Preparation is key to victory. Your competition isn’t waiting on Fabric.

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Pre-enroll

<p><i><strong>Your Profile&nbsp;</strong></i> walks you through creating a general application profile that will be used across various broadband grants such as<br>the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program (BEAD) , Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program and more. Answer questions here once to pre-populate the rest of your applications, and win broadband grant funding with ease.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Who is this for?</strong></h2><p>This section is intended for all users interested in submitting any type of broadband grant application.&nbsp;<br>This includes:</p><ul><li>Local providers</li><li>States</li><li>Political subdivisions of states</li><li>Tribal governments</li><li>Technology companies</li><li>Electric utilities</li><li>Utility cooperatives</li><li>Public utility districts</li><li>Telecommunications companies,</li><li>Telecommunications cooperatives</li><li>Nonprofit foundations, corporations, institutions, associations</li><li>Regional planning councils</li><li>Native entities</li><li>Economic development authorities</li></ul><p>This section can be completed directly, or via your consultant.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>What’s covered in this section?</strong></h2><p>Using this platform, you’ll:</p><ol><li>Fill out general information about yourself and your organization. Answer these questions once, and reuse the same application profile across various grant programs easily.</li><li>Define an area of focus. Using Broadband.money's mapping system, define your area of interest so you can start to research and develop your application model foundation.</li></ol><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>In this section, you’ll:</h3><h2>Answer questions once, not dozens of times</h2><p>Supply general information and build your profile once so it can be re-used in many grant programs.</p><h2>Identify and set your areas of focus</h2><p>Using the mapping system, define the areas you're interested to kick-off the research process. You'll be able to upload your own file, use the drawing tool, or select from our library of county shapefiles to easily define an area of interest on the map. Create, tag and research areas of interest, so you can get detailed insights and analyses such as the number unserved and underserved demand points, community anchor institutions and estimated yield on costs.</p><h2>Start the research and development process</h2><p>Explore the various data layers which include the latest information on <a href="https://broadband.money/blog/why-ready-speed-rank" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">performance</a>, tower locations, community anchor institutions, competition, demographics and more and start to <a href="https://discuss.broadband.money/c/get-broadband-grant-alerts-news/welcome-to-broadband-money-your-start-page-for-broadband-grants" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">research and tag areas potential areas</a> interest. Gain a multi-faceted view of your geographic area in order to:</p><ul><li>Pinpoint <a href="https://broadband.money/blog/why-ready-speed-rank" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">high-likelihood</a> <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/unserved-location" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">unserved</a> and <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/underserved-location" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">underserved</a> communities</li><li>Research and gather sufficient, holistic evidence to support your challenge process</li><li>Identify key stakeholders for collaboration</li></ul>

Start here to build your general profile that will be reused for different broadband grant applications.

Your Profile

<h2>Discover the Power of "Apply for Matching Funds" – Your Gateway to BEAD Broadband Grants Success!</h2><p>Prepare and conquer BEAD broadband grants with ease using our comprehensive guide. Gain valuable insights into unlocking <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/matching-funds-for-bead-grants" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">matching funds</a> and understand the crucial requirements to secure the funding you need. While our focus remains on BEAD grants, the knowledge and lessons provided are also transferable to other grant matching opportunities and securing external capital for your projects or businesses.</p><p>We understand that you're busy connecting families to broadband, which is why we aim to save you precious time. No more struggling to line up potential funding sources for your visionary broadband projects. Say goodbye to repetitive meetings with investors asking the same questions repeatedly.</p><p>With <a href="https://broadband.money/bead-grant-matching-funds" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">"Apply for Matching Funds,"</a> you'll experience a game-changing approach. Submit a single application profile, and meet numerous investors eager to support your vision. You have complete control over who gets to see what, ensuring confidentiality and privacy throughout the process. Embrace the efficiency and simplicity of our platform as you take charge of your broadband funding journey.</p><h2><br><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Who is this for?&nbsp;</span></h2><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">This section is designed for existing local providers keen on pursuing matching capital for their BEAD applications. Whether you already have definite plans or are exploring possibilities, this module is tailored for you if you own and/or operate a provider business in at least one state or territory.&nbsp;</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">What is covered in this guide?</span></h2><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">The broadband.money platform offers specialized resources to help you secure matching funds and navigate the financial aspects of BEAD grants. Here's how we assist you in achieving your funding goals:</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Matching Rules for BEAD: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the specific matching rules set forth by BEAD grants. Our platform provides clear insights into the requirements and criteria for securing matching funds and a step by step guide for you to stay compliant.&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Complete Financial Due Diligence: Prepare for interactions with matching capital providers by completing the initial financial due diligence. We equip you with the necessary tools and templates to address the inquiries of potential financial counterparties confidently.</span></li><li><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Robust Financial Model: Using the provided templates, create a robust financial model that financial counterparties can access and examine before making investment decisions. Our platform streamlines the process, ensuring that you present a comprehensive and compelling financial projection.</span></li><li><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Understanding Equity, Debt, and </span><a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/irrevocable-standby-letter-of-credit-for-bead-grants" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Letter of Credit</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">: Learn the nuances between equity, debt, and letter of credit financing options. Our resources offer clarity on each option, helping you make informed decisions on the most suitable funding approach for your broadband project.</span></li><li><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Leveraging Municipal Debt: Understand how operators or communities can utilize municipal debt as a financing mechanism for matching funds. Our platform provides guidance on maximizing the potential of municipal debt to support your broadband initiatives.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">In this guide you will:&nbsp;</span></h2><ul><li><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Prepare to line up matching funds&nbsp;</span><ul><li><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Applicants seeking matching funds will be able to source funds from a variety of interested funding sources in a future section. You can start applying for matching funds now!</span><ul><li><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">❕ BEAD will require proof of funding up front with your application submission, and this process has been known to take a year or more, so it’s best to get going as soon as possible, well before you finalize your application submissions. Most incumbents already have matching funds secured.</span></li></ul></li></ul></li><li><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Answer questions once, not dozens of times&nbsp;</span><ul><li><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">The information you provide during </span><a href="https://broadband.money/bead-grant-matching-funds" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Apply For Matching Funds</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;"> will seamlessly transfer and be utilized when your state's application for BEAD becomes available.</span></li></ul></li><li><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Tools included in Apply for Matching Funds</span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#ff0000;">&nbsp;</span><ul><li><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Easy-to-use geospatial insights platform</span></li><li><a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/application-model" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Application Model</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;"> Questionnaires</span></li><li><a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/yield-on-cost" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Yield-on-Cost</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;"> Estimator</span></li></ul></li></ul>

