introduction to blandin broadband communities
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BLANDIN COMMUNITY BROADBAND PROGRAM
A New Opportunity to Thrive
Our Vision
To ensure a high quality of life and a globally competitive future for its citizens, businesses and communities, Minnesota is committed to making the necessary investments to become a world leader in the universal deployment and use of ultra high-speed broadband.
Community Leadership Matters
Since 2003, Blandin Foundation has partnered with over
• 60 communities• 80 organizations
What it takes:
• Local champions• Recognition that broadband is a tool for problem
solving and marketing the work accordingly• Cross-sector partnerships leading to innovative
practices• Tenacity – this work takes time
Blandin’s Commitment to Broadband Continues
• The Blandin Foundation Board of Trustees has committed $1.5 million in grant funds over the next two years to support the Foundation’s continued commitment to broadband development in greater Minnesota.
Intelligent Community Framework
Program Elements
• Recruitment and support of 9 Blandin Broadband Communities
• Community Project Grants• Technical assistance and leadership support• Policy development and advocacy• Convening• Information support
Blandin Broadband Communities
• 9 communities will receive:– Research and benchmarking– Planning and technical assistance– The opportunity to apply for up to $100,000 in
grant funds to support locally developed projects
Community Project Grant Programs
– Digital Inclusion Community Partnership• Devices, training and access for those without
– Robust Network Feasibility Fund• Analyzing options for improving connectivity
– LightSpeed• Enabling broadband-based innovation
– Broadband Innovation Grants• A flexible fund to support communities with priority
projects
Mark your Calendars!
• Today! – Public announcement of selected communities
• December / January– Community Project Grant application instructions released
• February 8– Community Project Grant applications due
• March – First round of Community Project Grants awarded
• June - Second round of Community Project Grants awarded
Places to Receive More Information
– Online• Blandin on Broadband blog
www.blandinonbroadband.org
• Blandin Broadband websitehttp://broadband.blandinfoundation.org
– In Person• Mary Magnuson