# The Rural eConnectivity Program

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/rus-rec-2024-1-the-rural-econnectivity-program/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/352008

> Rural Utilities Service offered grants of up to $25.0 million (at least $100,000) to nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments, tribes, small businesses and businesses. Applications closed on May 21, 2024.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | RUS-REC-2024-1 |
| Agency | Rural Utilities Service |
| Status | Forecast |
| Deadline | May 21, 2024 |
| Award ceiling | $25.0 million |
| Award floor | $100,000 |
| Expected awards | not stated |
| Total funding | not stated |
| Cost sharing | required |
| Assistance Listings | 10.752 |

## Who can apply

- State governments
- County governments
- City or township governments
- Special district governments
- Independent school districts
- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
- Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- For profit organizations other than small businesses
- Small businesses
- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

Cooperatives or Mutual Organizations and Limited Liability Partnerships are eligible to apply.

## What the grant funds

The Rural eConnectivity Program (ReConnect) Program provides loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations to facilitate broadband deployment in rural areas. In facilitating the expansion of broadband services and infrastructure, the program will fuel long-term economic development and opportunities in rural America. The ReConnect Program is authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Pub. L. 115-141), which directs the program to be conducted under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq ). The policies and procedures for the ReConnect Program are codified in a final rule, 7 CFR part 1740, that was published in the Federal Register on February 26, 2021 (86 FR 11603). The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), a Rural Development agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is issuing a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to announce that it is accepting applications for the ReConnect Program. In addition, the NOFO defines requirements that are determined at the time a funding announcement is published, as outlined in the regulation. Beginning on March 22, 2024, applications can be submitted through the RUS on-line application portal until 11:59 a.m. Eastern on May 21, 2024. Applications will not be accepted after May 21, 2024 until a new application opportunity has been opened with the publication of an additional NOFO in the Federal Register . The Agency encourages applicants to consider projects that will advance the following key priorities: Assisting rural communities 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 Rural Development funded projects. Reducing climate pollution and increasing resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural communities. All applicants should carefully review and prepare their applications according to instructions in the ReConnect Program Application Guide and program resources. This Program Guide and program resources can be found at https://www.usda.gov/reconnect/forms-and-resources. Applications must be submitted through the RUS on-line application system available on the program web site at https://www.usda.gov/reconnect/. Please submit any ReConnect questions or comments using our Contact Us Form.

## Questions people ask

### Is RUS-REC-2024-1 still open?

No. It closed on May 21, 2024.

### Who can apply for The Rural eConnectivity Program?

Rural Utilities Service accepted applications from nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments, tribes, small businesses and businesses. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.

### What is the deadline for The Rural eConnectivity Program?

Closed May 21, 2024. Applications are no longer accepted; the program's newer notices are on this page when there are any.

### How much funding is available?

Awards of up to $25.0 million each.

### Who has won Rural eConnectivity Pilot Program grants before?

The largest recipients over five fiscal years were Western New Mexico Telephone Company, Inc., Pioneer Telephone Cooperative, WNM Communications Corporation. The program made 86 awards worth $1.4 billion in that time.