California Advanced Services Fund: Broadband Adoption Account – July 2025 Cycle
Can you apply?
This grant is for California nonprofits, government agencies, and community-based organizations expanding broadband access and digital literacy. Eligible applicants include public libraries, senior centers, schools, local government, and nonprofits serving low-income or underserved communities. Funded projects focus on digital literacy training, public broadband access in community spaces, and outreach to increase adoption. Geographic priority: low-income areas, senior communities, and regions with documented low broadband access across California.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
This grant is for California nonprofits, government agencies, and community-based organizations expanding broadband access and digital literacy. Eligible applicants include public libraries, senior centers, schools, local government, and nonprofits serving low-income or underserved communities. Funded projects focus on digital literacy training, public broadband access in community spaces, and outreach to increase adoption. Geographic priority: low-income areas, senior communities, and regions with documented low broadband access across California.
Program description
The California Public Utilities Commission will give preference to programs and projects in communities with demonstrated low broadband access, including low-income communities, senior citizen communities, and communities facing socioeconomic barriers to broadband adoption. Eligible Projects: Digital Literacy Projects- Digital inclusion projects may include digital literacy training programs and public education to communities with limited broadband adoption, including low-income communities, senior citizen communities, and communities facing socioeconomic barriers to broadband adoption. Broadband Access Projects- may include those that provide free broadband access in community training rooms or other public spaces, such as local government centers, senior citizen centers, schools, public libraries, nonprofit organizations, and community-based organizations. It can also include funding community outreach, such as analysis, comparison of Internet plans with the community, and call centers that will increase broadband access and adoption.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for California nonprofits, government agencies, and community-based organizations expanding broadband access and digital literacy. Eligible applicants include public libraries, senior centers, schools, local government, and nonprofits serving low-income or underserved communities. Funded projects focus on digital literacy training, public broadband access in community spaces, and outreach to increase adoption. Geographic priority: low-income areas, senior communities, and regions with documented low broadband access across California.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Application form (from California PUC)
- Project narrative describing target community and outcomes
- Budget and cost-sharing documentation
- Evidence of low broadband access in service area
- Letters of support from community partners
- Organization capacity documentation
Program contact
- 📧 casf_adoption@cpuc.ca.gov
- 📞 1-415-355-4999
Funding track record
Past applications & awards under this program (California Grants Portal) — how competitive it is.
By fiscal year
| Fiscal year | Applications | Awarded | Award rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-2026 | 142 | 113 | 80% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Nonprofits, public libraries, schools, local government agencies, and community-based organizations in California. Senior centers and government centers are also eligible.
What projects does this grant fund?
Digital literacy training programs, free broadband access in public spaces, community outreach, and internet plan comparison services. Call centers and educational programs for underserved populations are eligible.
Are there geographic priorities?
Yes. Projects in low-income communities, senior citizen communities, and areas with demonstrated low broadband access receive preference.
What is the deadline?
July 1, 2025. Confirm the exact deadline and application process directly with the California Public Utilities Commission.
Can I include matching funds?
Cost sharing is required. Contact the PUC for specific match percentage requirements and allowable cost-share sources.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus your application on underserved communities: demonstrate low broadband access and socioeconomic barriers in your service area.
- Show measurable outcomes: include clear metrics for digital literacy training completion or broadband adoption rates.
- Partner with trusted local organizations: leverage schools, libraries, senior centers, or nonprofits already serving your target community.
- Detail community outreach: explain how you'll reach people with limited broadband access and address adoption barriers.
- Plan for sustainability: describe how the project will continue or generate local support after grant funding ends.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without clear evidence of low broadband access or adoption barriers in your target community. Proposing digital literacy or broadband projects without specific, measurable goals and participant outcome tracking. Underestimating the cost-sharing requirement or failing to identify qualified local funding partners early.
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