Your Gateway to BEAD Broadband Grants Success!

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Apply For Matching Funds

<p><i><strong>Getting Ready for BEAD </strong></i>helps you to learn how to win <a href="https://broadband.money/ntia-bead-nofo/notice-of-funding-opportunity" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">BEAD broadband grants</a> – as well as several other broadband grant programs in one or more states – from a single application model. From there, you can get a head start on your application research &amp; development, explore your territory with easy-to-use geospatial tools, prepare for local coordination, line up matching funds, and much more.</p><h2><strong>Who is this for?</strong></h2><p>This section is intended for existing local providers interested in pursuing BEAD grants. Whether you have definite plans already, or need to explore the possibilities, this module is for you – if you already own and / or operate a provider business in at least one state or territory. This section can be completed directly, or via your consultant (you’ll be able to invite them to your application model).</p><h2><strong>What’s covered in this section?</strong></h2><p>Using the <a href="http://broadband.money">broadband.money</a> platform, you’ll:</p><ol><li>Research and develop your application model foundation – from which you’ll be able to quickly get started on one or more applications in one or more states when states begin accepting proposal</li><li>Identify <a href="https://broadband.money/blog/why-ready-speed-rank" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">high-likelihood</a> <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/unserved-location" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">unserved</a> and <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/underserved-location" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">underserved</a> areas – months ahead of Fabric, using <a href="https://broadband.money/blog/why-ready-speed-rank" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">many data sources</a>. You can use the platform to <a href="https://discuss.broadband.money/c/get-broadband-grant-alerts-news/welcome-to-broadband-money-your-start-page-for-broadband-grants" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">research and tag potential areas</a> of interest.</li><li>Identify and engage key stakeholders – community leaders, anchor institutions, project collaborators, and more</li><li>Understand performance history, survey current service availability, and determine desired appetite for expanded broadband services</li><li>Prepare for next steps: set up your profile for local coordination, matching funds, and more</li><li>Start planning for the significant ongoing reporting and performance measurement requirements set forth by NTIA for BEAD grant winners. Your <a href="http://broadband.money">broadband.money</a> application model will be key to helping you to easily sail through the process.</li></ol><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>In this section, you’ll:</h3><h2><strong>Get ready for state plans</strong></h2><p>NTIA has already supplied crystal clear guidance to all grantees (the states) in requirements for sub-grantees (the applicants). So it’s possible to get going on the fundamentals now.</p><p>State plans will be finalized and approved by NTIA within the year. Once states finalize their plans, applicants will be able to complete their applications with additional sections that deal with specific state-level requirements.</p><p><code>❕ TIP: It is perhaps a mistake to wait on states, since incumbents are already working out their application plans now.</code></p><h2><strong>Get setup for effective local coordination</strong></h2><p>In <i><strong>Getting Ready for BEAD</strong></i>, you’ll develop your profile, which will be used to pair you with great prospective partners in the upcoming local coordination section. Communities searching for strong providers will find you through your profile, so make sure to fill it out as best you can. <i><strong>Getting Ready for BEAD</strong></i> helps you put your best foot forward.</p><h2><strong>Prepare to line up matching funds</strong></h2><p>Applicants seeking matching funds will be able to source funds from a variety of interested funding sources in a future section. You can indicate interest in matching funds in <i><strong>Getting Ready for BEAD</strong>.</i></p><p><code>❕ BEAD will require proof of funding up front with your application submission, and this process has been known to take a year or more, so it’s best to get going as soon as possible, well before you finalize your application submissions. Most incumbents already have matching funds secured.</code></p><h2><strong>Set your foundation for qualification and the challenge process</strong></h2><p>In a future section you’ll be able to arm your applications with effective data to make and defend your case. In <i><strong>Getting Ready for BEAD</strong></i>, you set the foundation for asserting areas you intend to pursue qualify for BEAD funding.</p><h2><strong>Answer questions once, not dozens of times</strong></h2><p>Information you supply during <i><strong>Getting Ready for BEAD </strong></i>will be re-used in many grant programs.</p><h2><strong>Tools included in Getting Ready for BEAD</strong></h2><p>You’ll get to know a few broadband grant tools in this section:</p><ul><li>Easy-to-use geospatial insights platform</li><li>Application Model Questionnaires</li><li>Yield-on-Cost Estimator</li><li>Ready Strength Test</li><li>Provider Profile &amp; Comparisons</li></ul>

Start here to get your share of $42.5 billion. Apply to one or many projects.

