NTIA’s Connecting Minority Communities Program Receives Over $833 Million in Funding Requests

The US Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that it has received more than 200 applications for the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program, resulting in more than $833 million in funding requests for the purchase of broadband internet service, equipment, or devices, among other project goals. NTIA has begun reviewing the applications for the $268 million grant program, which was authorized and funded by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. Grants will be made available to eligible Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges or Universities (TCUs), Minority-serving institutions (MSIs), and consortia led by an HBCU, TCU, or MSI that also include a minority business enterprise or tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. The funds provided by the Connecting Minority Communities Program will be greatly complemented by President Biden’s recently passed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. That landmark legislation provides $65 billion to expand broadband in communities across the US, of which $48 billion is allocated to NTIA to create more low-cost broadband service options, subsidize the cost of service for low-income households, and address the digital equity and inclusion needs in our communities.