MADISON –The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) today announced the application periods for the Telemedicine Equipment Grant Program and the Lifeline Outreach Grant Program and is encouraging eligible entities to apply. Funded by the Universal Service Fund, these grant programs improve the availability and affordability of telecommunications services to people in Wisconsin.
“I’m excited for the PSC to commence the next rounds of these impactful programs. The Telemedicine Equipment Grant Program and the Lifeline Outreach Grant Program help Wisconsinites access essential, more affordable telecommunications services to receive medical care, connect to their loved ones, and more,” said PSC Chairperson Summer Strand. “I encourage eligible entities to apply for these grants and partner with the PSC on our mission to ensure equitable access to telecommunications services in our state.”
The Telemedicine Equipment Grant Program provides funding to support the purchase of specialized medical telecommunications equipment used to promote technologically advanced medical services, to enhance access to medical care in rural and/or underserved areas of the state, or to enhance access to medical care by underserved populations and/or persons with disabilities. Eligible entities include non-profit medical clinics/hospitals and public health agencies, including Tribal health care facilities or programs. The Commission may award up to $1 million in this grant round. The application period opened on Wednesday January 7, 2026, and applications are due Wednesday March 4, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. Additional information is available on the Telemedicine Grant Program webpage.
The Lifeline Outreach Grant Program improves participation in the Lifeline Program which helps address affordability challenges by providing a discount on essential telecommunication services like internet and phone for low-income households. Nonprofit organizations, community-based agencies, institutions of higher education, local and Tribal governments, and for-profit businesses are all eligible to apply for this grant program. The Commission may award up to $250,000 this grant round. The application period opens on Monday January 12, 2026, and applications are due on Wednesday March 11, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. Additional information is available on the Lifeline Outreach Grant Program webpage.
On December 3, 2025, Gov. Evers and the PSC announced the application period for the Nonprofit Access Grant Program, another program funded by the Universal Service Fund, to support programs or projects that facilitate affordable access to telecommunication services in Wisconsin. The Nonprofit Access Grant Program application period ends Monday February 2, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.
All grant applications must be submitted through the PSC’s Grants System. The application instructions for each program include information on how to use the PSC Grants System to submit applications. The PSC’s Grants System webpage contains more information about how to use the System and includes a recording of a webinar conducted by PSC staff that provides an overview.
An online version of this release is available here.