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Getting Ready for BEAD Grants

<figure class="image"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/bbm-public-bucket/Community_Toolkit_4df2567174/Community_Toolkit_4df2567174.png"></figure><h1>Community Broadband Kit: Get the truth about broadband in your area</h1><p>Communities and broadband grant proposal teams use Community Broadband Kit to get the objective truth about an area’s broadband reality. Update your community’s Broadband Audit, conduct a broadband needs assessment, and find &amp; prove Unserved and Underserved Broadband Serviceable Locations in your broadband grant proposal area.</p><h2>Why do you need Community Broadband Kit?</h2><p><strong>The short answer:</strong> Some folks in your area have bad internet. America’s investing billions of dollars to fix this nationwide.&nbsp;</p><p>Your area could and probably should get its share of the money, but it probably won’t. There’s an unreliable map that might not show the real need for broadband in your area, but the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)’s got your back. If you want, you can <i>prove</i> your area needs better broadband.</p><p><strong>It’s up to you</strong> to help your area get its share. How can you help to ensure your area gets its share? Ensure your area has an accurate <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/broadband-audit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Broadband Audit</a>. The Community Broadband Kit (Kit for short) lets you do that. The Kit gives you the tools you need to understand your area’s broadband reality.</p><p><strong>Background:</strong> The Infrastructure Investment &amp; Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021 provides $42.5 billion to close the digital divide through the Broadband Equity and Access Deployment (BEAD) grant program.&nbsp;</p><p>States and territories can apply for this grant funding through the NTIA. The program allows local governments and service providers to apply for grants to upgrade or extend network infrastructure to <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/unserved-location" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">unserved</a> (defined as service below 25 Mbps download or 3 Mbps upload) and <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/underserved-location" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">underserved</a> (service below 100 Mbps download or 25 Mbps upload) <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/broadband-serviceable-locations" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">broadband serviceable locations</a> – but only if your state / territory is aware, of and acknowledges this need.</p><p>In order to determine unserved and underserved broadband serviceable locations, your state / territory can rely on the Federal Communications Commission's “Fabric” map authorized under the Broadband Data Collection program. This map is the result of the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability Act, or the Broadband DATA Act (BDA).&nbsp;</p><p>However, states are not obligated to use the FCC's data. There are many reasons why, as a grant applicant, you might <i>not </i>want your state / territory to rely on FCC’s Fabric map to determine your community or grant proposal area's eligibility for BEAD funding.&nbsp;</p><p>You can perform your own broadband speed tests. This process requires updating and validating your area’s <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/broadband-audit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Broadband Audit</a> through observed performance at broadband serviceable locations.</p><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Use Community Broadband Kit to update and strengthen your area’s Broadband Audit</h3><p>To ensure your area’s Broadband Audit is strong, defensible, and validated, use the Community Broadband Kit to gather the data your state needs in order to understand the objective truth about broadband in your area.</p><p>The Kit lets your community, or grant proposal team, generate fresh, empirical, source-of-truth data about the current broadband reality as experienced by the people who live in the area.</p><ol><li>Community Broadband Kit works to update and strengthen the Broadband Audit, the official open record of your community / broadband grant proposal area’s objective broadband reality.</li><li>Community Broadband Kit gives you tools to create your community’s custom instance. You can even publish it at your website for maximum local trust. Learn more in the <a href="https://broadband.money/lessons/obtaining-effective-measurements-for-qualification-and-challenge-processes" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">lesson on setting up your community kit</a>.</li><li>With Community Broadband Kit you get a built-in tool for conducting a comprehensive broadband needs assessment in your community. Get going before your state publishes its BEAD guidelines!</li></ol><p>Use Community Broadband Kit to answer these questions, and more:</p><ul><li>What if Fabric is wrong about our area?</li><li>How do we prove unserved and underserved locations in our area?</li><li>How do we conduct a broadband needs assessment?</li><li>How do we build and update our Broadband Audit?</li><li>What is average internet performance in our area?</li><li>How do we survey our community and test broadband performance?</li><li>How do you make our Broadband Audit defensible for the Challenge Process?</li><li>How much BEAD funding should we get for broadband?</li></ul><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>What does the Community Broadband Kit include?</h3><p>Community Broadband Kit bundles a number of essential tools into a single, easy-to-use system:</p><ol><li><strong>Multiple Internet Strength Tests</strong> Broadband Mapping Coalition’s recommended methodology for measuring broadband performance recommends not relying on a single internet strength test, so the Kit bundles three tests – all run from one button. The tests are also designed to remind test-takers to take the test multiple times over a period of two weeks.