Together, America Prospers 

Community Connect Grants
 

What does this 

program do? 

The grant program offers 

financial assistance to eligible 

applicants that will construct 

broadband networks that provide 

service on a community-oriented 

connectivity basis in rural areas. 

Who may apply 

for this program? 

Eligible applicants include: 

• State and local governments

• Federally recognized Tribes

• Nonprofits

• For-profit corporations

• Limited liability companies

What is an eligible area? 

Rural areas that lack broadband 

service as defined in the most recent 

funding announcement are eligible. 

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 

° all participating essential 

community facilities (such as 

public schools, fire stations, public 

libraries, and public safety stations) 

• The cost of providing broadband

service free of charge to the

essential community facilities for

2 years

• Up to 10 percent of the grant may be

used for the improvement, expansion,

construction, or acquisition of a

community center that provides

online access to the public

Are there other requirements? 

Other program requirements include: 

• Documentation supporting the

scoring criteria

• An executive summary of the

proposed project

• Grantees must have legal authority

to provide, construct, operate and

maintain the proposed facilities

or services

• Partnerships with other federal,

state, local, private, and nonprofit

entities are encouraged

• For additional details, see

7 CFR, 1739

Matching funds of at least 15 percent 

from non-federal sources are required 

and can be used for operating costs. 

How do we get started? 

• Application windows for this

program are announced through the

national office on a periodic basis.

• Program Resources are available

online at rd.usda.gov (includes

forms, guidance, certifications, etc.)
 

Community Connect Grants
 

Who can answer questions about 

this program? 

• Email us at

community.connect@usda.gov

• Contact our Loan Origination and

Approval Division at (202) 720-0800

• Contact your General

Field Representative

What governs this program? 

• 7 CFR, Part 1739

Why does USDA Rural Development 

do this? 

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. 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. 

NOTE: Because citations and other information may be subject to change, 

please always consult the program instructions listed in the section above 

titled “What Governs This Program?” You may also contact your local office for 

assistance. You will find additional forms, resources, and program information at 

rd.usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. 

Last Updated December 2019