Line Extension Grant Program
🏛 Ohio Department of Development
✓ Free, no account · Source: Ohio Grants Partnership · Last verified May 31, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) seeking funding for fiber line extension construction costs in Ohio. Eligible projects must extend fiber to homes set back from main roads in unserved or underserved areas. Grant funds cover line extension project costs beyond the first 200 feet, up to $5,000 per address or actual cost, whichever is less. Maximum cost per foot is $9.50. All projects must be operational by December 31, 2026.
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Program description
The funds for the Line Extension Grant Program come from the Capital Projects Fund (CPF). CPF provides $10 billion, with Ohio receiving $268.5 million, to states, territories, freely associated states, and Tribal governments to fund critical capital projects that enable work, education, and health monitoring in response to the public health emergency. CPF Funds will be used to expand the current state-funded program to serve additional locations. The Grant Program is an opportunity for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to receive funding for line extension construction costs to run fiber to homes that are set back from main roads. Rural areas of Ohio see the most need for line extensions. Access to high-speed reliable internet is imperative for families who do schooling and work from their homes. The disparities of not having access to the modern economy were exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic when thousands of Ohioans had to do remote work and schooling. It is important to make sure families who are still remote have the same access to the internet. The Ohio Broadband Line Extension program, established through the Capital Projects Fund (CPF), is an opportunity for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to receive funding to offset the costs of line extension construction in running fiber to unserved homes that are set back from main roads. Grant funds will be provided for line extension project costs beyond the first 200 feet. Eligible projects may receive the lesser of $5,000 per address of total cost to be incurred by the customer. (The maximum per foot cost is $9.50). This program will accept applications on a rolling basis until the available $3 million in funding is exhausted. All funds must be spent, and all projects must be operational by Dec. 31, 2026.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Application form (rolling basis submission)
- Project plan with mapping and technical specifications
- Cost estimate and budget breakdown
- Documentation of unserved/underserved status
- Proof of ISP authorization or business registration in Ohio
Program contact
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operating in Ohio can apply. Focus is on serving rural, unserved homes set back from main roads.
What costs are covered?
Grant funds cover fiber line extension construction costs beyond the first 200 feet. Maximum is $5,000 per address or actual cost, whichever is less.
When is the deadline?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the $3 million funding pool is exhausted. All projects must be operational by December 31, 2026.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required for this grant program.
How much funding is available?
$3 million total is available for distribution across all awarded line extension projects.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus applications on homes in truly underserved rural areas where fiber access is absent or unreliable.
- Document the number of addresses to be served and calculate total project costs carefully using the $9.50 per-foot cap.
- Plan your timeline carefully—all projects must be fully operational by December 31, 2026.
- Submit early since funding operates on a rolling basis and depletes once the $3 million is exhausted.
- Include clear project maps and technical specifications showing how fiber will reach set-back homes beyond the first 200 feet.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Underestimating construction complexity for set-back properties. Failing to meet the December 31, 2026 project completion deadline. Requesting per-address funding above $5,000 without documenting cost justification.
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