This program offers 100% grants to Local Jurisdictions or their ISP partner for the costs associated with Federal Funding Applications. The grant may pay for the cost of market studies, engineering, legal financial and other approved services provided by outside consultants necessary for a Federal Funding Application preparation.                                                

This program has no application window. Interested applicants should contact the Office to discuss their project and determine if an application can be funded.                                                

Request for Interest in Assistance for Broadband Expansion for Unserved Rural Areas: Federal Application Assistance                                                 

The MEER grant program is designed to provide relief to K-12 students and related school staff to close the gap for students who lack necessary internet access or the devices they need to connect to classrooms. Eligible applicants are Schools, Libraries, and Anchor Institutions. Given their purpose, the grant opportunity will help communities close existing gaps and lay the groundwork for improved broadband access, adoption, and utilization.                                                

The program provides grants of between $50,000 and $350,000 for up to 100% of the eligible program costs. Funding will be provided for qualifying expenses and projects completed between September 1, 2021 and September 15, 2022.                                                

• $14 million is available for this program.
• The funding source for the ​program is t​he Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER) Fund and all federal rules required of the funding apply to the program.

FY22 Broadband Awards List                                                 

The Digital Inclusion grant provides funding to local jurisdictions, 501(c) entities, and community based anchor institutions to further the state’s digital inclusion efforts. This grant opportunity will fund projects directed around digital inclusion planning and implementation.                                                

• Digital Inclusion Planning: Financial assistance for up to 50% of the cost of a Digital Inclusion Plan will be provided. The maximum grant request amount for Digital Inclusion Planning is $30,000 and the minimum amount is $5,000.​
  
• Digital Inclusion Program Implementation: The Office ​will facilitate the award of financial assistance for up to 100% for the implementation, expansion or continuation of Digital Inclusion Program(s).The maximum grant request amount for Digital Inclusion Implementation is $75,000 and the minimum amount is $10,000.
  
• REVISED: Applications for funding will be accepted through March 31, 2022.
• $2 million is available for this program.​
  
• The funding source for the program is the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and all federal rules required of the funding apply to the program.

Notice​ of Funding Availability for MD-DIG: Digital Inclusion​
MD-DIG Application Guide & Form
MD-DIG Application Form                                                 

​The MD-GAPS grant program is designed to assist local community based organizations, non-profits, and anchor institutions in creating Gap Networks and Community Networks. These networks are designed to address the affordability challenge many low to moderate income household’s face in subscribing to the internet.                                              

The program provides grants of between $25,000 and $250,000 for up to 100% for the construction, deployment, expansion or continuation of community based gap networks. Given their purpose, the grant opportunity will help communities close existing gaps and lay the groundwork for improved broadband access, adoption, and utilization.                                               

• ​REVISED:​ Applications for funding will be accepted​​ through March 31, 2022.
• $5 million is available for this program.
  
• The funding source for the program is the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and all federal rules required of the funding apply to the program.

Notice of Funding Availability for MD-GAPS: Connected Communities​
MD-GAPS Application Guide & Form​
MD-GAPS Application Form​​
FY22 Broadband Awards List                                                

The Connected Devices (MD-CDP) grant program is designed to assist in digital equity and inclusion efforts in Maryland. The COVID pandemic increasingly forced individuals to isolate themselves within their homes and avoid public venues and services, placing a strain on households who do not have the technology necessary to access the internet. Working in tandem with discounted and free internet services from the Maryland Emergency Broadband Benefit subsidy and Federal ACP subsidy, connected devices are an additional necessity. Unfortunately, many Marylanders’ cannot afford the cost of a device. MD-CDP is intended to provide new, internet-enabled devices to families who are most at need.                                             

The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) issued an Invitation for Bids (“IFB”) in order to procure approximately 145,000 devices over a period of approximately six (6) months. The device specifications included a minimum of: 13” screen, chrome OS, SD card reader, dual band Wi-Fi, 2 USB ports, headphone and video output jacks and a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. The approved bidder, HP, Inc., plans to provide model HP Chromebook 14 G7 or similar in accordance with their contract.                                             

The program provides grants of internet-enabled devices to counties and municipal governments to distribute to their eligible households. Eligible households are identified as a household with an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Qualifying households may receive only one device per address. The period of performance for the program is 6 months. A stipend of $6 per device is available to the applicant to assist with the cost of distribution.                                             

Applications for 2nd round of funding will be accepted through September 29, 2023.                                             

• Round one of the application requests awarded 91,300 devices.
• Round two of the application requests will award the remaining allotment of devices. New eligible applicants will receive priority for funding.

