bcbp -launch meetings--august 2012--short version
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BLANDIN COMMUNITY BROADBAND PROGRAM
A New Opportunity to Thrive
Community.
BLANDIN’S BROADBAND WORKA look back at
Through the years, Blandin Foundation has…
• Created a Strategy Board and adopted a Broadband Vision and set of Principles
• Convened stakeholders• Worked in over 60 communities and 80
organizations across the state to implement hundreds of community-based broadband projects
• Leveraged over $8M in local, state and federal dollars from a direct investment of $250,000
The goals have stood the test of time:
• Increase awareness of benefits of broadband• Support local broadband development efforts• Increase investment in broadband access,
adoption, and utilization
The 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 next generation broadband.
MN Intelligent Rural Communities
• Enabled by a $4.8 million dollar federal grant• Uses the Intelligent Community framework• Statewide Partners• 11 Demonstration Communities
MIRC Partners
Intelligent Community Framework
MIRC Elements of Success
• 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 COMMUNITY BROADBAND PROGRAM
A New Opportunity to Thrive
A continued commitment to rural broadband development
• 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.
Program Elements
• Recruitment and support of 10 Blandin Broadband Communities
• Project Grant Funds• Technical Assistance and leadership support• Policy development and advocacy• Convening• Information support
Blandin Broadband Communities
• 10 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
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
Blandin Broadband Communities: Important Dates
• August 7– Application instructions released
• October 15– Application deadline
• November 13-14– Public announcement of selected communities at
Building our Connected Future Broadband Conference• January– Kick-off meeting with selected communities
Places to Receive More Information
– Online• Blandin on Broadband blog
www.blandinonbroadband.org
• Blandin Broadband websitehttp://broadband.blandinfoundation.org
– In Person• Mary Magnuson