California Advanced Services Fund Adoption Account

The California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Adoption Account is a grant program managed by the California Public Utilities Commission. This program is designed to increase broadband access and digital inclusion in communities with limited broadband adoption. The fund aims to support digital literacy training programs and public education initiatives, particularly in low-income areas, senior citizen communities, and other regions facing socioeconomic barriers to broadband adoption. The CASF Adoption Account is authorized to distribute $36.385 million for the fiscal year 2024-2025 to eligible projects. Eligible applicants for the CASF Adoption Account grants include local governments, senior centers, schools, public libraries, nonprofit organizations, and community-based organizations. These entities must have programs that aim to increase publicly available or after-school broadband access and promote digital inclusion. Projects eligible for funding under this program include digital literacy training programs and initiatives that provide free broadband access in community spaces such as training rooms, local government centers, and public libraries. Additionally, projects may involve community outreach efforts, such as analyzing and comparing Internet plans and establishing call centers to enhance broadband access and adoption. Applications for the CASF Adoption Account can be submitted at any time, but they are reviewed in batches based on specific deadlines. The application cycle deadlines are January 1, 2025, July 1, 2025, January 1, 2026, and every January 1 and July 1 thereafter until funds are exhausted. If a deadline falls on a holiday or weekend, it is extended to the next business day. Applicants must review the Adoption Account Application Instructions and complete the Adoption Account Application Package to apply for funding. Once applications are submitted, the staff will post a list of applicants and projects on the CASF webpage. They will also publish a list of projects that receive funding. Funded projects must adhere to the procedures outlined in the Adoption Account Administrative Manual and Guidelines. Reporting requirements include submitting a narrative description of project activities and accomplishments using the CASF Adoption Account Ramp Up and Year 1 Reporting Template and the Completion Reporting Template. Budget details and payment requests must be documented using specific Excel workbooks provided for different types of projects. For any questions or assistance regarding the application process, applicants can contact the program via email at casf_adoption@cpuc.ca.gov. Additionally, the CASF Adoption Account History webpage provides more information about the program's background and previous funding cycles. The program also offers a presentation on the Adoption Account, covering its overview, expectations, and procedures, which was last updated on January 25, 2023.