 |
 |
Hello! There's a grant opportunity through the USDA Department of Rural Development for Community Connect Grants, which could include costs for construction and public libraries are eligible! https://www.rd.usda.gov/community-connect. I have to admit that I love that public libraries are listed as essential community facilities! (There's a fact to throw around as needed!) Please note that their definition of an eligible area is: rural areas that lack broadband service as defined in the most recent funding announcement. This announcement can be found at: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-03-20/pdf/2023-05549.pdf This grant application deadline is June 20th, and for more information you can contact your field representative (list here: https://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/telecom-gfr). A one-page flyer about the grant is available at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/fact-sheet/508_RD_FS_RUS_CommunityConnect.pdf Best of luck! Jennifer Jennifer Cowan-Henderson Director of Planning and Development Tennessee State Library and Archives Office of Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett 1001 Rep. John Lewis Way North Nashville, TN 37219 p 615-741-1923 f 615-532-9904 [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> This electronic mail may be subject to the Tennessee Public Records Act, Tenn. Code Ann. §10-7-503 et seq. Any reply to this email may also be subject to this act. The mission of the Office of the Secretary of State is to exceed the expectations of our customers, the taxpayers, by operating at the highest levels of accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and accountability in a customer-centered environment. Secretary of State Social Media Links: www.facebook.com/TennesseeSecretaryofState<http://www.facebook.com/TennesseeSecretaryofState> www.facebook.com/TNStateLibraryArchives/timeline<http://www.facebook.com/TNStateLibraryArchives/timeline>