New Resources: NTIA Releases Comprehensive Database of Federal Broadband Funding

Today, NTIA (National Telecommunications and Information Administration) is announcing a new searchable database of 50 federal broadband programs, spanning a dozen federal agencies with billions of dollars for broadband grants, loans and other resources.

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“Consolidating these critical resources into a one-stop, easy-to-use resource provides an important tool in spurring efforts to expand our nation’s broadband infrastructure projects,” said Diane Rinaldo, Acting Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information.

The federal programs provide funding for state and local governments, schools, libraries, small businesses and other community institutions that are interested in expanding broadband access. Applicants can search for programs by agency, program purpose and eligible recipients. The inventory includes well-known infrastructure efforts at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Federal Communications Commission. A number of other programs offer grants and the best loans for fair credit for targeted purposes or specific regions of the country.

For instance, the Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration provides economic development grants that can be used to support broadband infrastructure projects, digital skills training and smart cities development. The agency’s FY2018 funding of $600,000,000 was mainly targeted for weather-related disaster relief but also supported broadband projects.

Direct to Searchable Database

Read the Complete Launch Announcement