long. To do so, the program targets areas where prime-age (25-54 years) employment significantly trails the national average, with the goal to close this gap through large, flexible investments.

This Phase 1 NOFO invites applicants to apply for:

  • Strategy Development Grants
  • Approval of a Recompete Plan
  • Combination of both

Applicants who receive approval of a Recompete Plan in Phase 1 can receive between $250,00 and $500,000 and will be invited to apply to Phase 2. In the Phase 2 NOFO, investments can support a wide range of implementation activities across workforce development, business and entrepreneur development, infrastructure, and additional planning, predevelopment, or technical assistance.

Application Deadline: October 5, 2023

Fact Sheet

Webinar

U.S Bank’s Community Possible Grant Program

The U.S. Bank Foundation focuses grant giving to economic development issues tied to work, home and play with 501c3 nonprofit partners based in and serving designated U.S. Bank communities.

The following factors are among those the foundation will consider:

  • Innovation and/or differentiation in our focus areas of Work, Home and Play
  • Programming and services that advance positive community engagement efforts
  • Demonstrated outcomes and impact
  • Service delivery to low-and moderate-income, women and people of color
  • Diversity in the management and governing board of the organization
  • The financial health of the organization

Grants are available to cover an organization’s day-to-day, ongoing expenses, such as salaries, utilities, office supplies and more. A program or project grant is given to support a specific, connected set of activities, with a beginning and an end, explicit objectives and a predetermined cost. Capital grants are available to develop an organization’s fixed assets.

U.S Bank’s Community Possible Grant Program

In the News:New Event Venue Brings Flexibility to the Region

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The Tahoe Blue Event Center Slated to Open in September

The new Tahoe Blue Event Center offers flexible meeting space, unique clubs & balconies and an arena for concerts, sporting events and family shows. The venue also doubles as an event center with exhibit floor. Uniquely, all spaces can be divided into smaller areas for breakouts or catered functions.

Events are already scheduled for September including: National Association of State Park Directors Conference, Lake Tahoe Comic Con, Billy Strings Concert and many more…

Tahoe Blue Event Center is located in beautiful Stateline, NV.

Tahoe Blue Event Center
75 U.S. 50
Stateline, Nevada 89449
775.790.3736

Visit: Tahoe Blue Event Center

We Need Your Input!

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Nevada Workforce Development Needs Assessment

Survey Ends: Friday, June 16, 2023 at 5:00 PM

The University Center for Economic Development (UCED), part of the College of Business at the University of Nevada, Reno, has received a grant from the Governor’s Office of Workforce Innovation (GOWINN) to complete a comprehensive assessment of workforce development needs across the state.

As part of this effort, the UCED have developed this survey to collect vital information on your workforce development needs. Please complete as much of this survey as possible no later than 5 PM on Friday, June 16, 2023.

If you have any questions about the survey or this effort, please contact Frederick Steinmann, UCED Director: 775.784.1655 or fred@unr.edu.

Workforce Development Survey

Five for Friday: June 9, 2023

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Curated by: The Western Nevada Development District…

This edition of Five for Friday focuses on opportunities for economic development around the region in the areas of infrastructure, access to capital, homeownership, climate change and broadband.

Grant Opportunities & More

Join the Electric Highway:
Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program (CFI)

The CFI Grant program provides funding to strategically deploy publicly accessible electric vehicle charging and other alternative fueling infrastructure.

This grant program has two tracks:

Corridor Charging: to deploy electric vehicle charging and hydrogen/propane/natural gas fueling infrastructure along designated alternative fuel corridors

Community Charging: to install electric vehicle charging and alternative fuel in locations on public roads, schools, parks, and in publicly accessible parking facilities

Community Charging grants will prioritize rural areas as well as low-and moderate-income neighborhoods with low ratios of private parking, or high ratios of multiunit dwellings.

Project Minimum: $500,000

Application Deadline: June 13, 2023

CFI Program

National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Standards and Requirements

Strategic Planning Grants to Address Climate Change

The National Endowment for the Humanities’ Climate Smart Humanities Organizations supports efforts from organizations such as museums, libraries, archives, historic sites, and colleges and universities for comprehensive organizational assessments that lead to strategic climate action and adaptation plans.

Grants of up to $300,000 are available with a 1:1 match required. Through the Climate Smart program, humanities organizations can undertake activities such as energy audits, risk assessments, and meetings with consultants. The resulting climate smart planning will establish goals and prioritize actions that reduce impacts on the environment through mitigation and vulnerability from extreme events through adaptation.

Application Deadline: September 14, 2023

Climate Smart Humanities Organizations

EDA Launches Build to Scale Supporting Innovators, Entrepreneurs, and Startups

The U.S. Economic Development Administration is accepting applications for its $50 million Build to Scale (B2S) Program to support projects that strengthen equitable ecosystems and increase access to capital for innovators, entrepreneurs, and startups. The program strengthens regional economies by supporting scalable startups which help communities and regions grow technology-driven businesses, create high-skill/high-wage jobs, and build industries of the future.

The FY 2023 Build to Scale Program is comprised of two competitions:

Venture Challenge:

Venture Challenge supports programs that enable high-growth technology entrepreneurship and foster inclusive access to proven entrepreneurship support models.

Capital Challenge:

Capital Challenge increases access to capital in communities where risk capital is in short supply by providing operational support for early-stage investment funds, networks, and training programs that focus on both traditional and hybrid equity-based financing.

Application Deadline: July 28, 2023

Build to Scale (B2S) Program

Venture Challenge

Capital Challenge

NOFO

Apply Here

USDA Rural Development Programs Highlight Homeownership Month

June is National Homeownership Month!

As part of this nationwide celebration, USDA Rural Development (RD) is showcasing programs that help people in rural and Tribal areas buy, build and repair affordable homes in America’s smallest towns and communities.

The USDA has invested $37 billion to help nearly 216,000 families and individuals through RD’s Single Family Housing programs:

Single Family Housing Direct Home Loan Program: provides loans directly to families and individuals to buy or build homes in rural America

Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program: enables USDA to partner with private lending institutions, backing their loans to help families and individuals buy homes in rural areas

Home Repair Loan and Grant Program: provides loans and grants to help families and individuals repair their homes to make them safer, healthier places to live

Mutual Self-Help Housing Grant Program: provides grants to qualified organizations to help them carry out local self-help housing construction projects

Single Family Housing Programs

Single Family Housing Direct Home Loans

Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program

Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants

Single Family Housing Rural Disaster Home Repair Grants

Community Connect Grants Provide Internet Access and Economic Opportunities

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

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

Funds may be used for 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 and all participating essential community facilities (such as public schools, fire stations, public libraries, and public safety stations).

The Community Connect program helps rural communities receive 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.

Application Deadline: June 20, 2023

Community Connect Program

NOFO