Connecticut Education Network (CEN)

Grant for Community Anchor Institutions Expanding Broadband Wi-Fi Access

$10M

Amount

Cash

Rolling

Deadline

Connecticut

Geography

Regional

Grant

Type

Non Profit

Technology & Digital Equity
Community Development & Housing
Education

Share this grant:

About this grant

A competitive reimbursement subgrant program that funds the installation and expansion of high-quality, secure 802.11-based wireless internet access points at Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs) in Connecticut. Projects must connect to the CEN network and serve underserved, economically disadvantaged communities. Funding supports new construction, renovations, hardware, software, and professional services needed to establish or upgrade broadband Wi-Fi infrastructure.

What you get

Share of $10 million competitive reimbursement subgrant pool
Full program award for projects requiring new construction, renovations, or build-backs
Eduroam-only award for projects needing hardware, software, or professional services to implement eduroam SSID
Option to request advance of a portion of the grant award for applicants lacking initial capital
Partial awards may be granted to spread funds equitably

How to apply

Online application via CEN Online Portal
Partner agreements or MOUs for multi-entity applications
Statement on Organization and Experience including organizational chart and 1-page bios for project team members
Executive Summary describing project need, benefits, and community impact
Budget Template (Appendix B) and Statement of Viability
Project Timeline showing readiness to begin within 120 days and completion by June 30, 2026
Technical Specifications including current usage metrics from at least 30 days within the last 180 days
Applicant Affidavit (Appendix D) with signatures from all involved entities

Eligibility

Lead applicant must meet the US Code, Title 47, Chapter 16, Section 1702(a)(2)(E) definition of a Community Anchor Institution (CAI)
All entities must fall into one of the following sectors: government entities, non-profit entities, education (K12, higher education, libraries, cultural art institutions), or private for-profit entities
Must be in good standing and not be prevented from receiving federal or state grants
Must be registered with SAM.gov and provide their UEI number
Project must take place within the state of Connecticut
Project must meet CPF eligibility criteria
Must be able to produce a partnership agreement or MOU addressing each partnering agency and financial terms
Project must be ready to begin construction within 120 days following the sub-award and reach final completion no later than June 30, 2026

See the rest of this grant

Grant for Community Anchor Institutions Expanding Broadband Wi-Fi Access

About this grant

What you get

How to apply

Eligibility

Grant for Local Run Clubs

Capital Grant for Faith Congregations with Growth Plans

Grant for Humanities Research and Education Nonprofits

Capital Improvement Grant for Delaware Nonprofits

Grant for Faith-Based Congregations Starting New Mission Projects

Grant for Nonprofits Developing Strategic Technology Plans