Program overview
- The Texas State Match Fund for E-Rate 2026 is a state funding initiative that provides matching dollars to help school districts and libraries maximize federal E-Rate support for eligible broadband projects.
- The program is intended to reduce local costs for high‑speed internet connectivity and encourage long‑term infrastructure investments that meet or exceed state broadband goals.
Eligibility highlights
- Eligible applicants typically include public school districts, charter schools, and public libraries that participate in the federal E-Rate program and have qualifying Category One broadband projects.
- Projects generally must be E-Rate eligible, competitively bid under FCC rules, and designed to increase broadband capacity or extend access to underserved locations in Texas.
Funding and match structure
- The state fund usually provides a percentage match to the applicant’s local share, effectively lowering the out‑of‑pocket cost after E-Rate discounts are applied.
- Awards are commonly capped per project or per applicant, and funding is typically limited to the available annual state appropriation on a first‑come, first‑served or priority-based basis.
Application and timeline
- Applicants must submit an E-Rate funding request (Form 471) for the underlying broadband project and then apply for the Texas State Match Fund using the state’s specified application form or portal.
- Key dates:
- March 04, 2026 – The last day to file a form 470 for use with a Form 471.
- April 01, 2026 – FY 2026 Form 471 Application Window closes at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
- FY2026 Texas State Match Form, A must be completed and submitted no later than this date.
- June 30, 2027 – Last day for TEA to award State Match payments.
Key action items for schools/libraries
- Review planned FY2026 broadband projects to identify those that might qualify for the state match and confirm they are structured to meet both E-Rate and state program requirements.
- Coordinate early with technology, finance, and procurement teams to align RFPs, contracts, and E-Rate forms so the district or library can submit a timely and complete state match application.
For more information TX FY2026 State Match Fund
