Accessing Broadband Support in Rural Kansas
GrantID: 1973
Grant Funding Amount Low: Open
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: Open
Summary
Grant Overview
Understanding Rural Broadband Challenges in Kansas
In Kansas, the digital divide remains a significant obstacle, particularly in rural areas where internet connectivity is limited or entirely absent. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 20% of rural households in Kansas lack access to broadband, compared to just 1.5% of urban households. This discrepancy creates pronounced barriers to information technology access, economic growth, and educational opportunities, further exacerbating inequality in decision-making capabilities among residents.
Local communities most affected by this divide include small towns and rural neighborhoods in counties such as Ness and Gray, where broadband infrastructure has not kept pace with urban development. As remote work becomes increasingly common, these communities are left behind, hampering their ability to participate fully in the modern economy. Moreover, local governments struggle to implement effective policies to address these gaps due to a lack of resources and expertise, limiting their capacity to support residents in accessing digital tools.
The funding opportunity aims to address these significant barriers by providing targeted support for broadband policy development and implementation. This grant is specifically tailored for local governments and organizations in Kansas to help them identify innovative solutions for expanding broadband access. Eligible entities can utilize the funds for activities such as community engagement efforts to assess local needs, studying existing infrastructure, and collaborating with internet service providers to enhance connectivity. The ultimate goal is to create actionable policy recommendations that will lead to improved access for underserved populations.
By providing funding for activities designed to enhance local decision-making capabilities related to broadband access, this initiative will allow Kansas communities to develop strategies that fit their unique contexts. It aims to improve collaboration among stakeholders, foster innovative policy solutions, and drive equitable broadband access across the state. This could involve pilot projects, outreach programs, or research on effective models that have worked in similar rural environments across the nation, allowing Kansas to customize its approach to local needs.
Who Should Apply in Kansas
In Kansas, local governments, educational institutions, and community-based organizations are encouraged to apply for this grant. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to addressing the unique barriers that rural areas face regarding broadband access and decision-making capabilities. To qualify, organizations should demonstrate prior experience in community engagement, policy advocacy, or technical expertise in broadband infrastructure.
Key Application Requirements
When applying for the grant, interested parties should outline a clear plan that identifies the specific needs within their communities. Applicants must describe the existing barriers to broadband access, including geographic and demographic factors that hinder connectivity. Additionally, they will need to demonstrate collaboration with local stakeholders and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to show how their proposed plan will be implemented effectively.
Assessing Fit for Kansas
This funding opportunity is particularly well-suited for Kansas because it recognizes the unique challenges faced by the state, especially in its rural regions. Unlike neighboring states, Kansas has a larger percentage of its population living in rural areas with limited internet access. Therefore, the proposed projects should focus on understanding regional dynamicssuch as population density and economic activitywhile addressing the specific challenges that exist in areas with low connectivity. Applicants who can effectively illustrate their understanding of local needs and lay out actionable strategies will have a competitive edge in this funding process. By leveraging a state-specific approach, Kansas can foster innovative policy solutions that can pave the way for improved decision-making capacities across its rural landscape.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
