Grants

Last Mile

The Last Mile Grant program is established for assistance with capital expenses related to last mile broadband deployment in selected counties in areas that are currently lacking broadband at speeds of 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload. Internet Service Providers are invited to apply for this program. A total of $60 million is allocated for this competitive grant program. Grants cover 70% of eligible project expenses with a required 30% match. Application window is from March 6 - April 10, 2024.

Training Opportunities for the Public (TOP)

The Training Opportunities for the Public (TOP) grant is available for public libraries to provide services to their communities relating to digital adoption and access. This grant is funded by TNECD and administered by the Tennessee State Library and Archives. Click here to read more about TOP grants.

Broadband Ready Communities (BRC)

As part of the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act of 2017, the State of Tennessee established the Broadband Ready Communities Program to foster county engagement in securing broadband infrastructure and access to their communities. Through TNECD, the program, which is funded by the American Rescue Plan State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, utilizes a portion of the Tennessee Emergency Broadband Fund – American Rescue Plan to provide $10 million in assistance. A non-competitive grant opportunity is available for county and local governments to secure up to $100,000 dollars for broadband adoption activities. Application window is from October 2 - December 12, 2023.

Digital Skills, Education, and Workforce Development (DSEW)

The Digital Skills, Education, and Workforce Development Grants Program (DSEW) will distribute $27 million across digital skills, education, and workforce development. Eligible applicants include A local educational agency (e.g., community college, vocational school)​, A community-based organization or faith-based organization​, A volunteer literacy organization, An institution of higher education​, A public or private nonprofit agency​, A library, A public housing authority, A nonprofit institution (that does not fit the above), A small business (1-10 employees)​, A consortium or coalition of the agencies, organizations, institutions, libraries, or entity described above​, A partnership between an employer and an entity above​. A maximum award of $1 million is available for this competitive grant opportunity. Grants cover 90% of eligible project expenses with a required 10% match. Application window is from October 16 - December 12, 2023.

Connected Community Facilities (CCF)

The Connected Community Facilities (CCF) Grant Program aims to construct and improve digital access through the creation of buildings or rehabilitation of existing facilities. The goal of this program is to enable digital workforce development, virtual health monitoring, virtual education, and broadband access -- all within one building for the community. Units of local government such as counties, municipalities, and entities like schools and libraries as well as organizations applying in partnerships with local governments are invited to apply for this competitive grant. A total of $30 million is available with a maximum award amount of $2 million. Grants cover 90% of eligible project expenses with a required 10% match.Application window is from October 2 - December 12, 2023.