The Connect Illinois Round 4 - Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program (BEAD) is a federally funded grant initiative administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The program is designed to enhance broadband infrastructure, expand high-speed internet access, and address connectivity disparities across the state of Illinois. With a total funding allocation of $1 billion, the program aims to support broadband deployment in underserved and unserved areas to promote digital equity and economic growth.

The primary objective of the BEAD program is to improve broadband infrastructure through capital investment projects. Funding will be allocated for projects that enhance high-speed internet access in rural, low-income, and marginalized communities. This initiative aligns with federal and state digital equity goals, ensuring that all residents, businesses, and institutions have reliable and affordable broadband service. The program is intended to support the construction, expansion, and improvement of broadband networks to bridge the digital divide in Illinois.

The grant does not have a fixed award range, as funding is allocated based on the scale and impact of the proposed broadband infrastructure projects. Applicants are required to provide matching funds, although the specific match percentage is not detailed in the provided information. Unlike many other grants, indirect costs are not allowed, and funding is strictly limited to capital improvement expenses, ensuring that funds are dedicated to tangible broadband expansion efforts.

To apply, organizations must be pre-qualified through the Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) system. The application period opens on January 23, 2025, and closes on February 26, 2025, at 5:00 PM. A technical assistance session is available but not mandatory, scheduled for January 23, 2025, at 1:00 PM, with an online registration link provided.

Applications must include a NOFO supplement, an application guidebook, a uniform grant application, a project cost template, and disclosures related to conflicts of interest. The selection process will likely prioritize projects that demonstrate the greatest impact in expanding broadband access to underserved communities and aligning with state digital equity goals.

Interested applicants can find more information and application materials on the DCEO website. The designated agency contact for the grant is Devon Braunstein, who can be reached via email. This initiative represents a significant investment in Illinois’ digital infrastructure, ensuring that more residents and businesses can benefit from reliable, high-speed internet.