BEAD Broadband Funding Guide
The $42.5 billion allocation for building broadband infrastructure from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program will be transformational for rural communities with long-standing connectivity gaps. Yet, smaller, community-centric internet service providers (ISPs) will face unique challenges compared to national incumbents when applying for BEAD grants.
The Center on Rural Innovation has created a suite of BEAD application resources and an interactive mapping tool to help smaller ISPs be more competitive when applying for this historic funding.
BEAD application resources
The BEAD application resources explain key sections of the BEAD Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). They include questions to help applicants prepare to apply, strategies to increase the competitiveness of BEAD applications, and examples of how different U.S. states and territories (known as Eligible Entities) are structuring their BEAD programs.
Interactive rural broadband service map
This map allows potential BEAD applicants to explore eligible project areas, view project areas funded by previous federal grants, and easily see existing ISP footprints in potential deployment areas. The tool is designed to support efficient initial assessments of eligibility by census block, and the creation of a high-level grant strategy based on that eligibility.
Questions? Get in touch.
If you have any additional questions or would like help with your BEAD application, please contact us.