ConnectME Authority Grant Program - Funds for Broadband Infrastructure Projects

ConnectME Authority Eighth Grant Round

We are looking for creative solutions for expanding affordable broadband service to the unserved areas of Maine. For this round, we continue to request smaller, focused proposals, with a suggested grant limit for each project of $100,000, funding no more than 50% of the total project, while recognizing that we can be flexible for exceptional proposals. Legislation creating the ConnectME Authority provides for funding from a 0.25% surcharge on instate communications services. Grant awards will be made at the ConnectME Authority's May 24th meeting.

The Authority makes grants for "last mile" infrastructure to provide high-speed internet access to customers in unserved areas of Maine. Specifically, such grants provide a percentage of the cost, matched with funding from an internet service provider, of bringing affordable access from an existing location to unserved homes and businesses, which then pay a monthly access fee to that service provider.

In 2012, after the seventh round of grants had been awarded, 99 projects have been funded for $8 million, with ConnectME covering fully 53% of total project costs. These Authority awards went to 16 Maine Internet service providers (ISPs) from small, one-office operations to those with regional and national offices. Grants ranged from $533 thousand in Washington County for $92 per household (household availability 5,785) to $5 thousand in Massardis for $63 per household (household availability 80).

Currently Available Grants: ConnectME is on a ten month granting cycle and does not follow a calendar year cycle. Sign up on the Staying Informed form, and we will add you to future notifications of grant rounds.

Overview of the Grant Process

Grant Application Toolkit with Sample Documents

Request for Funds and Certification for Use of Broadband Sustainability Funds35-A MRSA 9216