$25 million is available for grants from prior year appropriations with a minimum grant amount of $50,000 and maximum grant amount of $1,500,000 for FY 2011.

Eligibility:

1. Only entities legally organized as one of the following are eligible for Community Connect Grant Program financial assistance:
a. An incorporated organization,
b. An Indian tribe or tribal organization, as defined in 25 U.S.C. 450b(b) and (c),
c. A State or local unit of government,
d. A cooperative, private corporation or limited liability company organized on a for-profit or not-for-profit basis.
2. Individuals are not eligible for Community Connect Grant Program financial assistance directly.
3. Applicants must have the legal capacity and authority to own and operate the broadband facilities as proposed in its application, to enter into contracts and to otherwise comply with applicable federal statutes and regulations.

Application:

The application guide, copies of necessary forms and samples, and the Community Connect Grant Program regulation are available from these sources:

1.The Internet: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/utp_commconnect.html

2. The Rural Development Broadband Division, for paper copies of these materials: (202) 690–4673.

Full details are outlined in the attached Notice and in the application guide at the website.