Community Connect Grant Program
Rural Utilities Service
About This Grant
The Community Connect Grant Program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants that will provide service at or above the Broadband Grant Speed (100 Mbps down and 20 Mbps up) to all premises in rural, economically-challenged communities where broadband service (10 Mbps down and 1 Mbps up) does not exist. The deployment of broadband services on a community-oriented connectivity basis stimulates economic development and provides enhanced educational and health care opportunities in rural areas. RUS will give priority to rural areas that demonstrate the greatest need for broadband services, based on the criteria contained in the regulation and Application Guide.The regulation for the Community Connect Grant Program can be found at 7 CFR part 1739.All applicants should carefully review and prepare their applications according to instructions in the FY 2026 Community Connect Grant Program Application Guide (Application Guide) and program resources. This Application Guide can be found at https://www.rd.usda.gov/community-connect. Expenses incurred in developing applications will be at the applicant s own risk. Applications will be submitted through the online application system available on the program web site. The application system will open for accepting Community Connect applications on May 13, 2026. Applications must submitted by no later than 11:59 a.m. Eastern Time, June 29, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Grant Summary
Community Connect Grant Program is a Rural Utilities Service grant providing $100K to $5M for municipality. Applications are due 2026-06-29 (closing in 10 days). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
Focus Areas
Eligibility
How to Apply
$100K–$5M
2026-06-29
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Community Connect Grant Program from Rural Utilities Service, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
- 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to Rural Utilities Service before the deadline.
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Community Connect Grant Program: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Community Connect Grant Program?
Community Connect Grant Program is offered by Rural Utilities Service and is generally open to municipality. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the Community Connect Grant Program provide?
Community Connect Grant Program provides between $100K and $5M per award from Rural Utilities Service. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the Community Connect Grant Program deadline?
Applications for Community Connect Grant Program are due 2026-06-29 (closing in 10 days). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, Rural Utilities Service, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the Community Connect Grant Program?
To apply for Community Connect Grant Program, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from Rural Utilities Service.