The Connect Baltimore Broadband Grant Program is a $2 million initiative to bring affordable, reliable internet access to underserved communities across Baltimore City. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, this program empowers nonprofits, anchor institutions, and community partners to build broadband networks that help ensure all Baltimore residents can thrive in the digital age.

A More Connected Baltimore

This grant opportunity supports applicants in creating gap networks and community networks. These broadband networks will help address affordability barriers faced by many low- to moderate-income households in subscribing to internet service.  

Additionally, creation of these broadband networks will help communities close existing connectivity gaps and lay the groundwork for improved broadband access, adoption, and utilization. 

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

To be eligible to apply, an applicant must meet one of the following criteria:

• Be a foundation, corporation, institution, association, or coalition that is— (i) a not-for-profit IRS approved 501(c)(3) entity and (ii) providing services within the State of Maryland; or
• A community-based anchor institution (also IRS approved 501(c)(3) or fiscally sponsored); or
• Any other organization or entity serving any of the very low digital inclusion areas on the Maryland Digital Equity Scorecard Index Map Digital Inclusion (communitydevelopmentmd.org) (also IRS approved 501(c)(3) or fiscally sponsored); and
• Must be registered and, if applicable, in good standing with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation; and
• Must be a Baltimore-based organization

Partnerships consisting of multiple organizations, institutions or entities are permitted and encouraged. However, the organization submitting the application must meet one of the above criteria.

Funding Limits and Grant Purposes 

A maximum of three grants will be funded for this program.

• Grant Range: $500,000 - $2,000,000

Acceptable uses of these funds are to make available equipment, implementation, networking capability, hardware and software, or digital network technology for broadband services to target populations at low or no cost. This includes, but not limited to: 

• The building and deployment of new gap networks and/or community networks meeting the Network Requirements for covered populations.
• Upgrading or expanding existing gap networks and/or community networks meeting the Network Requirements for covered populations.
• Operating and maintaining new or existing gap networks and/or community networks meeting the Network Requirements for covered populations.
• Electronics necessary to deliver service to an end user. This includes, but is not limited to, Optical Line Terminals, Optical Network Terminals, routers, switches, firewalls, wireless radio equipment, antennas, access points, modems, and any necessary equipment shelters.

Application Deadline

The deadline to submit an application is Friday, May 24, 2024, 5:00 p.m. ET.

How to Apply

• Download the application package.
  • 2024 DEF Connect Baltimore Broadband Grant Program Application Packet (PDF)
  • 2024 DEF Connect Baltimore Broadband Grant Program Budget Template (XLS)
  • Sample Scoring Rubric with Weighting (PDF)
  • ARPA Revenue Loss Agency Subgrant Agreement Template (PDF)
• Answer each prompt under the section "Application Form" in a separate document.
• Complete the budget template.
• Attach completed documents as a PDF and send to bde@baltimorecity.gov.

Have Questions?

Email your questions to Mariam Sannoh at mariam.sannoh@baltimorecity.gov. Questions must be submitted by Monday, May 20, 2024.