Emergency Connectivity Fund - Information for Libraries

Federal funding for libraries to expand broadband equity to those who need it most

The third application window for the Emergency Connectivity Fund closed on May 13, 2022. ALA continues to monitor for news and updates on the ECF's long-term status. 

About the ECF How can my library use the ECF? Application guide and toolkit FCC Resources & ECF Application Page Additional Background External Resources

 

 

Emergency Connectivity Fund

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 includes $7.17 billion for the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) program. The ECF, run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), will provide funding for public and tribal libraries and K12 schools to purchase connected devices and broadband internet connections for use off of library and school grounds by library patrons, students, and teachers and staff who otherwise don't have internet access.

The ECF presents an unprecedented funding opportunity for libraries to expand broadband equity to those who need it most beyond the confines of library walls. With 100 percent reimbursement of costs for eligible equipment and services and the ability to receive upfront reimbursement, now is the moment to think big about how your library can leverage new funding to boost current technology lending efforts to reach more people or launch new services to connect your community…or both! Your library may also take advantage of other ARPA funds to support related digital inclusion needs, such as programming, staffing, and staff training.

    How Can My Library Use ECF?

    Across the country, libraries used the first application window to apply for significant funding for innovative programs. Examples of proposals in library applications include: 

    • In Hawai'i, a library applied for $100,000 in funding to purchase Chromebooks that would accompany preexisting hotspots for a telehealth access program 
    • In Kentucky, a rural library system applied for funding in partnership with the local city government to supply 2,000 hotspots to residents on a 1 year loan period
    • In Texas, an urban library applied for funding to purchase over 30,000 hotspots and Chromebooks to distribute to students in partnership with local school districts

    To help libraries take advantage of this one-time infusion of funding to offset expenses associated with providing off-premises connectivity to library patrons who need it most, the ALA Public Policy & Advocacy Office has created the Emergency Connectivity Fund Solutions Toolkit.

    The Toolkit includes five scenarios that reflect the most common ways libraries have worked to connect their communities using ECF-eligible equipment and provide detailed guidance modeled on examples collected from libraries across the country—in rural, suburban, and urban communities. Regardless of where your library is starting, there is a connectivity scenario to help you leverage new funding. The “Preparing to Apply” guide tells you what you need to be doing right now to be ready when the application window for funding opens. Need more state-specific information to help guide your application? Contact your State E-rate Coordinator for guidance. 

    ALA Toolkit

    FCC Resources

    Background

    After receiving input from ALA and other stakeholders, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) published the rules and policies for the ECF program on May 11, 2021. While the ECF program is not the same as the federal E-rate program, it will leverage some existing E-rate forms and processes to expedite implementation.

    Libraries and schools can apply for funding for the purchase of eligible equipment and services made between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2023 (originally June 30, 2022, the FCC has extended this by a full calendar year). This web page will be updated regularly.

    Other Resources

    The ECF program does not exist in a vacuum. The American Rescue Plan Act also included $200 million for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the largest single investment in the agency’s 25-year history, providing emergency funding for library expenses brought on by the pandemic. IMLS is distributing ARPA funding to State Library Administrative Agencies and via competitive grants.

    Partner Offers

    ALA does not endorse specific third-party products or services. These are provided for information only. 

    • ECF Records Manager from Claris
      ECF Records Manager app is specifically designed to help libraries automatically consolidate and easily manage the 10-year device, data and documentation requirements mandated by the FCC's ECF Program. To learn more about how ECF Records Manager and Claris Smart Pack can help you, visit the Claris website.

    • Internet Essentials from Comcast, partnering with the ECF
      Comcast Internet Essentials is partnering to provide high-speed service to entitites using ECF funding. Learn more

    ALA Advocacy

    • Letter to FCC requesting a delay in the implementation of patron data requirements (July 12, 2021) 
    • Letter to FCC advocating for clarifications regarding patron data retention in the ECF program (June 28, 2021) 
    • Comments to FCC regarding rulemaking for the ECF program (April 5, 2021)

    Staff Contacts

    Larra Clark
    Deputy Director, Public Policy & Advocacy
    lclark@ala.org

    Alan Inouye
    Senior Director, Government Relations & Public Policy
    ainouye@alawash.org