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Rural Development 1400 Independence Ave. Washington, DC 20250 usda/rus/

Community Connect Broadband Grant Program Rural Development 1400 Independence Ave. Washington, DC 20250 www.usda.gov/rus/ Presenter: Alyssa Clemsen General Information What is Community Connect? Annual Grant Program Created 2002

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Rural Development 1400 Independence Ave. Washington, DC 20250 usda/rus/

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  1. Community Connect Broadband Grant Program Rural Development 1400 Independence Ave. Washington, DC 20250 www.usda.gov/rus/ Presenter: Alyssa Clemsen

  2. General Information What is Community Connect? • Annual Grant Program • Created 2002 • Provides rural communities with: broadband service and a community center

  3. Program Facts • Over $57 million in grants • 129 Communities • 26 States and the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico • 4 Technologies (Wireless, DSL, Cable, and Fiber)

  4. FY 2007 Funding • Budget • $8.9 million • Notice of Funds Availability • July 5, 2007 • Due Date • August 20, 2007

  5. How? How can my community apply for a grant? • Get informed • Determine community eligibility • Determine project eligibility • Complete Application • Submit Application

  6. Get Informed • Go to website http://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/commconnect.htm • Contact GFR http://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/staff/gfr-by-state-list.htm • Contact Headquarters alyssa.clemsen@wdc.usda.gov (202) 205-5042

  7. Eligible Community • Community found on the US Census • One Community • No broadband • Less than 20,000 people

  8. Eligible Project • Type of Applicant Incorporated organization Indian Tribe or Tribal Organization State or local unit of government Cooperative or LLC • Broadband to residences and businesses

  9. Eligible Project(Continued) • Community Center Free to the Public Ten Computers • Free broadband to Critical Facilities

  10. New for 2007 • Allowable Operating Expenses – 2 Years • Operations Manager: $30,000 • Technical Support: $30,000 • Community Center Staff: $25,000 • Bandwidth: $25,000 • Training Courses: $15,000

  11. Other Pertinent Information • Minimum Grant Request • $50,000 • Maximum Grant Request • $1,000,000

  12. Completing Application • Application on websitehttp://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/commconnect.htm • Grants.gov • 60 day window of completion

  13. Submitting Application • Mail legible dated postmark legible mail receipt dated shipping label • Hand • Electronically

  14. Things to Avoid • Using ineligible/insufficient matching funds • Using a Census tract/Multiple communities • Missing the deadline • Excessive Operating Expenses When in doubt, ASK!

  15. Review Process • Log Application • Reviewed for eligibility • Eligible applications scored • Broadband availability finding • Grants ranked by score • Awards announced

  16. Post Award • Check ceremony • Grant Documents • Submit Requests for funding

  17. Program Updates • We recognize a need for some program updates to make the Community Connect Grant Program more user friendly • Please check out our website for updates about Fiscal Year 2007: http://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/commconnect.htm

  18. Questions Please feel free to ask any questions that you may have.

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