You could qualify for internet assistance

Dear Friend,

With many Illinois families working and learning remotely, a reliable internet connection is more important than ever before.

To ensure every resident can participate in the classroom, take advantage of telehealth services and stay productive from home, the State of Illinois has launched three grant programs open to nonprofits, local governments, hospitals, libraries, schools, senior citizen homes and other organizations connecting Illinoisans with quality, high-speed internet service.

If you’re interested in learning more about these programs, I’ve included application deadlines, grant amounts and other important details below.

If you know of an organization that might be eligible to apply, please feel free to forward this information to them or direct them to my office. We are ready to answer any questions you may have about these programs or other issues facing our community – contact us at https://senatorjacquelinecollins.com/contact-us.

Sincerely,

Jacqueline Collins
State Senator, 16th Illinois Senate District

Connect Illinois Broadband Grant Program

Starting Dec. 1, internet service providers, rural cooperatives, nonprofits and local governments are encouraged to apply for the second round of funding through Connect Illinois. These funds may be used to match investments in expanding broadband connections in new communities across the state, with special consideration for economically distressed communities hit hardest by the pandemic. A total of $50 million is available, with up to $5 million awarded per project. Learn more and apply at https://bit.ly/ILBroadbandApp by March 1, 2021.

Broadband Regional Engagement for Adoption and Digital Equity (READY)

Broadband READY grants are intended to identify current digital inequities across the state and help create a roadmap to bridge these gaps. Public hospitals, libraries, park districts, and schools, as well as senior citizen homes, and other for-profit and nonprofit agencies and organizations are encouraged to apply. A total of $250 million is available, with up to $50,000 awarded per project. Learn more and apply here by Dec. 23 at 5 p.m. 

Illinois Connected Community Digital Navigator Program 

Local governments, libraries, schools, churches, colleges and universities, and other nonprofits serving communities with low broadband adoption can apply for membership in the Illinois Connected Community Digital Navigator Program. A Digital Navigator is a volunteer or cross-trained staff member who will offer guidance to address the digital inclusion process, assess residents’ needs, and connect communities with resources that match their households’ lifestyles, including home connectivity, devices and digital skills. Learn more and apply here by Jan. 11, 2021.