Broadband Infrastructure Improvement Grant (BIIG)
Broadband Infrastructure Improvement Grant (BIIG) supports Idaho schools and libraries with broadband construction matching funds to advance students’ education and patrons’ community learning.
Funder: Idaho State Board of Education
Due Dates: October 15, 2026 (Draft RFP review) | November 1, 2026 (Consultation close) | November 15, 2026 (Certified Form 470) | November 30, 2026 (Form 470 window close) | January 31, 2027 (Application)
Funding Amounts: 5% of eligible special construction costs for applicants with a 90% E-Rate discount; 10% for all others, triggering an equal federal match
Summary: State matching funds help Idaho E-Rate eligible schools and libraries construct high-speed fiber infrastructure.
Key Information: Funded sites face a 15-year hold on additional special construction funding.
Description
The Broadband Infrastructure Improvement Grant (BIIG), administered by the Idaho State Board of Education’s Broadband Program, provides state matching funds for E-Rate eligible special construction projects under Idaho Code § 33-910. State support triggers an additional dollar-for-dollar federal E-Rate match of up to 10%, reducing the local cost of high-capacity broadband infrastructure.
Projects can serve a single building or connect district-wide facilities, including non-instructional sites. Eligible models include lit fiber Internet access and wide area networks (WANs), leased dark fiber WANs, and applicant-owned WANs. Non-fiber solutions may be considered individually when fiber is not viable. With limited funding, BIIG prioritizes projects directly serving students’ educational needs at schools or patrons’ community learning and enrichment at libraries.
