FOCUS Broadband Connect Grants

FOCUS Broadband, a regional broadband provider dedicated to advancing connectivity and technological engagement in its service areas, has created the Connect Grants program to support local economic and community development through broadband-driven initiatives. With a strong community presence and mission-driven operations, FOCUS Broadband focuses on increasing technology adoption and digital inclusion among residents, businesses, and organizations in its coverage areas. The Connect Grants program aims to facilitate projects that make meaningful use of broadband services provided by FOCUS Broadband to generate economic benefits or enhance the quality of life within local communities. The grant program specifically seeks applications for initiatives that promote digital literacy, broaden access to internet-based resources, and boost the technological capacity of local populations or organizations. The overarching objective is to support measurable outcomes that reflect increased use or understanding of technology in ways that directly benefit communities. FOCUS Broadband offers funding of up to $25,000 per year for each applicant. While there is no specified minimum, the program emphasizes impactful proposals that clearly demonstrate how FOCUS Broadband services will be used. Acceptable uses of funding must align with enhancing technological access or skills and contributing to local economic advancement. Recipients are required to submit a report within six months detailing how the awarded funds were used and demonstrating the project's community impact. All awarded projects must grant FOCUS Broadband the right to use submitted information, images, and videos for promotional purposes. Eligibility is limited to programs or organizations operating within the service areas of FOCUS Broadband. Applicants must demonstrate that their proposed project will yield measurable technological benefits, such as improved broadband access or educational opportunities in digital skill-building. Projects must be tied directly to services received from FOCUS Broadband and should target outcomes that impact residents, businesses, or institutions in these service areas. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and there is no set deadline, allowing organizations to apply at any time throughout the year. Because of this structure, there are no pre-application requirements or multi-stage deadlines. Organizations can plan and submit proposals when they are most ready to carry out their projects, but must ensure all required documentation and impact planning are included. Inquiries and applications for the FOCUS Broadband Connect Grants can be directed to the FOCUS Broadband Grants office at PO Box 3198, Shallotte, NC 28459. Prospective applicants may also reach out via email at grants@focusbroadband.com for further guidance. While individual contact names are not listed, this central point of communication serves both information and application support functions. With over $78,500 awarded to date, FOCUS Broadband continues its investment in the local community through this flexible and mission-aligned funding initiative.