Grant Programs to Serve Community Anchor Institutions
Eligible internet service providers (ISPs) can access funding to enhance broadband connectivity for community anchor institutions (CAIs) via the Gap Networks Round 3 and/or Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Benefit of the Bargain grant solicitations.
[Button: Gap Round 3 Solicitation Page] [Button: BEAD B.O.B. Solicitation Page]
[Button: Master CAI List]
The purpose of this website is to help ISPs distinguish the differences between the two programs and make an informed decision on how they apply to serve CAIs.
CAIs are organizations that are deeply rooted in the communities they serve, typically serve vulnerable populations and play a significant role in a community's economic, social, and civic life.
The following categories of CAIs are eligible for funding via the Gap Networks and/or BEAD Programs:
- Career Centers
- Community Centers
- Community Health Centers
- Community Media Centers
- Correctional Facilities*
- Councils on Aging / Senior Centers
- Courthouses
- Coworking Centers
- Food Banks
- Health Clinics
- Healthcare Facilities (excluding standalone single or multiple physician medical offices)
- Homeless Shelters
- Libraries
- Long-Term Care Facilities
- Places of Worship
- Public Housing (excluding locations receiving support through MBI’s Residential Retrofit Program)
- Schools (Pre-K, K-12, Trade Schools, Vocational Schools and Adult Education)
- Small Business Technical Assistance Centers
- Town Halls or City Halls
- Veterans Centers
*Ineligible for BEAD funding
The following table outlines the features of the Gap Networks Program Round 3 solicitation and the BEAD Benefit of the Bargain (B.O.B) solicitation and highlights key distinctions. ISPs may apply to serve CAIs under both funding sources. However, an ISP cannot apply to serve the same CAI under applications to both programs. ISPs that prioritize CAIs under Gap Networks will be given preference upon MBI’s application review process.
Feature | Gap Networks Round 3 | BEAD: Benefit of the Bargain |
ISP Eligibility | Any eligible entity may apply, including ISPs not awarded in Rounds 1 and 2 | Any eligible entity may apply, including ISPs that have not previously been qualified by MBI to be awarded BEAD funds |
Construction Deadline | End of 2026 Projects require no or minimal make-ready work | End of 2029 Any level of make-ready work required is acceptable |
Match Requirement | None 0% (MBI will cover100% of all eligible project costs) | Required (25% minimum match) |
CAI List | More expansive definition Ability to recommend CAIs not on MBI’s pre-defined list | IIJA definition only No ability to propose CAIs not on MBI’s pre-defined list |
Which application do I use? | Gap Networks (add link) | BEAD: Benefit of the Bargain (add link) |
The Gap Networks Program Round 3 solicitation and the BEAD Benefit of the Bargain solicitation follow identical timelines.
Milestone | Date |
Application Opens | Wednesday, July 9, 2025 |
Application Closes | Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. |
Grant Award Notifications (estimated) | Gap Networks Program: September 2025 BEAD Program: December 2025 (after federal approval of Massachusetts’ BEAD Final Proposal) |
Applicants will be required to submit budgets on a per CAI basis for both programs. If an ISP is interested in applying for both broadband serviceable locations (BSLs) and CAIs within the BEAD Benefit of the Bargain, they must break out budgets for BSLs (by Project Service Area) and CAIs (by individual CAI) in a manner that accurately represents costs for each.
Eligible entities are highly encouraged to review the solicitation documents and associated webpages for each procurement before submitting an application. Webpages include relevant documents and templates.
[Button: Gap Round 3 Solicitation Page] [Button: BEAD B.O.B. Solicitation Page]
Community anchor institutions (CAI) are not required to take any action to support provider applications. Funding decisions will be made solely by MBI based on stated program criteria and priority. MBI will communicate awards to ISPs and the public later this year, per the timetable above. If you represent a CAI that requires new or enhanced internet service, contact your local Internet Service Provider to suggest these programs.
Contact
Please contact broadband@masstech.org if you have questions or need assistance.