• MD-CDP Application Guide & Form​
• MD-CDP Application Form​​
  
• Connected Devices Program Presentation​

Round 1

The Home Stretch - Public Housing broadband grant program is designed to assist in digital equity and inclusion efforts in Maryland. The COVID pandemic increasingly forced individuals to isolate themselves within their homes and avoid public venues and services, placing a strain on households who do not have the technology necessary to access the internet. Low income, publicly owned housing that lack broadband wiring to the individual dwelling units impacts many covered communities exacerbates the digital equity and inclusion issues faced by the populations.                                 

The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is accepting applications from owners of public housing to provide broadband capable wiring to individual dwelling units. The program will offer grants between $500,000 and $9,000,000 for this purpose. The grant may pay for 95% of the eligible project costs. A match of 5% of the eligible project costs is required for this grant opportunity. Grant and match requirements are further outlined in the Grant Application Package.                                

• The funding source for the program is the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Capital Projects Fund and all federal rules required of the funding source apply to the program.
• FY24 Home Stretch - Public Housing (HS-PH) Grant Application
• FY24 HS-PH Notice of Funds Availability​
  
• FY24 HS-PH Application Package REVISED​ – the minimum network speed described in the Executive Summary has been revised. No other revisions to the application package have been made.
• FY24 HS-PH Application Form​
  
• FY24 HS-PH Budget​ Form​ (Excel​)
• FY24 HS-PH FAQ's as of 11-​21-2023​

Expanded Round - FY24 Affordable Housing Grant

The Department of Housing and Community Development has allocated $26.9 million to support the Office of Statewide Broadband (OSB) in its mission to bridge the gap in digital accessibility. The Office of Statewide Broadband is now accepting applications for its expanded round for public housing from municipal and non-profit owners of public housing as well as from internet service providers to provide broadband capable wiring to individual dwelling units. The program will offer grants between $250,000 and $5,000,000 for this purpose. The grant may pay for 95% of the eligible project costs. A match of 5% of the eligible project costs is required for this grant opportunity. Grant and match requirements are further outlined in the Grant Application Package.    

• The funding source for the program remains the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Capital Projects Fund and all federal rules required of the funding source apply to the program.
• FY24 Home Stretch - Affordable Housing Grant Application
• FY24 HS-AH Notice of Funds Availability​
• FY24 HS-AH Application Package​
• FY24 HS-AH Application Form
• FY24 HS-PH Budget​ Form​ (Excel​)

The MD-CLP grant program is designed to support local governments, community based organizations, non-profits, and anchor institutions in creating Computer Labs and Centers. These computer labs will serve to reduce gaps in access to devices and the Internet by providing public computer access for individuals with disabilities, Marylanders without permanent residence (i.e. unhoused), veterans, and our incarcerated & returning citizens.                            

The program provides grants of up to $65,000 for up to 100% for the creation, upgrade, and/or retrofit of computer labs/centers throughout Maryland. The majority (50% or higher) of those served by these computer labs and centers must fall into at least one or more of multiple covered populations: individuals with disabilities, homeless/unhoused individuals, veterans, incarcerated/returning citizens.                           

• ​Applications for funding deadline has been extended to November 29, 2024.
• $2 million is available for this program.
• The funding source for the program is the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and all federal rules required of the funding apply to the program.

Notice of Funding Availability for MD-CLP: Computer Lab Program​                               

MD-CLP Application Guide​                               

MD-CLP Application Form                               

This program will offer grants of between $800,000 and $4.5 Million to local jurisdictions or their ISP partner to construct new broadband networks to service unserved households. The grant may pay for 70% to 90% of the capital construction costs associated with providing service to unserved homes and businesses. A match of 10% to 30% of the capital construction costs is required for this grant opportunity. Grant and match requirements are further outlined in the Grant Application package.                              

