Grant Opportunities for Nations, Pueblos, and Tribes

Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE)

The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) announced three new broadband planning grants, bringing the program’s total awards to $3.1 million while $1.9 million in funding remains available for immediate use. 

Critical funding deadline: The remaining $1.9 million in Grant Writing, Engineering and Planning Program (GWEP) funds must be expended by June 2026. OBAE strongly encourages eligible entities to apply now to secure these vital resources for broadband infrastructure development. 

The GWEP program offers significant advantages for eligible applicants: 

• No matching funds required
• Non-competitive assistance grants designed to spur broadband infrastructure projects in areas without broadband service
• Multiple awards allowed – entities can receive a second grant
• Broad eligible uses including strategic planning, engineering services, grant writing, and infrastructure analysis

Who can apply: Tribal governments, local governments, rural telephone cooperatives, and rural electric cooperatives are eligible to apply immediately. 

With 31 total awards issued to date – including 14 Tribal communities, 14 local governments, and three rural cooperatives – the program has a strong track record in advancing broadband access across New Mexico’s underserved areas. 

APPLY HERE:

https://obae.submittable.com/submit

For more information about the program, visit: https://connect.nm.gov/gwep.html. 

Grant Opportunities (by category)

Karmela Martinez, Operations Manager
New Mexico Indian Affairs Department

Cell: (505) 469-7057
Email: Karmela.Martinez@iad.nm.gov

Karmela Martinez, Operations Manager
New Mexico Indian Affairs Department

Cell: (505) 469-7057
Email: Karmela.Martinez@iad.nm.gov