What is the Community Connect Program?

The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) will award financial assistance grants for the roll-out or expansion of Public Wi-Fi in New Mexico Communities. Seven million dollars ($7,000,000.00) are available in this grant funding pool. This grant targets communities with poor levels of connectivity and digital inclusion to provide them with sustainable, place-based solutions that meet community needs.
​The program is a reimbursement grant. Funds are paid to the grantee following the submission and approval of a Request for Reimbursement (RfR). ​

Who May Apply?

  • Municipal, county, and regional governments  
  • Tribal governments
  • State agencies
  • Public educational institutions
  • Internet Service Providers (with the support of the target community) 
Applicants should leverage community partnerships among schools, libraries, municipal service providers (e.g., senior centers) and other community anchor institutions. 

The application deadline ​closed January 7, 2026

Timeline

The deadline to submit an application is January 7, 2026.
Applications will be reviewed, and awards issued, in the order received.
OBAE funding for the Community Wi-Fi Grant Program expires on June 30, 2026, so all reimbursements requests must be submitted to OBAE no later than June 30, 2026.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the portal on Submittal. (Use the APPLY link) The application requests numerous documents uploads.  ​

OBAE-Provided Templates include:

Scope of Work, Budget, and Schedule are necessary to complete the application process. Mandatory Template are provided below:

Applicant-Developed Submissions include:

  • Evidence that demonstrates community support. This may include a list of references and letters of support that discuss specific needs and anticipated benefits to the impacted community because of the project. 
  • Statement on Organization & Experience including background, project team organizational chart, and project team personnel. 
  • Documentation that indicates clear proof of tribal consent (if relevant) for each Tribal government authority whose land is involved.  Please note that awards will not be issued to projects occurring on sovereign land without a Tribal Council Resolution or equivalent form of official approval from the impacted Nation, Tribe, or Pueblo.

Awards:

Applications will be reviewed in the order received, and awards will be issued in accordance with NMAC 1.12.21.10. Grant awards will be issued based on urgency of the identified issue, and the ability of the awardee to execute the project quickly in order to satisfy the issue.​

Eligible Projects:

  • Projects requiring new construction, renovations, or build-backs to establish wireless internet services.
  • Projects that require hardware, software, or professional services required to implement access points that can broadcast the SSID.
  • Projects that provide for maintenance and operation of a Public Wi-Fi network for a minimum of three years after project completion.

Criteria:

  • Projects must take place within the state of New Mexico.
  • A 100 Mbps download / 20 Mbps upload speed is required.
  • Grantees must comply with the New Mexico State Procurement Code.
  • The New Mexico Public Works Minimum Wage Age (NMPWMA) applies to this project (Sovereign Nations are exempt from the NMPWMA). 
  • If awardee has existing assets which expedite project execution, they may be submitted as allowable expenses [determined by age and use of those assets].
  • Funding cap per project proposal is $2,499,999; No Match is required. 
  • Final Request for Reimbursement must be submitted to OBAE no later than June 30, 2026. 
  • Please use the latest US Census data for figures.
  • Applicants applying as an internet service provider (not as municipal, county, or regional governments; Tribal governments; State agencies; or Public educational institutions) must have a letter of support from the executive of the municipality, county, council of governments, or Tribal government in which the project is proposed.
  • Applicants must use the templates provided by the State of New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE). Applications will not be considered complete until all templates are submitted.
​

CONTACT

Neala Krueger
State Grants Program Coordinator
[email protected]
​

ELIGIBILITY

  • Municipal, county, and regional governments  
  • Tribal governments
  • State agencies
  • Public educational institutions
  • Internet Service Providers (with the support of the target community) 

RESOURCES

Scope of Work Template
Project Budget Template
​Project Timeline Template

HELPFUL LINKS

maps.connect.nm.gov

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​Whistleblower Protection Act, please CLICK HERE
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​connect.nm.gov
​Interested in learning more and getting involved?
​CONTACT
[email protected]