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But we’re not the “Broadband Foundation”…
The critical role of philanthropy in increasing Internet access and use
Bernadine JoselynForum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers
November 17, 2014
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Blandin Foundation
Vibrant. Rural. Community.
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Blandin Foundation
• Grants • Community leadership
training• Convening and public
policy
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Why a focus on broadband access and use?
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“As the Internet becomes a gateway to democratic participation, economic opportunity, and human
expression, it is critical to the future of our country— and our philanthropic missions —
to ensure that everyone has high-speed access to an open Internet.”
~ Luis Ubiñas, Ford Foundation
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“Gaining access to the Internet is fast becoming a prerequisite for participating in civic and economic life.”
~ Jamahal King
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Boosting broadband use is the right thing to do.
It’s also the smart thing to do.
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Broadband Helps Household Pocketbooks
The Internet Innovation Alliance reports that households with
broadband save $8,674 annually simply by moving interactions online.
http://www.internetinnovation.org/library/special-reports/access-to-broadband-internet-top-ten-areas-of-saving/
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Broadband Creates Jobs and Profits
23.4% of all new jobs created in the economies are directly attributable to broadband
Businesses that increased their utilization of broadband by 10% realize a 24% gain in revenue and a 7% reduction in costs.*
*Strategic Network Group research report
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Broadband Grows Economies
Connect Minnesota research (2013) shows that a 1% increase in broadband
adoption could grow Minnesota’s economy by $517 million.
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We drank the KoolAid….
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We came to understand:
1. Broadband access is fundamental to everything we care about as a
foundation…..
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2. While economic growth, community connectedness, quality of life
improvements all follow telecommunications investment,
investment in infrastructure is not enough.
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3. Community focus on broadband use is needed to deliver on the full promise
of digital literacy and global connectivity.
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If not us, who?
“Somebody has to do something, and it’s just incredibly pathetic that it has to be us.”
~ Jerry Garcia
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Foundations are uniquely positioned to:
Convene people to address challenges and opportunities
Ensure diverse perspectives are represented – “don’t do it to us without us”
Frame issues in ways that motivate people to effective action
Bring promising practices to bear Invest in good ideas
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We invested our own grant dollars ….
and on behalf of the communities we serve…
we applied for and were awarded a $4.8 million federal grant through NTIA’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program of the ARRA.
$1.5 million in partner match $6.4 million total project
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MIRC’s goal:
Foster a “culture of use” across rural MN.
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A “whole community” approach
Communities: Convened diverse leadership teams Established baselines of use Set goals Selected and funded projects that met
goals Measured progress Shared their stories Celebrated success!
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In addition….
….nearly 100 community-designed and administered projects were funded
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Outputs
Outcomes
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So what?
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“Communities felt rejuvenated because there were so many
people rallying to get these projects done for
their school, community or organization.”
–Jacki Anderson, Upper Minnesota Valley RDC
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~ Nancy Hoffman, Benton County Economic Development Director
“Our elected officials now see the importance of
broadband for economic development and
community vitality.”
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“These technology classes have
encouraged our Hispanic and Somali
immigrants to interact, really for the first
time.”–Fatima Said, Project FINE, Winona
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“This effort has helped us develop wonderful
community connections. We have reached out to our whole community.”
–Keri Bergeson, Principal, Dawson/Boyd High School
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Top 5 Lessons Learned
5. Peers make great teachers. 4. Engage tomorrow’s leaders today. 3. Broadband is not an end in itself. 2. Have patience.
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1. It all comes down to community leadership.
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Bernadine JoselynDirector, Public Policy & Engagement
Blandin [email protected]
218/327-8728www.blandinfoundation.org