Office of Governor Tony Evers *FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:* December 3, 2025 Contact: [email protected]    *Gov. Evers, PSC Announce Applications Open for Nonprofit Access Grant Program * "$500,000 in grants available to bolster efforts to improve the availability and affordability of telecommunications services in Wisconsin   " MADISON — Gov. Evers, together with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC), today announced that applications are now open for the latest round of funding available through the Nonprofit Access Grant Program [ [link removed] ]. Since 2016, the Nonprofit Access Grant Program has enabled nonprofit groups to apply for funding to support programs or projects that will facilitate affordable access to telecommunication services in Wisconsin, such as providing access to cell phones to support educational and workforce development efforts, assisting families in accessing household telecommunications services, and bolstering access to high-speed internet and telecommunications services in community spaces.  

“In this day and age, having access to digital devices and internet services to get connected is a necessity for how we learn, work, and communicate with folks like our doctors, our bank, and other essential services, and these funds will help dedicated organizations provide these critical services to the folks and families who need them,” said Gov. Evers. “I highly encourage all eligible organizations to apply so that we can continue our work to close the digital divide and ensure Wisconsin continues to be ready for the 21st Century.”  

The Nonprofit Access Grant Program is funded by the Universal Service Fund [ [link removed] ] and provides grant funding to nonprofit organizations, defined as an IRS § 501(c)(3) organization, to facilitate affordable access to essential telecommunication services for low-income households, individuals with disabilities, and customers in areas with relatively high costs of services. The PSC may award up to a total of $500,000 in grants, and awardees will have two years to complete their projects.  

Earlier this year, the PSC awarded [ [link removed] ] $500,000 from the Nonprofit Access Grant Program to 14 nonprofit organizations across the state, including, but not limited to, regional Boys & Girls Clubs, United Way chapters, and local support services organizations.

“I am excited to announce the opening of the 2026 round of the Nonprofit Access Grant Program because it is integral to the PSC’s mission of ensuring that Wisconsinites have equitable access to essential telecommunications services,” said PSC Chairperson Summer Strand. “This funding helps provide vital connectivity resources and communications technology for those who need it most. Eligible nonprofit entities are encouraged to apply for these grants to support their laudable efforts in their communities.”

Applications are due *Mon., Feb. 2, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.* All grant applications must be submitted through the PSC’s Grants System webpage [ [link removed] ].

Additional program information and application instructions [ [link removed] ] are available on the Nonprofit Access Grant Program [ [link removed] ] webpage.

The Nonprofit Access Grant Program complements Gov. Evers’ Administration’s broadband expansion efforts by funding nonprofit operating programs and projects to increase telecommunications access. Gov. Evers and the Evers Administration have done more to expand access to high-speed internet in Wisconsin than any other administration in state history. Since 2019, Gov. Evers has allocated more than $345 million in state and federal funds to expand high-speed internet, including the largest state investment in state history. Thanks to the efforts of the Evers Administration, more than 410,000 homes and businesses will have access to new or improved high-speed internet.     An online version of this release is available here [ [link removed] ]. ###

Gold Horizontal Line Office of the Governor • 115 East Capitol, Madison, WI 53702 Press Office Email: [email protected] https:evers [ [link removed] ] [link removed] [link removed] Unsubscribe [ [link removed] ]
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