Broadband Funding Programs

This page identifies programs for a range of broadband internet funding needs. These resources may assist communities and stakeholders in developing solutions to the digital divide including planning and building infrastructure, affordability, and adoption challenges. 

California Programs

These are the primary broadband internet funding programs offered by the State of California.

Broadband Resources for Tribes in California

This webpage presents a useful list of broadband internet resources available to tribes as well as selected dates and events (some funding sources are also mentioned on this webpage).

California Last Mile Federal Funding Account

The California Public Utilities Commission will administer this grant program for last-mile broadband infrastructure to eligible unserved locations that can provide speeds of at least 100 Mbps. Register here to use the Applicant Tool for developing grant projects and then submit applications in the Broadband Grant Portal.

Key Dates:
• September 29, 2023, 4pm Pacific Time:  Grant window closes.
• To Be Announced in 2024:  The next funding window will be announced. 

Tribal Technical Assistance Grants

Grants are available for Tribes in California for technical assistance to pursue improved communications (for example, voice and broadband) to serve tribal communities. These grants support development of market studies, feasibility studies and business plans.

Key Dates:
• January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1 each year.

California Loan Loss Reserve Fund Program

This $750 million fund administered by the California Public Utilities Commission is a credit enhancement program that supports costs related to the financing of local broadband infrastructure development.  

Key Dates:
• Q3 or Q4 2023:  A proposed decision is anticipated for implementing this fund. 
• To Be Announced in 2024:  The funding window will be announced after a decision and program guidelines are adopted.

California Broadband Equity, Deployment, and Access (BEAD) Program

The BEAD program is a significant new source of federal funding from the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) that the CPUC will administer. California has been allocated approximately $1.86 billion to expand high-speed internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment, and adoption programs. 

 Key Dates:
• Workshops and Initial Proposal in 2023.
• Follow and provide input on the program:  https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/beadprogram.  
• To Be Announced in 2024:  The funding window will be announced after a decision and program guidelines are adopted.

California Digital Equity Plan Programs

 The California Digital Equity Plan is being led by the California Department of Technology (CDT). Watch for two grant programs to promote digital equity and inclusion:

• The Digital Equity Capacity Building Grant Program will provide $1.44 billion to states, territories, and tribal governments. Dates will be announced soon.
• The Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program will provide $1.25 billion through the NTIA to implement digital equity projects. Dates will be announced soon.

California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Grant Programs 

Each program has its own application cycle deadlines. 

CASF Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account

Application Cycle Deadlines: 
• April 1, 2024 and each April 1 thereafter.

CASF Broadband Adoption Account

Application Cycle Deadlines:
• January 1 and July 1, 2024
• Each January 1 and July 1 thereafter, until funds are exhausted. Any deadline falling on a holiday, or a weekend will be extended to the following business day.

CASF Broadband Public Housing  and Low-Income Communities Program

Application Cycle Deadlines:
• January 1 and July 1, 2024
• Each January 1 and July 1 thereafter until funds are exhausted.

CASF Rural and Urban Regional Broadband Consortia Account

Application Cycle Deadlines:
• The application window for the Consortia Account is currently closed. 
• When the application window opens, both existing and newly formed consortia organizations may submit applications requesting grant funding.

CASF Line Extension Pilot Program 

Application Cycle Deadlines:
• Applications may be submitted at any time until funds are exhausted.

California Broadband Deployment, Affordability, and Digital Equity Programs

This webpage summarizes broadband initiatives, programs managed by the California Public Utilities Commission, the Commission's regulatory roles, and some key grant programs (funding sources also mentioned on this webpage).

General Funding Search Tools

The following broadband portals provide a starting point for customized funding searches.

• California Department of Technology's Broadband for All Portal - Numerous resources can be found here including a funding opportunities search tool.
• National Telecommunications and Information Agency (NTIA) Broadband USA Federal Funding Search Tool