Funding Window Opens for Broadband Stimulus

According to Government Technology, "The second and final funding window for broadband stimulus applications opened Tuesday, Feb. 16. Applicants have until March 15 to complete their submissions, which preparers are working feverishly to align with the latest broadband stimulus eligibility requirements." $7.2 Billion is available for broadband projects, with the money distributed by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS).

Priority is given by NTIA to partnerships with entites such as hospitals, community colleges and government agencies. But don't send a request to spend a small amount of money for a local project. According to the administrator of NTIA, he won't consider a project of less than $500,000. In fact, talking about a particular statewide project, he said, "It's much more impressive of a project to us than some we've gotten where a single library filed and asked for a $20,000 grant to create a public computer center. That isn't to say they didn't have a meaningful project for their community. [But] it costs us more than $20,000 to even look at that application."

So, only apply if you need a LOT of money for a project. If you still are considering an application, the rules are in a new Notice Of Funds Available (NOFA) for grants from NTIA and another from RUS. NTIA has links to grants guidance here, just under the "What's New" heading. RUS has links here.