FCC Establishes Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program

The Federal Communications Commission established the Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program to raise awareness about the nation’s largest ever broadband affordability effort, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This Second Report and Order approved by the FCC directs the agency's Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau to develop, administer, and manage the program. To raise awareness of ACP benefits, Congress included a provision in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for the FCC to conduct and fund ACP outreach, including providing grants to outreach partners to ensure that eligible households can learn about the program and receive assistance with the application process. Funding for the Outreach Grant Program will come from the $100 million the FCC designated for ACP outreach efforts in its order establishing rules for the ACP. Grants will support governmental and non-governmental partners in conducting a wide range of outreach activities to raise awareness of ACP and increase enrollment among eligible households. Additional details on specific grant program requirements and the application process will be provided at a later date.