This competitive program helps rural communities use advanced telecommunications technology to connect to each other – and the world – overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density. We encourage you to consider projects that promote equity and economic opportunity in rural America, specifically those that advance these key priorities:

• Assisting rural communities recover economically through more and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure.
• Ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to Rural Development programs and benefits from Rural Development funded projects; and
• Reducing climate pollution and increasing resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural communities.

Funds can be used to purchase or support:

• Audio, video, and interactive video equipment
• Broadband facilities used for distance learning or telemedicine (up to a certain percentage)
• Computer hardware, network components, and software
• Instructional programming
• Limited technical assistance and instruction on how to use distance learning and telemedicine equipment

For more information or to apply, see:
https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/telecommunications-programs/distance-learning-telemedicine-grants

https://www.rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/usda-rd-dlt-nosa-fr-02292024.pdf