Helping enroll the estimated 75% of eligible Florida households not currently participating in the Government program.

Southwest Florida – The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced funding allocations for the Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program (ACP Outreach Grant Program). Combined, the total amount of targeted funds is $66 million.

Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida (SWFL) was awarded $200,000 for ACP outreach to help enroll the estimated 75% of eligible Florida households who are not yet participating in the program. Of the 350 applicants nationwide, 197 agencies were awarded grant funds. Goodwill SWFL was one of three agencies awarded in the state of Florida. 

The ACP helps connect families and households struggling to afford internet service.  This benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households, and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.

According to the news release issued by the FCC, “The ACP continues to play an integral role in helping to bridge the broadband affordability gap. Today, as part of this announcement, the FCC is enlisting partners nationwide to serve as trusted community messengers and providing those partners with the funding and resources needed to implement innovative strategies to reach historically underserved and unserved communities.”

Eligible households can enroll through any of the eight Goodwill Community Resource Centers in Southwest Florida. To make an appointment, call (239) 995-2106 Ext. 2226, or visit https://goodwillswfl.org/crc-locations.

Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida is committed to serving people with disabilities and disadvantages by offering life-changing opportunities to achieve independence. For information on who Goodwill SWFL positively impacts in the community, visit http://www.Goodwillswfl.org.

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