V.I. Broadband Office Seeks Proposals for $25 Million in BEAD Grant Funding

The Virgin Islands Broadband Office (VIBO) is calling on community-based organizations, businesses, and public agencies to apply for a new round of grant funding under the federal Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. The initiative offers applicants the opportunity to secure up to $500,000 per project, with more than $25 million in total funding available. According to a release issued Thursday by the Office of Management and Budget, the funding is intended to bolster digital equity and accelerate broadband access and education throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands. Eligible projects will align with one of three specific focus areas, as outlined in the Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) recently published by VIBO: “Workforce Development Trainings and Explorations for Broadband,” the “Community Digital Competency Initiative,” and the “Economic Transformation Initiative.” “These programs represent a $25 million chance to innovate,” the release stated. The goal of th...