To determine the density and the required match, the number of households in the proposed funded ​service area (PFSA) should be divided by the number of route miles or towers​ in the PFSA. Middle mile transport, interconnection plant between PFSA’s and service drops to individual homes are not included in this calculation.                                         

• ​The funding source for the program is the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Capital Projects Fund​ and all federal rules required of the funding source apply to the program.
• Areas having received state grant funding in the past are ineligible for additional funding. Areas of past awards can be seen in the Cumulative Funding Map​. ​For additional information on past grant awards, please contact the Office of Statewide Broadband.
• FY23​ Network Infrastructure Grant application
• ​FY23​ Network Infrastructure Grant Application Package (Revised)
• FY23 Network Infrastructure Grant Application Form ​(Revised)​
  
• FY23 Network Infrastructure Grant Application Checklist
  
• FY23 Network Infrastructure Grant Schedule F-1 a​nd F-2 (​Excel)
• FY23 Network Infrastructure Grant Schedule F-2 SAMPLE
  
• ​ FY23 Network Infrastructure Grant Schedule G-1 (Excel)
• ​FY23 Sample Grant Agreement
  
• FY23 Network Infrastructure Grant Contracting and Funds Request Procedures Gu​ide​

This program provides funding to local jurisdictions and their ISP partners to extend existing broadband service to unserved areas. The local jurisdiction is the applicant and fiscal agent and works with their ISP partner to develop the project and apply for funding. The program provides grants of between $50,000 and $500,000 to pay for at least 70% and up to 90% of the capital construction costs of the project. The program requires a cash or in-kind match of between 10% and 30% of the capital construction costs depending on the project being funded. The local jurisdiction or the ISP may own the assets being funded.                                         

To determine the density and the required match, the number of households in the proposed funded service area (PFSA) should be divided by the number of route miles in the PFSA. Middle mile transport, interconnection plant between PFSA’s and service drops to individual homes are not included in this calculation.                                         

• This program is closed and not accepting applications.
• The funding source for the program is the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and all federal rules required of the funding apply to the program.
• Areas having received state grant funding in the past are ineligible for additional funding. Areas of past awards can be seen in the Cumulative Funding Map​. For additional information on past grant awards, please contact the Office of Statewide Broadband.

FY22 Neighborhood Connect Broadband Funding Program Application Package
​FY22 Neighborhood Connect Broadband Funding Program Application Form​
FY22 Neighborhood Connect Broadband Funding Program Capital Budget
FY22 Neighborhood Connect Broadband Funding Program MOU
FY22 Broadband Awards List​
SAMPLE:
​Exhibit D - Template for ISP Certification for Exemption​​​                                              

The FY24 Difficult to Serve Properties Grant Program will provide up to $1,100,000 to local county jurisdictions to assist with the capital construction costs related to the installation of broadband service to premises that have difficulty obtaining service due to their remoteness, distance from broadband infrastructure or other geographic issues that may discourage an ISP from delivering broadband service.                                         

The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is accepting applications from county jurisdictions who will be responsible for developing a sub-grant program with an ISP partner or partners for the installation of service. The maximum amount of funding per location is $8,000. A match of 25% of the eligible project costs is required for this grant opportunity. Grant and match requirements are further outlined in the Grant Application Package.                                         

• The funding source for the program is the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Capital Projects Fund and all federal rules required of the funding source apply to the program.
• FY24 Home Stretch - Difficult to Serve Properties Grant Application
• FY24 HS-DSP Notice of Funds Availability
  
• FY24 HS-DSP Application Package
  
• FY24 HS-DSP Application Form​
  

This program will offer a grant of between $1million and $3million to local jurisdictions or their ISP partner to construct new broadband networks to service unserved households on Smith Island. The grant may pay for up to 90% of the capital construction costs associated with providing service to unserved homes and businesses. A match of at least 10% of the capital construction costs is required for this grant opportunity. Grant and match requirements are further outlined in the Grant Application package.                           

FY24 Network Infrastructure Grant Notice of Funding Opportunity                                        

• ​The funding source for the program is the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Capital Projects Fund and all federal rules required of the funding source apply to the program.
• FY24 Network Infrastructure Grant application:
• ​FY24 Network Infrastructure Grant Application Package
• FY24 Network Infrastructure Grant Application Form
• FY24 Network Infrastructure Grant Application Checklist(​Excel)
• FY24 Network Infrastructure Grant Schedule F-1 and F-2 (​Excel)
• FY24 Network Infrastructure Grant Schedule G-1​
• ​FY24 Sample Grant Agreement
• FY24 Network Infrastructure Grant Contracting and Funds Request Procedures Gu​ide