ConneCTed Communities Grant Program
Round 1 Awards
Approximately $28 million in grant funds have been announced for round one. These grants will support the build out of broadband infrastructure in 88 cities and towns, including 26 Distressed Municipalities, ensuring that more than 3,300 homes and small businesses will be able to access at least 100 Megabits per second of upload and download speeds. In most locations, gigabit speeds will be made available, balancing the current needs of Connecticut’s communities while preparing for future innovations and emerging technologies.
View an interactive award map here.
Round 2 Application Period Open
Program Description
Round two of the ConneCTed Communities Grant Program will fund the construction and deployment of broadband infrastructure designed to support the goal of universal access to fast, affordable, and reliable broadband. DEEP is seeking applications for grant funding to facilitate low-income and multi-family curb-to-home and business broadband infrastructure buildout in underserved areas that will result in service at speeds of at least 100 Mbps/100 Mbps. All projects funded through this program must reach substantial completion before December 31, 2026.
View a map of underserved locations in Connecticut here.
Download a .csv of the Location IDs here. Don't have a CostQuest license? Find out more here.
Multi-Dwelling Unit Survey
By completing this intake form, you are helping DEEP identify MDUs that could benefit from internet service improvements. DEEP will review responses to assess the property's eligibility and may reach out to gather additional information and discuss next steps.
Click here to submit information on broadband service issues in multi-dwelling units.
Application Package
- Download Application Guidance
- Project Schedule Template
- Project Budget Template
- Nonstandard Installation Costs Template: While applicants are responsible for standard installation costs, they may request funding for nonstandard costs exceeding the average standard cost using the Nonstandard Installation Cost Form. Eligibility is determined by DEEP using a means test based on income and/or property value data as described on pages 15 and 16 of the application guidance. To assist applicants, DEEP has published a list of potentially eligible locations. Inclusion on this list does not guarantee funding approval; applications must meet all program requirements.
- Location Data Submission Template
- Awardee Sample Contract Template
- List of Distressed Municipalities
Program Priorities
The program will prioritize proposals with strong last-mile projects that provide for quality and reliable service that have already undergone extensive prior planning and are supported with substantial matching funds.
In addition to compliance with program requirements, applications will be prioritized based on secondary factors, including, but not limited to:
-
Delivery of end-to-end fiber optic infrastructure
-
Delivery of 1Gbps/100 Mbps speeds, or scalability to deliver 1 Gbps/100 Mbps
-
A commitment to service quality and affordable service plans offerings
-
A higher contribution of matching funds, with some exceptions
Funding Amount
An estimated $10 million may be utilized in round 2 of the ConneCTed Communities Grant Program. The Program is supported using funds allocated by the Connecticut General Assembly through the Capital Projects Fund (CPF) of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
Who Can Apply
Applicants must be eligible to receive Capital Projects Funds. Eligible entities include:
-
Government entities: Tribal governments; local units of government (e.g., municipalities, counties, and other political subdivisions); State and local agencies
-
Private for-profit entities: Commercial service providers (established or new entrants)
-
Non-profit entities: Community organizations; institutes of higher education; etc.
-
Other: Co-operatives, mutual organizations, utilities
Applicant Webinar
An applicant webinar was held on October 9, 2024 at 2 PM EST. Watch the recording here. Download the slide deck here.
Office Hour
DEEP will hold an office hour on November 21, 2024 from 2PM to 3PM to support applicants. Register here.
Important Dates
| Application Release Date | October 1, 2024 |
| Applicant Webinar | October 9, 2024 |
| Submission of Questions Deadline | November 1, 2024 |
| DEEP Responses to Questions Published | November 15, 2024 |
| Application Deadline |
Rolling |
Resources
- ConneCTed Communities Grant Program Frequently Asked Questions (updated 12/18/24)
- Capital Projects Fund Guidance for States, Territories, and Freely Associated States
- CPF Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) from U.S. Treasury
Contact
Content last updated December 2024.