</li><li><strong>Broadband Needs Assessment Survey</strong> The Kit includes a rich set of questions you can ask test-takers in your area while they take the test. Get an accurate, robust understanding of broadband needs and current broadband availability in your broadband grant proposal area.</li><li><strong>Distribution Tools for Residences and Community Anchor Institutions</strong> The Kit is designed to be distributed directly to residents in your proposal area, as well as to anchor institutions who can help amplify your test-taker reach (and run the test themselves, for a complete understanding of broadband need in your area).</li><li><strong>Tools to customize to your community’s identity</strong> The Kit’s testing and survey tools can be tailored to your community in order to maximize test-taker trust. You can even publish the Kit’s testing &amp; survey tools at a web address trusted by your community. See the official ~City of Detroit’s broadband test~ (powered by the Kit) for an example.</li><li><strong>Dashboard for understanding your area’s broadband reality</strong> As the Kit admin you’ll be able to follow along with the progress and journey of your Kit as it starts to build up understanding of broadband reality in your area.</li></ol><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>When should we use Community Broadband Kit?</h3><p>In order to be ready for the upcoming series of Challenge Processes (which kick off once Fabric is released November 2022) you should start using Community Broadband Kit <strong>asap</strong>. The process is time-sensitive, and not far away. Incumbent monopolies are counting on you not being ready in time.</p><p>You’ll want a robust result set by <strong>February 2023</strong> and no later than April 2023. It takes time to rally people and anchor institutions in your area, and you need test data across a few weeks in order to make sure the results are fully defensible against monopoly incumbents.</p><p>While you could get away with results gathered over a two week period, in practice, you should try for two months to allow time for stakeholder meetings, getting the word out, and maximizing the number of tests taken.</p><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>How do we update our Broadband Audit?</h3><p>Launching your Community Broadband Kit is easy. Follow these three steps:</p><ol><li><strong>Apply</strong> for your free Community Broadband Kit today.</li><li>Once approved, <a href="https://broadband.money/lessons/setting-up-your-community-s-broadband-kit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Launch</strong></a> your Kit. You’ll get an email granting access. See the guide for setting it up. (link to guide new window)</li><li><a href="https://broadband.money/lessons/rallying-your-community-for-better-broadband-aka-getting-people-to-take-your-test" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Get people to take your test &amp; survey</strong>.</a> See the guide on getting people to take your test. (links to Lesson on distribution)</li></ol><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Where should we set up the Kit? Where does it test?</h3><p>The Kit’s software lives in the cloud. You can point to it from a community web address. You don’t need to worry about test infrastructure, unless you want to deploy the open source version.</p><p>The Kit pings multiple servers near and far from your test area for a more comprehensive understanding of broadband reality within your area.</p><p>The Kit includes a geofence – you define your test area during setup. It’s okay if you’re not 100% certain what areas ought to be included in your Kit’s geofence, because you’ll be able to refine your proposal area in a future step.</p><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>How much does Community Broadband Kit cost?</h3><p>Given the massive, rapid need for robust data in order to help state’s guide BEAD allocations to areas of provable need, we decided to make the Kit <strong>100% free</strong>.</p><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Roadmap</h3><p>While the Community Kit is available to start using today, enhancements are on the way. Coming soon:</p><ol><li>Tools to directly ping your area’s anchor institutions with a link to your test</li><li>Physical hardware variant: set up beacons in your area, powered by Nokia &amp; Bell Labs equipment</li></ol><p>Have an idea for ways to improve the Kit? Ping us anytime.</p><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Open source</h3><p>Want to inspect the Community Broadband Kit for accuracy, or deploy it in your own suite of broadband tools? We’ve made the <a href="https://github.com/ready/community-broadband-kit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">source code</a> available for you. Please note, in order to use the open source repository directly, you’ll need two things:</p><ol><li>You’ll need to implement your own geospatial and administrative backend.</li><li>License Ookla’s testing suite directly in order to use their test (or swap in your own).</li></ol><p>Want to contribute to making the test better? Submit a pull request, and ping us for a shoutout!</p><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Thank You</h3><p>The Community Broadband Kit was built following the Broadband Mapping Coalition’s recommended methodology for mapping broadband performance, and with guidance from the Coalition’s mapping experts. Special thank you to Dustin Loup, Lai Yi Ohlsen, Glenn Fishbine, Michael Kleeman, Eugene Chang, Mike Conlow, and David Tuber.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/bbm-public-bucket/Success_Community_Toolkit_fbc26b195f/Success_Community_Toolkit_fbc26b195f.svg"></figure><p>&nbsp;</p>

