The state of Wisconsin’s Public Service Commission (PSC) is encouraging eligible entities to apply for the next round of funding provided by two grant programs — the Nonprofit Access Grant Program and the Lifeline Outreach Grant Program. The objective of the programs, which are funded by the Universal Service Fund, is to improve access and affordability of broadband services for Wisconsin residents.
“These programs are integral to the PSC’s mission to ensure equitable access to essential telecommunications services for all Wisconsin residents,” said PSC Chairperson Summer Strand in an announcement this week. “Grant recipients will help people stay connected to their loved ones, educational and vocational resources, medical professionals, and more.
“I encourage the numerous entities eligible to apply for these grants to participate in the continued success of these programs and to deliver these opportunities to more people across our great state,” Strand emphasized.
The Wisconsin Nonprofit Access Grant Program offers funding to nonprofit organizations to help ensure that low-income households, individuals with disabilities, and customers in high-cost service areas have affordable access to broadband services. This program cycle will span a two-year performance period, with the PSC potentially awarding up to $500,000 in grants. Applications are due by March 6, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.
The Lifeline Outreach Grant Program enhances participation in the Lifeline Program, which helps make essential broadband services, such as internet and phone, more affordable for low-income households. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, community-based agencies, institutions of higher education, local and Tribal governments, and for-profit businesses. PSC will potentially award up to $250,000 in grants. Applications are due by March 26, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.
All Wisconsin broadband grant applications must be submitted through the PSC’s Grants System. Each program’s application instructions provide guidance on using the system for submission. Additional information, including a recorded webinar by PSC staff with an overview of the system, is available on the PSC Grants System webpage.
Additional information about broadband in Wisconsin, including links to state funding resources, awards made, state-specific Telecompetitor coverage and more, can be found on the Broadband Nation webpage for the state.
