Funding Opportunities
Attention Network Nebraska Members! The GEER (Governor’s Emergency Education Relief) funding provided by Governor Ricketts to assist in the purchasing of broadband infrastructure and expansion related equipment, software, and labor is now CLOSED. Thank you to everyone who participated.
Any Network Nebraska member has the potential to receive this funding. This includes all Nebraska public school districts and Educational Service Units. As well as any libraries, museums, or private schools that are members of Network Nebraska.
The $5,500 must be spent on new physical equipment and related software for broadband infrastructure. An additional $2,500 may be requested for physical equipment for broadband expansion. All requests must include proof of payment dated between June 1st, 2022, and September 15th, 2022.
The $5,500 must be spent on new physical equipment and related software for broadband infrastructure. An additional $2,500 may be requested for physical equipment for broadband expansion. All requests must include proof of payment dated between June 1st, 2022, and September 15th, 2022.
Yes, vendor installation costs can be allowed to be included in the $5,500 or $2,500 as part of the equipment purchase. This cannot include maintenance subscriptions or other recurring fees. There is separate funding specifically set aside for ESUs for providing technical assistance to schools, and a separate form is required to request reimbursement.
Funding cannot be used for hosted services, subscriptions, or recurring charges. Cannot reimburse on any requests dated before June 1st, 2022. All requests must be approved by the ESUCC. Funding is provided per Network Nebraska member, not per request. Funds are estimated to be available for 200 requests or until exhausted.
No, the purpose of the funding is to help cover the cost of broadband equipment not commonly covered by other funding. We believe in the ConnectEd Nebraska program and strongly suggest using the funds towards a RADIUS server, the required equipment for the eduroam service. It is ideal to use the funding for access points at locations not commonly covered by other funding.
No, this is a reimbursement of newly ordered equipment, related software, and labor. The check will be provided after verification of requirements, review of the necessary documentation, and approval.
Yes, if an ESU is working with multiple school districts and it is agreed upon, the funding could be combined to cover the cost of shared equipment. Proof of the agreement of the parties will be required. We would suggest using a DocuSign or similar tool.
Yes, the funding may be split between different requests and invoices, but the reimbursement will not exceed the allowed funding per member. As an example, you can request that $2,000 go towards a pooled purchase of a shared Radius service and still request $3,500 towards other invoiced equipment.
Possibly, the $5,500 can be used for any broadband equipment, whereas the $2,500 is for broadband expansion. If all of your requests focus on broadband expansion, then both funding resources qualify for the total of $8,000.