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Community Connect Grant Program (RDRUS CC 2013, CFDA 10.863) - FAQs

What is the Community Connect Grant Program?

The Community Connect Grant Program is a discretionary federal grant opportunity administered through the Utilities Programs (Broadband Division). Its central goal is to fund projects that bring broadband service to communities that are currently unserved, using a community-oriented approach to connectivity.

What is the main purpose of this grant opportunity?

The program aims to extend broadband into unserved areas and ensure that connectivity is delivered in a way that strengthens local economies and expands access to essential services. The opportunity is built on the idea that broadband is critical infrastructure, not just a commercial product.

Who administers this grant?

This opportunity is administered through the Utilities Programs, Broadband Division.

What does "discretionary" mean in this context?

Discretionary means the program is competitive and awards are not automatic. Applicants typically need to demonstrate need, feasibility, sustainability, and strong community impact to be selected for funding.

What types of projects does the program fund?

The grant supports projects that bring broadband service to areas that are currently unserved. The program emphasizes community-oriented connectivity, meaning proposals are generally expected to show clear community benefit, not only network construction.

What does "community-oriented connectivity" mean?

Based on the opportunity description, community-oriented connectivity signals that applicants should connect broadband deployment to specific community benefits. This includes showing how broadband availability will translate into measurable improvements for residents and local institutions.

What outcomes is the program trying to achieve?

The stated outcomes emphasize improved access to education, health care, and public safety services. Examples mentioned include distance learning, telehealth, and more reliable communications to support emergency response needs in rural and underserved communities.

Is the program only about building broadband networks?

No. While extending broadband into unserved areas is central, the program description highlights that proposals should demonstrate how connectivity will support broader community outcomes such as economic growth and improved quality of life.

What areas are targeted for service?

The program is focused on communities that are currently unserved, meaning areas that have not been served by traditional market deployment and lack broadband service.

How much funding is available per award?

Awards range from a minimum of $100,000 to a maximum of $3,000,000. This range allows for both smaller targeted builds and larger community-scale deployments, depending on the geography, design, and overall scope of the proposed project.

Is matching or cost share required?

Yes. Funding is provided as grants with a required cost-sharing or matching component. Awardees must contribute a portion of the project costs from non-grant sources.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility includes a wide range of public, nonprofit, and private entities, including federally recognized Native American tribal governments, county governments, and city or township governments. The opportunity also includes nonprofit organizations (whether or not they have IRS 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education in the categories listed), small businesses, and for-profit organizations that are not small businesses.

Are tribal governments eligible?

Yes. Federally recognized Native American tribal governments are listed as eligible applicants.

Are local governments eligible?

Yes. County governments and city or township governments are listed as eligible applicants.

Are nonprofit organizations eligible?

Yes. Nonprofit organizations are eligible whether or not they have IRS 501(c)(3) status, with the note that institutions of higher education are excluded in the categories listed in the opportunity description.

Can for-profit organizations apply?

Yes. The opportunity allows participation by small businesses and also for-profit organizations that are not small businesses, meaning both smaller local providers and larger private entities may be eligible as long as they meet program requirements and can serve targeted unserved areas with a community focus.

Does eligibility guarantee funding?

No. Because the program is competitive and discretionary, eligibility alone does not guarantee an award. Applicants generally need a strong application demonstrating need, feasibility, sustainability, and community impact.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number and CFDA number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is RDRUS CC 2013 and the CFDA number is 10.863.

When was this opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on June 12, 2013.

What was the application closing date?

The original and current closing date listed for this opportunity was July 11, 2013.

Is this opportunity still open?

No. The opportunity was archived on August 10, 2013, indicating it is no longer an active open solicitation under this posting.

Where could applicants find additional program information?

Additional program information was available through the program website, as referenced in the opportunity description.

Who was the point of contact for questions or access issues?

The listed point of contact was Laurel Leverrier, Deputy Director, Broadband Division.

How could someone contact the point of contact?

The point of contact could be reached by phone at 202-690-4673. An email address was referenced but not provided in the source text.

What types of benefits should an application highlight?

Based on the opportunity description, applications should generally highlight how the project will promote economic growth, improve quality of life, and expand access to education, health care, and public safety services in the unserved community.

What kind of project scale does the grant support?

The award range suggests the program can support projects from smaller deployments ($100,000 floor) to larger community-scale builds (up to $3,000,000), depending on the proposed scope and design.