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 20^th, 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

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