Why Choose Public Funding?

There is a variety of private and public funding sources available for entities such as schools, libraries, government agencies, healthcare, Tribal nations, and other businesses. Federal, State, and Local government funding sources are available through grants, bonds, E-rate, loans, and more. Private funding is typically provided by any non-publicly funded agency, such as a foundation or non-profit, through grants and loans.

• Cybersecurity
• Sustainability
• Broadband
• Transportation
• Public Safety
• Utilities
• Higher Education
• K-12
• Tribal Nations
• Healthcare

Grants: Grants are funds provided by governments, organizations, or institutions to businesses or non-profit organizations for specific purposes. They are typically awarded based on a competitive application process and do not need to be repaid. Grants are often used to support research, community projects, education, or social initiatives.

Loans: Loans are provided by government entities or agencies to businesses or organizations. These loans are intended to support public initiatives, stimulate economic growth, or address specific social or developmental goals. Public funding loans can be offered at favorable interest rates, flexible repayment terms, or with other incentives to encourage borrowing and investment in areas deemed important by the government.

Bonds: Bonds are debt securities issued by government entities, such as national governments, municipalities, or government agencies, to raise capital for public projects and initiatives. These bonds are typically used to finance infrastructure development, public services, or other government initiatives. Investors who purchase these bonds lend money to the government and, in return, receive periodic interest payments and the repayment of the principal amount at maturity. Public funding bonds are considered relatively low-risk investments as they are backed by the taxing authority and creditworthiness of the issuing government. They play a crucial role in funding public projects and allow governments to raise substantial amounts of capital to support the welfare and development of their constituents.

E-rate: E-rate refers to a program in the United States that provides discounts on telecommunications and internet services to eligible schools and libraries. The program, administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), aims to help ensure affordable access to modern technology and internet connectivity for educational institutions. E-rate discounts are based on the poverty level of the student population and are funded through the Universal Service Fund.

Financing: Financing refers to the provision of financial resources by government entities or agencies to support public projects, programs, and initiatives. It involves the allocation and management of funds to enable the implementation and maintenance of essential services, infrastructure development, social welfare programs, and other public sector activities. Financing in public funding encompasses various mechanisms such as grants, loans, bonds, or public-private partnerships to raise and allocate funds in a strategic and responsible manner, facilitating the efficient use of resources to benefit the public and promote sustainable development.

There are many advantages to using public funding. It is a great way to invest in new, innovative, and often critical projects. Depending on the specific type of grant, bond, or program used, the benefits can be impactful and include sustained economic growth, technological advancements, and strengthened communities. 

Every funding source has nuances surrounding the application process, eligibility, and use of funds. Therefore, we recommend contacting a Public Funding Advisor to collaborate on your funding strategy.

As a trusted strategic technology and business advisor, the Cisco Public Funding Office can help you identify and expand opportunities by providing you with:

• Education on funding sources that can support your technology needs
• Detailed information and verbiage for the integration of Cisco technology into a funding application for a cohesive project design
• E-rate program guidance for K–12 and library entities
• Subject matter expertise to support the grant application process

• The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) represents a significant investment in green energy and other ecologically minded practices that will support the United States' role in climate change mitigation and a healthier environment.
• Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) includes a significant investment to help close the digital divide with access to reliable, high speed, and affordable broadband for all Americans. This bipartisan infrastructure deal   is designed to rebuild roads and travel infrastructure, expand access to clean drinking water, tackle global climate change, advance environmental justice, protect from cyberattacks, and invest in underserved communities.
• Government funding provides a multitude of grants to address campus security, rural access to education and healthcare, public health initiatives, transportation enhancements and security, grid innovation, and clean water initiatives.
• The E-rate program helps schools and libraries afford eligible technology infrastructure and broadband access through discounts. To date, the E-rate program has helped 120,000 schools and libraries connect to the internet.