USDA ReConnect Grants for Broadband in Rural Areas - Due Nov. 2

The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers Rural Utilities Services (RUS) grants to expand broadband access in rural areas. Grants and loans are offered to local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and for-profits to expand broadband access in rural areas. Applicants are advise that registration may take several weeks to finalize. Funding may be used for the construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service. Applicants may request grants, loans, or a combination of both.

The Agency encourages applicants to consider projects that will advance the following key priorities:

• Assisting Rural communities recover economically from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly disadvantaged communities.
• Ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to Rural Development programs and benefits from Rural Development funded projects.
• Reducing climate pollution and increasing resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural communities.

In addition, the Agency would like to highlight the importance of creating good-paying jobs with strong labor standards.

More information