Use Community Broadband Kit to get the objective truth about an area’s broadband reality.

Community Broadband Kit

<p><strong>Grant Matching Funds</strong> helps you to understand what is needed to unlock matching funds, we are specifically focused on BEAD requirements but most information and lessons is applicable for any grant matching funds and/or when you are seeking external capital to fund a project or business.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Who is this for?</strong></h2><p>This section is intended for existing local providers interested in pursuing matching capital for BEAD application. Whether you have definite plans already, or need to explore the possibilities, this module is for you – if you already own and / or operate a provider business in at least one state or territory. This section can be completed directly, or via your consultant (you’ll be able to invite them to your application model).</p><p><i>Understand how In this Module, you’ll learn about the matching rules for BEAD, they types of matching capital available to you, and the tools and questions you’ll need to use to unlock the capital to deliver your project.</i></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>What’s covered in this section?</strong></h2><p>The middle mile NOFO defines “middle mile infrastructure” as “any broadband infrastructure that does not connect directly to an end-user location, including an anchor institution; and includes— (i) leased dark fiber, interoffice transport, backhaul, carrier-neutral internet exchange facilities, carrier-neutral submarine cable landing stations, undersea cables, transport connectivity to data centers, special access transport, and other similar services; and (ii) wired or private wireless broadband infrastructure, including microwave capacity, radio tower access, and other services or infrastructure for a private wireless broadband network, such as towers, fiber, and microwave links.”</p><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>The matching rules for BEAD</li><li>Complete the initial financial due diligence that a matching capital provider will ask.</li><li>Using provided templates, complete a robust financial model that financial counterparties will be able to access and examine prior to investment.</li><li>Understand the difference equity, debt, and letter of credit.</li><li>Learn how an operator or community can use municipal debt to finance the match.</li><li>Difference between raising equity for your company versus raising equity for a specific project.</li></ol><p>&nbsp;</p><h1>Matching rules for BEAD</h1><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Match Generally</h2><p>Except in certain specific circumstances described herein (including projects in designated “high-cost areas” and other cases in which NTIA has waived the matching requirement), each State shall provide, require its applicants to provide matching funds of not less than 25 percent of project costs. Funds from other Federal programs including the FCC generally may not be used as matching funds; however, the</p><p>Infrastructure Act expressly provides that matching funds for the BEAD Program may</p><p>come from a federal regional commission or authority and from funds that were provided to a State or applicant for the purpose of deploying broadband service under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act; the CARES Act, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021; or the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, to the extent permitted by those laws.</p><p>State should rigorously explore ways to cover a project’s cost with contributions outside of the BEAD program funding. Matching contributions, including in-kind contributions that lower project costs, demonstrate commitment to a particular project and minimize BEAD funding outlay, extend the reach of the BEAD program funding and help to ensure that every unserved location and underserved location in the United States has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed internet.</p><p>In some cases, though, a match requirement could deter participation in the BEAD Program by small and non-traditional providers, in marginalized or low-income communities, or could threaten affordability (i.e., if an applicant seeks to offset the cost of a substantial match through higher end user prices). In those cases, the State should consider ways to cover part or all of the provider’s match through the State or other funds or seek a match waiver through the process explained below. A matching contribution may be provided by the applicant, a State entity, a unit of local government, a utility company, a cooperative, a nonprofit or philanthropic organization, a for profit company, regional planning or governmental organization, a federal regional commission or authority, or any combination thereof.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Preference to maximize grant capital</h2><p>While the match may be provided by multiple sources, States are encouraged to require a match from the applicant rather than utilizing other sources where it deems the applicant capable of providing matching funds. This approach will maximize the impact of States funds and funds provided via other federal programs. As detailed below with regard to the applicant selection process for last-mile broadband deployment projects,States are also required to incentivize matches of greater than 25 percent from applicants wherever feasible (especially where expected operational costs and revenues are likely to justify greater investment by the applicants) by focusing on minimizing the BEAD funding outlay on a particular project. NTIA will provide technical assistance to States to assist in making these determinations. States will be expected to explain in their Initial Proposals how they intend to ensure that applicants will offer the maximum feasible match for each project.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Matches from Other Federal Programs and Entities</h2><p>The Infrastructure Act expressly provides that matching funds for the BEAD Program may come from a federal regional commission or authority and from funds that were provided to a State or an applicant for the purpose of deploying broadband service under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, the CARES Act, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 or the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, to the extent permitted by those laws.</p><p>States are encouraged to consider terms and conditions that may be associated with potential sources of match funds and how those may impact the project overall. For example, if a State utilizes federal regional commission funding as a match, the project will need to comply with all BEAD programmatic requirements and any requirements imposed by the federal regional commission.<br>Likewise, States that use funds from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery<br>Funds or Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund as the source of matching funds for the BEAD Program must comply with the requirements of both the BEAD Program and the relevant Treasury program. Loan funding issued through a federal agency, such as through the USDA ReConnect Program, may also be used as match funding.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>In-Kind Matches</h2><p>Matching funds may be provided in the form of either cash or in-kind contributions, so long as such contributions are made consistent with the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. In-kind contributions, which may include third-party in-kind contributions, are non-cash donations of property, goods or services, which benefit a federally assisted project, and which may count toward satisfying the non-federal matching requirement of a project’s total budgeted costs when such contributions meet certain criteria.<br>In-kind contributions must be allowable and allocable project expenses. The rules governing allowable in-kind contributions are detailed and encompass a wide range of properties and services. NTIA encourages applicants to thoroughly consider potential sources of in-kind contributions that, depending on the particular property or service and the applicable federal cost principles, could include employee or volunteer services; equipment; supplies; indirect costs; computer hardware and software; and use of facilities. In the broadband context this could include, consistent with federal cost principles, waiver of fees associated with access to rights of way, pole attachments, conduits, easements, or access to other types of infrastructure.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Match Waivers</h2><p>In evaluating requests for waiver of the BEAD Program’s non-federal match requirement, NTIA will carefully balance the Program’s various objectives. It is NTIA’s policy to ensure that BEAD funds are used to bring affordable broadband to all Americans. Thus, the Assistant Secretary will generally seek to minimize the BEAD funding outlay on a particular project to extend the Program’s reach, and expects to grant waivers only in special circumstances, when waiver is necessary to advance objectives that are critical to the Program’s success. In order to be considered for a waiver, a State must submit a request that describes the special circumstances underlying the request and explain how a waiver would serve the public interest and effectuate the purposes of the BEAD Program. The Assistant Secretary retains the discretion to waive any amount of the match, including up to the full 25 percent requirement.</p>

This guide helps you to understand what is needed to unlock matching funds.

