The Broadband Acceleration Grant Program is a 10-year, $85 million investment to bridge the digital divide in Kansas. The program is designed to offset the capital expenses in the deployment of broadband to unserved areas. The goal of this program is to facilitate broadband access to all Kansans while promoting practices that increase deployment and encourage adoption. 

Eligible applicants can request funding to offset eligible costs for a qualifying project in areas that are unlikely to receive broadband service without state or federal funding support. The program is managed by the Kansas Office of Broadband Development.  

Program Requirements

• Maximum grant funding request of $1 million 
• Qualifying program speed of 100/20 Megabits Per Second (Mbps) 
• Requirement of 50% matching funds for the project, including the possibility of an in-kind match of up to 50% of the required match 
• Co-investment required by sources other than the applicant 

Eligible Entities

Applicants must be authorized to provide broadband services in the proposed area. Eligible applicants include: 

• Political subdivisions or entities of political subdivisions 
• Tribes 
• Corporations 
• Limited liability companies 
• Co-operatives 
• Electric utilities 
• Partnerships or other business entities 
• Non-profit organizations 
• Those authorized to provide broadband services in the proposed service area

Service providers will be required to be an active participant in federal subsidy programs prior to application submission, including partnering with school districts and colleges to raise awareness of subsidy. Service providers are also encouraged to partner with local housing agencies to take advantage of programs that benefit multi-dwelling units. The applicant must be an established service provider that has been operating for a minimum of three years in the state of Kansas. 

Eligible Construction-Related Expenses 

• Project construction 
• Construction permits 
• Construction of facilities 
• Construction-related engineering or re-engineering 
• Network equipment 
• Supplies, materials, direct labor 
• Installation and testing of network 
• End-user services 

Grant expenses must be incurred, and funds expended during the project period per the official grant agreement. Funds may be used for costs incurred after January 29, 2024, subject to approval.