USDA Programming

The USDA Rural Development Program has just announced 2008 Grants (and Loans).

The Rural Development Community Connect Grant Program.

Applications Due: March 28

The Community Connect program serves rural communities where broadband service is least likely to be available, but where it can make a tremendous difference in the quality of life for citizens. The projects funded by these grants will help rural residents tap into the enormous potential of the Internet.

Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program

Applications Due: April 12

Eligible purposes are primarily user equipment that functions via telecommunications systems for the purposes of connecting students and teachers or medical professionals and patients at separate sites. Examples are video-conferencing or tele-radiology equipment. The Grant Program funds equipment that operates over telecommunications systems, but does not fund the telecommunications links themselves. In additions, it funds such things as the acquisition of instructional programming and technical assistance and instruction for using eligible equipment.