Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs)

*Red dots indicate an NBEAD-eligible CAI. 

 

The Nebraska Broadband Office (NBO) has opened a new funding opportunity aimed at Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs) - and we need your help!

NBO anticipates that, after awarding NBEAD subgrants, sufficient funding will remain to connect a portion of Nebraska’s CAIs. The BEAD NOFO requires CAI connections must meet minimum speeds of 1 Gbps / 1 Gbps.

We have identified 722 locations that may qualify. This number may change as additional information is received.

 

See the sections below for more information

A Community Anchor Institution (CAI) is defined as an entity such as a school, library, health clinic, health center, hospital or other medical provider, public safety entity, institution of high education, public housing organization, or community support organization that facilitates greater use of broadband service by vulnerable populations, including low-income individuals, unemployed individuals, and aged individuals. (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), 47 U.S.C. §1702(a)(2)(E))

The NBEAD program recognizes the significance of these institutions and seeks to ensure that they have access to gigabit-speed broadband connections. Empowering CAIs with high-speed internet enables them to better serve their communities, advance educational opportunities, and facilitate telehealth services, among other benefits. 

Per BEAD guidance, to qualify for funding under the CAI component: 

  • The CAI must lack current access to 1 Gbps/1 Gbps service delivered via fiber, and 
  • The project must bring symmetrical 1G/1G service over fiber to the institution. 

CAIs are vital to communities. They bridge the gap for those who may not have access broadband services be able to:

  • Find and work a job
  • Register to vote
  • Renew their driver’s license
  • Enjoy cultural events
  • Organize family get togethers
  • Get an education
  • Talk to a doctor or counselor
  • Read the news
  • Schedule car repairs
  • Keep track of their kids’ grades

Community support and interest may be the deciding factor in whether a provider considers applying to bring fiber to the location. How you can help bring fiber to your community:

  • Advocate for the CAIs in your community.  
  • Reach out to providers directly and encourage them to apply. 

  • If you currently serve any location on this list, please email us immediately at nbo.grants@nebraska.gov.
  • Begin preparing cost estimates for applications. This is a unique opportunity to expand infrastructure and networks to new communities.
  • You will be able to apply for multiple locations under a single application.
  • We will be opening Organizational Applications (OA). If you have not previously submitted and OA and would like to apply for CAI(s) please email nbo.grants@nebraska.gov to indicate your interest. NBO will provide further guidance and instructions on how to apply.
  • Keep an eye on our website for updated information, including a separate CAI Request for Application (RFA).

If you are an internet service provider interested in applying for NBEAD CAIs but have not yet submitted an OA to become an Approved Applicant, please email us at nbo.grants@nebraska.gov to express your interest. This will ensure you receive important updates and we will send additional information on how to apply.

If you are already and Approved Applicant, no further action is needed.

CAI Organizational Applications (OA)

    • Opens: August 5, 2025 
    • Closes: August 12, 2025 at 11:59PM CT

CAI Project Applications (PA) 

    • Opens: August 5, 2025 
    • Closes: August 15, 2025 at 11:59PM CT