RUS Accepting Community Connect Grant Applications

The Rural Utilities Service, a Rural Development agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is accepting applications under the Community Connect Grant (CCG) program for Fiscal Year 2023. RUS has approximately $79 million for FY 2023. These grant funds will be made available to eligible applicants to construct broadband networks that provide service on a community-oriented connectivity basis in rural areas. All applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in developing their applications. Applications are due June 20, 2023. RUS encourages applicants to consider projects that will advance the following key priorities:

• Assisting rural communities to recover economically through more and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure.
• Ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to Rural Development programs and benefits from RD-funded projects.
• Reducing climate pollution and increasing resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural communities.