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Learn About Matching Funds

<p><strong>Getting Ready for Middle Mile Grants</strong> helps you to learn how to win NTIA’s Middle Mile grants. It will also help you to organize, manage, and work through your grant application materials in one always-accessible location. It will allow team members and collaborators to access those materials from anywhere.</p><p>Use the Getting Ready for Middle Mile Grants module to get a head start on your application research &amp; development, explore your territory with easy-to-use geospatial tools, prepare for local coordination, line up matching funds, and much more.</p><h2><strong>Who is this for?</strong></h2><p>This middle mile grants module is intended for eligible applicants looking for middle mile infrastructure funding, as defined by the NTIA’s Middle Mile Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Please note that under the Middle Mile Grant Program, eligible applicants apply to NTIA directly.</p><p>These eligible applicants include:</p><ul><li>States</li><li>Political Subdivisions of states</li><li>Tribal governments</li><li>Technology companies</li><li>Electric utilities</li><li>Utility cooperatives</li><li>Public utility districts</li><li>Telecommunications companies,</li><li>Telecommunications cooperatives</li><li>Nonprofit foundations, corporations, institutions, associations</li><li>Regional planning councils</li><li>Native entities</li><li>Economic development authorities</li><li>Any partnership of two or more of these entities.</li></ul><h2><strong>What is the middle mile?</strong></h2><p>The middle mile NOFO defines “middle mile infrastructure” as “any broadband infrastructure that does not connect directly to an end-user location, including an anchor institution; and includes— (i) leased dark fiber, interoffice transport, backhaul, carrier-neutral internet exchange facilities, carrier-neutral submarine cable landing stations, undersea cables, transport connectivity to data centers, special access transport, and other similar services; and (ii) wired or private wireless broadband infrastructure, including microwave capacity, radio tower access, and other services or infrastructure for a private wireless broadband network, such as towers, fiber, and microwave links.”</p><p>Whether you have definite plans already, or need to explore middle mile possibilities, this module is for you. However you must act quickly as applications are due on September 30th! Broadband.money’s tools and resources can save valuable time and effort as you work to win broadband grant funding.</p><p>This section can be completed directly, or via your consultant (you’ll be able to invite them to your application model).</p><p>The NTIA requires middle mile grant applicants to submit their information via its online portal. But it encourages applicants to maintain a copy of all this information safely in separate documentation.</p><h2><strong>What’s covered in this section?</strong></h2><p>Using the <a href="http://broadband.money/">broadband.money</a> platform, you’ll:</p><ol><li>Research and develop your middle mile application model foundation. The NTIA strongly encourages middle mile grant applicants to work with state broadband offices to coordinate their network plans. It also asks applicants to document the contractors and partners you will work with, as well as specific last mile service providers that have signed a contract or a letter of intent to connect to the middle mile network.</li><li>Identify <a href="https://broadband.money/blog/why-ready-speed-rank">high-likelihood</a> <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/unserved-location">unserved</a> and <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/underserved-location">underserved</a> areas – months ahead of the Federal Communications Commission’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCmWMk_DSOg">Fabric maps</a> with the <a href="http://Broadband.money">Broadband.money</a> platform. The platform provides you <a href="https://broadband.money/blog/why-ready-speed-rank">many data sources</a>, which you can use to <a href="https://discuss.broadband.money/c/get-broadband-grant-alerts-news/welcome-to-broadband-money-your-start-page-for-broadband-grants">research, build and save areas of interest</a>.</li><li>Identify and engage key stakeholders – community leaders, community anchor institutions, commercial entities, project collaborators, and more.</li><li>Understand connectivity and performance histories, survey and document current service availability, and determine strategies for expanded broadband infrastructure and services.</li><li>Answer key questions and create narratives explaining your communities’ level of need</li><li>Prepare for next steps: Establish your profile for application submission, local coordination and matching funds.</li><li>Start planning for the significant reporting and performance measurement requirements required by NTIA for Middle Mile grant winners. Your <a href="http://broadband.money/">broadband.money</a> application model will be key to helping you to easily sail through the process and submit the required reports and documentation of your project’s progress.</li><li>Learn about what you have to do to stay compliant once you win grant funding.</li></ol><h3>In this section, you’ll:</h3><h2><strong>Get ready for the NTIA’s Enabling Middle Mile Infrastructure Grant Program</strong></h2><p><strong>Figure out everything you need to apply for an IIJA middle mile grant application.</strong> NTIA has supplied direct guidance and an application checklist to applicants with its Enabling Middle Mile Infrastructure Grant Program Guidance Package.</p><p>The NTIA expects to provide middle mile project applicants with grants ranging from $5 million to $100 million. Applicants must finish their middle mile projects within five years after NTIA makes the award.</p><h2><strong>Get setup for effective local coordination</strong></h2><p>In <strong>Getting Ready for Middle Mile Grants</strong>, you’ll develop your profile, which will be used to pair you with great prospective partners in the upcoming local coordination section.</p><p>Potential partners searching for strong providers will find you through your profile, so make sure to fill it out completely.</p><p><strong>Getting Ready for Middle Mile Grants</strong> helps you put your best foot forward and will guide you as you engage with state, local and community partners and stakeholders.</p><h2><strong>Tools included for NTIA’s Enabling Middle Mile Infrastructure Grant Program</strong></h2><p>You’ll get to know a few broadband grant tools in this section:</p><ul><li>Easy-to-use geospatial insights platform with accurate broadband data</li><li>Application Model Questionnaires to help you build your application</li><li>Yield-on-Cost Estimator. Use it to create priority areas</li><li>Community Broadband Toolkit &amp; Ready Strength Test</li><li>Service Provider Profile &amp; Comparisons</li></ul>

Apply for and win NTIA funding for middle mile broadband infrastructure.

