science_technology_and_other_research_and_development · DOC-DOCNISTERA

Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program

DOC NIST ERA · 2026-NTIA-TBCP

90 days left

Expected Awards

150

Deadline

November 17, 2026

GRANTQUICK SUMMARYPlain-English Overview

NTIA's Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program provides 150 grants for tribal governments and Native entities to deploy broadband infrastructure, provide devices, and increase digital skills on Native lands. This is the LARGER companion to the Native Entities Grant Program — actual broadband DEPLOYMENT funding (building towers, running fiber, buying equipment). No cost-sharing required.

Who Should Apply

Tribal governments, Alaska Native corporations, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations ready to DEPLOY broadband infrastructure or expand connectivity on their lands.

Who Should NOT Apply

Non-Native entities, tribes only wanting planning funds (use the Native Entities Program), ISPs without tribal partnership, or entities without specific deployment-ready projects.

Key Requirements (Plain English)

•Must be a Native entity (tribal government, Alaska Native corp, etc.)
•Must deploy broadband infrastructure OR expand connectivity on Native lands
•150 awards expected
•No cost-sharing required
•Must serve unserved or underserved tribal communities
•Must include use and adoption activities

💡 GrantQuick Tip

150 awards with no cost-sharing is extremely accessible for tribes ready to deploy. The strongest applications have: (1) engineering studies already completed, (2) specific technology chosen (fiber, fixed wireless, satellite), (3) construction timeline, and (4) sustainability plan (how you'll maintain the network after grant ends). If you have a shovel-ready broadband project on tribal lands, this is one of the easiest federal grants to win.

Competitiveness: Low — 150 awards, no cost-sharing, and a demonstrated need across Indian Country. Most tribes with deployment-ready projects get funded.

What This Grant Funds

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.

Attachments

PDF

2026-NTIA-TBCP

NTIA_Amended_TBCP3_NOFO_2026.pdf

PDF

TBCP3 and NEGP NOFO Technical Amendment 2026

TBCP3_NEGP_NOFO_Technical_Amendment_2026.pdf

Who Can Apply

The following entities are eligible to receive grants under the TBCP: 1. a Tribal Government; 2. a Tribal College or University; 3. the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands on behalf of the Native Hawaiian Community, including Native Hawaiian Education Programs; 4. a Tribal organization; 5. or an Alaska Native Corporation. See Section III of this NOFO for additional information concerning the eligibility requirements for this program.

Eligible Applicant Types

Other (see NOFO for details)

Funding Details

Expected Number of Awards: 150
Cost Sharing Required?: No
Funding Instrument: grant

Key Dates

Posted: June 17, 2026

Application Deadline: November 17, 2026 (90 days remaining)

Agency Contact

Darren Olson darren.olson@nist.gov

darren.olson@nist.gov

Ready to apply?

View the full NOFO and submit your application on Grants.gov

View on Grants.gov