This program is temporarily paused and will not be accepting new applications until further notice. If you have any questions please reach out to broadband@illinois.gov.
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the funds are depleted or application period (June 2024) closes
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Eligible Applicants: Incorporated business or partnership, a political subdivision, a nonprofit organization, a cooperative association, or a limited liability corporation organized for the purpose of expanding broadband access
Note: IL Public Schools are eligible but may be encouraged to leverage other sources of funding first
Award Maximum: $10,000,000
This program is meant to support broadband deployment to expand and strengthen existing broadband network infrastructure, health information technology, telemedicine, distance learning, and public safety in Illinois.
Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis until release of a new NOFO
Economic Development Administration (EDA), US Department of Commerce
Eligible Applicants: District Organization; Indian Tribe / consortium of Tribes; State, County, City, or other State Political Subdivision / consortium of political subdivisions; Institution of Higher Education / consortium of IHEs; Public or Private Non-Profit Organization or Association acting in cooperation with officials of a state political subdivision
Award Ranges: $600,000 – $3,000,000 (Public Works Projects); $150,000 – $1,000,000 (Economic Adjustment Assistance); $500,000 – $2,000,000 (Assistance to Coal Communities and Nuclear Closure Communities)
All programs under this NOFO are meant to provide economically distressed communities and regions with comprehensive and flexible resources to address a wide variety of needs through funding creative construction and non-construction projects that will advance economic prosperity.
CFDA Number: 11.300, 11.307
YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS
Affordable Connectivity Program
A permanent replacement for the Emergency Broadband Benefit. See website to see if your household qualifies.
Eligible applicants will receive a $30 monthly discount on their broadband subscriptions ($75 for households on tribal land) and a one-time $100 discount on a tablet, laptop, or desktop
More information can be found HERE
Request application online
Eligible Applicants: Non-profits within the Ameren Illinois service area
Program Focus Areas: Arts and Culture, Civic and Community, Environment, Health and Human Services, Youth and Education
No deadline to apply, applications reviewed monthly
Eligible applicants: non-profit organizations located near BNSF operations (Metro East is eligible)
Program focus areas: Civic concerns, Cultural experiences, education, health and human services, youth organizations, federally recognized tribal governments
Eligible Applicants: 501(c)(3) non-profits
Award: $25,000-$50,000 list price of equipment
Program Focus Areas: Education, Economic Empowerment, Critical Human Needs
Awards cisco products to non-profits that need new/more technology to increase their capacity to deliver services.
Geico Philanthropic Foundation
Open yearly January 1 – November 30
Eligible Applicants: 501(c)(3) Non-profits
Program Focus Areas: Education, Engaging the Community, Promoting Equity
Michael and Susan Dell Foundation
Not related to Dell Technologies
Eligible Entities: Non-profits
Does not fund more than 25% of a project’s budget
The foundation funds projects that directly serve children or youth from low-income communities in the areas of education, health, and family economic stability.
No deadline
Eligible applicants: Non-profit organizations focused on at least one of the funding priorities
Program Focus Areas: Economic and Community Development, Education and Workforce Readiness, Financial Wellness
Eligible Entities: Non-profits
Sony aims to give its funding to projects focused on education in the areas of art, culture, technology, and the environment.
Spectrum Enterprise
A program which allows schools to offer internet to students and teachers at their home, and easily add and take away households on the network as needed.
Eligible Applicants: Parent/guardian of a student enrolled in the National School Lunch Program
Award: 100GB of mobile data/year for five years, mobile hotspot, low-cost devices
Separate program for school administrators – must fill out online form
Special Programs
Illinois Office of Broadband and Illinois Extension partnered for a webinar series to aid community leaders in planning for broadband expansion
ADDITIONAL LINKS
Find Federal Grants
Stay Informed
Find Affordable Internet in Your Area
Free Digital Literacy Trainings (learners and trainers)
For questions about broadband grants and other resources please contact Mary Gay at mary@leadershipcouncilswil.com