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Getting Ready for Middle Mile Grants

All the information you need to assess your eligibility to apply for Reconnect.

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Getting Ready for Reconnect

<p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#393b3e;">The Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund (Capital Projects Fund) will address many challenges laid bare by the pandemic, especially in rural America, Tribal communities, and low- and moderate-income communities, helping to ensure that all communities have access to the high-quality modern infrastructure, including broadband, needed to access critical services.</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#393b3e;">The American Rescue Plan provides $10 billion for payments to eligible governments to carry out critical capital projects that directly enable work, education, and health monitoring, including remote options, in response to the public health emergency.</span></p><p><br><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#393b3e;">The state plans approved in this group of awards will support broadband infrastructure designed, upon project completion, to deliver reliable internet service that meets or exceeds symmetrical download and upload speeds of 100 megabits per second (Mbps), speeds that are needed for a household with multiple users to simultaneously access the internet to telework and access education and health monitoring.</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#393b3e;">In accordance with Treasury’s guidance, each states plan requires all service providers to participate in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) new&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.fcc.gov/acp"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#0053a3;">Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#393b3e;">. The ACP helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare, and more by providing a discount of up to $30 per month. The FCC estimates that about 48 million families are eligible for the program — nearly 40% of US households.</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#393b3e;"><strong>FUNDING OBJECTIVES</strong></span></h3><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#393b3e;">The COVID-19 public health emergency revealed and continues to reinforce our understanding that communities without access to high-quality modern infrastructure, including broadband, face impediments to fully participating in aspects of daily life, such as remote work, telehealth, and distance learning.&nbsp; Treasury is launching the Capital Projects Fund to allow recipients to invest in capital assets that meet communities’ critical needs in the short- and long-term, with a key emphasis on making funding available for broadband infrastructure.&nbsp; The Capital Projects Fund aims to:</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#393b3e;">Directly support recovery from the COVID-19 public health emergency by strengthening and improving the infrastructure necessary for participation in work, education, and health monitoring that will last beyond the pandemic.</span></li><li><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#393b3e;">Enable investments in capital assets designed to address inequities in access to critical services.</span></li><li><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#393b3e;">Contribute to the Administration’s goal of providing every American with the modern infrastructure necessary to access critical services, including a high-quality and affordable broadband internet connection.</span></li></ul><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#393b3e;">A key priority of this program is to make funding available for reliable, affordable broadband infrastructure and other digital connectivity technology projects.&nbsp; Recipients may also use funds for certain other capital projects, such as multi-purpose community facilities, that enable work, education, and healthcare monitoring, including remote options.&nbsp; The program encourages recipients to focus on economically distressed areas, support community empowerment, and adopt strong labor practices.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#393b3e;">Capital Projects Fund applicants should review the detailed information provided in&nbsp;<i>Section I</i> of the Capital Projects Fund Guidance:</span></p><ul><li><a href="https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Capital-Projects-Fund-Guidance-States-Territories-and-Freely-Associated-States.pdf"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#0053a3;">Capital Projects Fund Guidance for States, Territories, and Freely Associated States</span></a></li><li><a href="https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Capital-Projects-Fund-Guidance-Tribal-Governments.pdf"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#0053a3;">Capital Projects Fund Guidance for Tribal Governments</span></a></li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><h3><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#393b3e;"><strong>ELIGIBLE PROJECTS</strong></span></h3><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#393b3e;">For a capital project to be an eligible use of Capital Projects Fund grant funds, it must meet all of the following criteria:</span></p><ol><li><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#393b3e;">The capital project invests in capital assets designed to directly enable work, education, and health monitoring.</span></li><li><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#393b3e;">The capital project is designed to address a critical need that resulted from or was made apparent or exacerbated by the COVID-19 public health emergency.</span></li><li><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#393b3e;">The capital project is designed to address a critical need of the community to be served by it.</span></li></ol><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#393b3e;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#393b3e;">The following capital projects are identified in the Capital Projects Fund Guidance as being eligible uses of Capital Projects Fund grant funding:</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#393b3e;"><strong>Broadband Infrastructure Projects</strong>: the construction and deployment of broadband infrastructure designed to deliver service that reliably meets or exceeds symmetrical speeds of 100Mbps so that communities have future-proof infrastructure to serve their long-term needs.</span></li><li><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#393b3e;"><strong>Digital Connectivity Technology Projects</strong>: the purchase or installation of devices and equipment, such as laptops, tablets, desktop personal computers, and public Wi-Fi equipment, to facilitate broadband internet access for communities where affordability is a barrier to broadband adoption and use.</span></li><li><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#393b3e;"><strong>Multi-Purpose Community Facility Projects</strong>: the construction or improvement of buildings designed to jointly and directly enable work, education, and health monitoring located in communities with critical need for the project.</span></li></ul><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#393b3e;"><strong>Case-by-Case Review</strong>: In addition to the eligible Capital Projects identified above, recipients may propose a different use of funds.&nbsp; Such uses must meet the statutory criteria, and recipients will be required to demonstrate that any such projects satisfy the eligibility criteria identified in the Capital Projects Fund Guidance.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#393b3e;">Capital Projects Fund grant funding can also be used for the ancillary costs related to eligible capital projects that are necessary to put the asset to full use.&nbsp; For example, if an applicant plans for Digital Connectivity Technology Projects, Capital Projects Fund awards can be used to provide digital literacy training to community members so that they gain the knowledge and skills necessary to make full use of the devices in order to conduct activities related to education, work, and health monitoring.</span></p>

