Companies That May Be Able to Help Schools, Libraries, and Tribal Organizations Seeking to Use CARES Act Funding for Broadband Connectivity

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides funding that schools as well as libraries and Tribal organizations may be able to use toward the purchase of broadband connectivity and devices:

CARES Act Funding for Schools Through the Department of Education

  • On April 23, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education announced that more than $13.2 billion in emergency relief funds, allocated through the CARES Act, are now available. The Department will award grants to State educational agencies (SEAs) for the purpose of providing funding to local education agencies (LEAs) to support continued learning for K-12 students whose educations have been disrupted by the coronavirus. Education leaders will have the flexibility to use funds from the Elementary and Secondary School Education Relief Fund (ESSER Fund) for immediate needs, including purchasing education technology (hardware, software, and connectivity). Please visit the Department’s ESSER Fund webpage for more information, as well as the Application.
  • On April 14, 2020, the Department announced that nearly $3 billion will quickly be made available to governors to ensure education continues for students of all ages impacted by the coronavirus national emergency. Governors may use these funds to support remote learning. Please visit the Department’s Governors Emergency Education Relief Fund webpage more information.

CARES Act Funding for Libraries and Tribal Organizations Through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)

  • On April 13, 2020, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced that $30 million appropriated to IMLS in the CARES Act will be distributed to state libraries to expand digital network access, purchase internet accessible devices, and provide technical support services to citizens to address digital inclusion efforts and related technical support. IMLS has provided additional details regarding this funding availability directly to State Library Administrative Agencies.
  • On May 8, 2020, IMLS announced an additional $15 million in funding opportunities to support museums, libraries, federally recognized tribes, and organizations that primarily serve Native Hawaiians. The funding will help these institutions respond to community needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, such as connectivity, digital inclusion, and engagement, among other community concerns. Please visit IMLS’ Grant Programs webpage for more information about these funding opportunities.

Schools, libraries, and Tribal organizations seeking to use CARES Act funding available through the Department of Education or IMLS can find information about broadband service providers in their state that may be able to help by clicking on the relevant state links below. The providers listed here have signed the FCC’s Keep Americans Connected pledge and may offer broadband connectivity and devices for schools, libraries, and Tribal communities. Please be aware that this list includes all Keep Americans Connected companies, and it therefore includes those that may not meet your particular requirements (e.g., companies that serve areas outside of a school district’s boundaries or that serve enterprise or niche markets).

Schools, libraries, and Tribal organizations may also be able to use the FCC’s Broadband Map to identify fixed broadband providers that serve their geographic area.

Schools, libraries, and Tribal organizations should contact providers directly to see whether they may be able to help.

 

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

 

Connecticut

Delaware

District of Columbia

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

 

Indiana

Iowa

 

Kansas

 

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

 

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

 

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Puerto Rico

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

 

US Virgin Islands

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

 

Wyoming