Tribal Schools and Libraries Eligible for Additional Sources of E-rate Funding

Tribal Schools and Libraries are eligible for additional sources of E-rate funding.  In the December 2014 E-rate Report and Order, the FCC wrote that States that contribute to the school or library match for special construction charges will be eligible for a $1 to $1 match by the FCC, up to a maximum additional discount rate of 10%. For tribal schools and libraries, the source of funds is not only the State, but, can include Tribal governments, or other federal agencies. Schools operated by or receiving funding from the Bureau of Indian Education and schools operated by Tribal Nations will also be eligible to receive match funds. Eligible libraries that are funded by or operated by Tribal governments will also be eligible for these additional sources of match funds.

Remember, these additional sources of match funds apply only to special construction charges, i.e. construction of network.

And remember, if you secure funding from any of the sources listed above, you can obtain from the FCC a 1:1 match. This provides tremendous leverage for your funding.

The time to act is now, to request from the State funding for broadband and if you’re a Tribal school, to line up your funding source. There’s nothing in the rules not allowing you to access multiple funding sources. Drop me a line if you have any questions.