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Getting Ready for Capital Projects Fund

You’ll get the chance to make your case to your state & NTIA. So will others.

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Challenge Process

Apply for one or more BEAD projects. Invite collaborators, research your area & more.

Project Details

<p>The<i><strong> Local Coordination</strong></i> module<i><strong> </strong></i>prepares you to apply for <a href="https://broadband.money/ntia-bead-nofo/notice-of-funding-opportunity" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">BEAD broadband grants</a> – as well as several other broadband grant programs in one or more states – from a single application. You can use this application to create a model from which you can create different iterations for different states. This is your “application model.”<br>You can use your application model to conduct research &amp; development, explore your territory with easy-to-use geospatial tools, to prepare for local coordination, and to line up matching funds in order to win IIJA BEAD grants.</p><p>The BEAD NOFO requires states, territories, the District of Columbia and other eligible entities to adopt a “comprehensive local coordination approach” that should be included in their Five-Year-Plan submissions to the NTIA.&nbsp;</p><p>States, territories, the District of Columbia, and other eligible entities must document their local coordination and outreach activities to local governments, community groups, union and worker organizations, tribal governments and under-represented populations. These local groups will be key partners for providers looking to win IIJA broadband grant funding to serve these local communities. &nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Who is this for?</strong></h2><p>This section is intended for existing local providers interested in learning how to win IIJA BEAD grants. Whether you have definite plans already, or need to explore the possibilities, this module is for you – if you already own and/or operate a provider business in at least one state or territory. This section can be completed directly, or via your consultant (you’ll be able to invite them to your application model).</p><h2><strong>Get ready for state plans</strong></h2><p>NTIA has already supplied crystal clear guidance to all grantees (the states) in requirements for sub-grantees (the applicants). So it’s possible to get going on the fundamentals now.</p><p>State plans will be finalized and approved by NTIA within the year. Once states finalize their plans, applicants will be able to complete their applications with additional sections that deal with specific state-level requirements.</p><p><code>❕ TIP: It is perhaps a mistake to wait on states, since incumbents are already working out their application plans now.</code></p><h2><strong>Get setup for effective local coordination</strong></h2><p>In the <i><strong>Local Coordination</strong></i> module, you’ll be paired with great prospective partners. Communities searching for strong providers will find you through the profile you have set up in the <i><strong>Getting Ready for BEAD</strong></i> module.</p><h2><strong>What’s covered in this section?</strong></h2><ul><li>How to win local community leaders' trust in areas that are unserved or underserved</li><li>How to successfully start engaging with local communities that are unserved or underserved</li><li>How to successfully execute partnership plans once you've earned local communities' trust.</li></ul><h2>&nbsp;</h2>

Partner with great communities & providers to meet NTIA local coordination guidelines.

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Local Coordination

Invite your consultant to your application, or get help from expert partners.

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Expert Help

Preparation is key to victory. Don't wait on fabric softener like your competition.

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Rider

Effortlessly offer the ACP discount to families in need.

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Turnkey ACP

<p>Broadband grant winners face significant ongoing requirements to remain compliant. Ready BOSS, the platform that powers broadband.money grant applications, automates ongoing compliance for winners over the full 10 year grant lifecycle, so you can stay focused on connecting more families and businesses to better broadband.</p><p>More soon…</p>

Winners face tough ongoing requirements for 10 years. Automate compliance.

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Start your journey to win broadband grant funding

Pre-enroll

Apply For Matching Funds

Getting Ready
for BEAD

Community Broadband Kit

Learn About Matching Funds

Getting Ready for Middle Mile Grants

Getting Ready for Reconnect

Getting Ready for Capital Projects Fund

Challenge Process

Project Details

Local Coordination

Expert Help

Turnkey ACP

Ongoing Monitoring, Reporting & Performance Managing

Use Broadband.money to conduct independent research on underserved/unserved, competition, pricing, and opportunities in your area. Prepare for the challenge process, line up matching funds, collaborate with partners, build your application model, and more.

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Start your journey to win broadband grant funding

Pre-enroll

Apply For Matching Funds

Getting Readyfor BEAD

Community Broadband Kit

Learn About Matching Funds

Getting Ready for Middle Mile Grants

Getting Ready for Reconnect

Getting Ready for Capital Projects Fund

Challenge Process

Project Details

Local Coordination

Expert Help

Turnkey ACP

Ongoing Monitoring, Reporting & Performance Managing

Use Broadband.money to conduct independent research on underserved/unserved, competition, pricing, and opportunities in your area. Prepare for the challenge process, line up matching funds, collaborate with partners, build your application model, and more.

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Getting Ready
for BEAD