Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program
Limited submission
This grant funds projects to expand broadband access and support remote learning, telework, and telehealth on Tribal lands.
Funder: DOC NIST ERA
Due Dates: November 17, 2026: Full application submission deadline
Funding Amounts: Up to $540 million total; typical awards: $500,000–$2.5M (use/adoption) or $1M–$25M (infrastructure); up to $500,000 equitable allocation per eligible Tribe not previously funded
Summary: Supports Tribal entities in expanding broadband access, adoption, and digital inclusion through infrastructure or use/adoption projects.
Key Information: Eligible entities may submit only one application (either use/adoption or infrastructure, not both).
Description
This program provides federal funding to eligible Tribal entities to expand access to and adoption of broadband services on Tribal lands, or to support programs promoting remote learning, telework, and telehealth. The initiative aims to bridge the digital divide in Native communities by supporting both broadband infrastructure deployment and digital inclusion activities. Funding is available for both infrastructure projects (such as network construction) and use/adoption projects (such as digital literacy, device access, and affordable broadband programs), but applicants must choose one or the other per application cycle.
