The N.C. Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) today announced it is extending the application deadline for its $1 million Broadband Satellite Resiliency Grant program to 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 30. The extension provides additional time for western North Carolina state and local governments, fire departments and community organizations to apply for funding designed to strengthen local resiliency and provide high-speed internet redundancy for public and community institutions during emergencies.
The program provides funding for satellite "resilience in a box" tools to preserve essential communications when other networks go down during emergencies and natural disasters.
The Broadband Satellite Resiliency Grant will fund eligible organizations—including state agencies, local government units, volunteer fire departments and community anchor institutions such as schools, libraries, community colleges and community centers—to purchase satellite internet equipment and installation materials for secure, dependable backup connectivity. The program uses state funds appropriated through the Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) grant program.
Applications are open statewide, but priority will be given to organizations operating in the 39 North Carolina counties designated in the Hurricane Helene federal disaster area, including Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Forsyth, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lee, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Nash, Polk, Rowan, Rutherford, Stanly, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Union, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, and Yancey (including the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) counties.
Entities interested in participating must complete the NCDIT Application and Certification Form by 11:59 p.m. Sept. 30.
To learn more about the program, visit the Broadband Satellite Resiliency Grant program page on the NCDIT Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity website or submit questions to satellitegrant@nc.gov.