Introduction to Blandin Broadband Communities

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

memagnuson@blandinfoundation.org218-326-0523