Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program
🏛 DOC NIST ERA
Can you apply?
This grant is for tribal entities seeking to expand broadband access on tribal lands or support digital adoption programs. Eligible applicants include tribal governments, tribal colleges and universities, tribal organizations, Alaska Native Corporations, and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands on behalf of Native Hawaiians. Projects may expand broadband infrastructure or fund remote learning, telework, and telehealth resources. All applicants must demonstrate capacity to manage federal funds and meet program requirements outlined in the full NOFO.
Program description
NTIA is soliciting applications for funds remaining under the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP), authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Division N, Title IX, Section 905(c), Public Law 116-260, 134 Stat. 1182 (Dec. 27, 2020) (Act), as amended by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Division F, Title II, Section 60201, Public Law 117-58, 135 Stat. 429 (Nov. 15, 2021) (IIJA) (codified at 47 U.S.C. §1705). TBCP provides funding for grants to Eligible Entities to expand access to and adoption of: (i) broadband service on Tribal Land; or (ii) programs that promote remote learning, telework, or telehealth resources.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative describing broadband needs and proposed solutions
- Detailed Budget and Budget Narrative
- Organizational Capacity documentation (staff qualifications, financial management systems)
- Tribal Authorization or Governance documentation
- Letters of Support from community partners
Program contact
- 👤 Misty L Roosa Grantor
- 📧 darren.olson@nist.gov
- 📞 301-975-3007
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 11.029 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$72,708,711
-
$65,168,000
-
$65,140,408
-
$61,661,366
-
$57,298,683
-
$52,870,392
-
$52,559,385
-
$50,830,945
-
$50,651,548
-
$50,000,000
Top States by Funding
- AK 18 awards $455.0M
- OK 10 awards $280.2M
- NM 11 awards $202.5M
- AZ 11 awards $187.3M
- MT 5 awards $165.8M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 11.029). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $13,557,991 | |
| 2025 | $360,723,050 | |
| 2026 est. | $13,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program?
Tribal governments, tribal colleges and universities, tribal organizations, Alaska Native Corporations, and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands can apply. All applicants must be eligible entities as defined in the program NOFO.
What can grant funds be used for?
Funds support broadband infrastructure expansion on tribal lands or programs promoting remote learning, telework, and telehealth resources.
Is cost sharing required?
No, this grant does not require cost sharing or matching funds from applicants.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is September 17, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling.
How competitive is this grant?
Competition is typically high for federal broadband funding. Strong applications clearly articulate community needs and demonstrate organizational capacity to implement projects.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start with a clear community needs assessment showing broadband gaps and impact on your population.
- Demonstrate organizational capacity with relevant staff, experience, and internal controls to manage federal funds.
- Align your project with program priorities: infrastructure expansion or digital adoption (remote learning, telework, telehealth).
- Include detailed budget and timeline tied to specific, measurable project milestones.
- Document tribal support through resolutions or leadership letters affirming project backing.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to demonstrate adequate organizational financial management capacity and prior federal grant experience. Proposing overly broad goals without specific metrics or timelines for broadband expansion. Submitting incomplete eligibility documentation or missing required tribal authorization letters.
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