The FCC launched two pilot programs to publicize awareness of its Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The grants seek to enlist community groups to develop outreach methods to reach historically unserved and underserved communities. The agency is especially interested in contacting recipients of federal housing assistance.
“Through federal housing assistance, millions of Americans have access to a home. It’s time to help them take advantage of ACP to access affordable internet as well,” said Commissioner Geoffrey Starks. “If we can help a family secure housing, we should be able to help them secure an internet connection as well.”
The Commission issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for up to $5 million for the Your Home, Your Internet Pilot Program Outreach Grants and up to $5 million for the ACP Navigator Pilot Program Outreach Grants. Eligible applicants must submit applications by January 9, 2023, 9 p.m. EST. This NOFO will only apply to pilot participants seeking grant funds. Those participants who will self-fund the pilot will not be required to adhere to the NOFO requirements.
The ACP is a $14.2 billion FCC benefit program that helps ensure that qualifying low-income households can afford broadband. The program has served more than 15 million households to-date.
The Your Home, Your Internet Pilot Program Outreach Grants provide funding to state, local, and Tribal housing agencies or non-profits, community groups, and tenant association partners that work with agencies. The program encourages participation in the ACP for households receiving federal housing assistance. The one-year pilot will allow the FCC to test the best methods for helping consumers receiving federal housing assistance available through Department of Housing and Urban Development programs to learn about and enroll in the ACP.
The ACP Navigator Pilot Program Outreach Grants is a one-year pilot program that provides funding to support outreach activities by neutral third-party organizations, such as schools and school districts or other local or state governments, with access to the National Verifier to help consumers with their ACP applications.
For general information about YHYI and NPP, see www.fcc.gov/acp-pilots. For questions about the grant opportunities, contact: ACPGrants@fcc.gov. For assistance using www.grants.gov, email: support@grants.gov.
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