Lifeline Outreach Grant Program
Forecasted
The Lifeline Outreach Grant Program supports Wisconsin organizations' outreach, education, research, and resource projects to help more low-income households access affordable telecommunications service.
Funder: Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $250,000 total per year for up to six projects; one-year performance period
Summary: Supports Wisconsin projects that increase participation in the Lifeline telecommunications discount program through outreach, education, research, or resources.
Key Information: For-profit businesses and higher education institutions may apply only under the Research and Resource track; eligible telecommunications carriers cannot apply.
Description
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin administers the Lifeline Outreach Grant Program with funding from the Universal Service Fund. It aims to help low-income households obtain affordable essential telecommunications service by increasing awareness and use of Lifeline, which provides eligible households a discount through participating telecommunications providers.
The program has two tracks. Outreach and Education supports work such as direct outreach, assistance with eligibility and provider selection, one-to-one navigation, and training for organizations serving low-income communities. Research and Resource supports identifying barriers to Lifeline access and developing strategies or tools to address them, such as surveys, online resources, and digital toolkits. Activities focused primarily on producing and distributing literature or mailings are not eligible.
