HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Broadband Resource ProgramCommunity Broadband Resource Program
Blandin Foundation promotes the active engagement of communities in ensuring their own
telecommunications and technology vitality, ranging from market development activities to
infrastructure and service improvements. A cross Minnesota, communities vary widely in their
level of technological savvy and involvement. Currently, there is no programmatic assistance
from state or regional agencies to help communities begin or maintain community technology
initiatives.
The Commu nity Broadband Resource Program provides assistance to communities in three
ways:
Virtually
Broadband Toolkit
Blandin Foundation, through the , LightSpeed gra nt program, the
Blandin on Broadband blog
and the Robust Networks Feasibility Fund, has developed
significant online resources for communities. This resource are at the center of the
Resource Program activities.
By convening
convening opportunities
Blandin Foundation has a reputation for providing , both virtual
and on location. The Broadband Resource Program will co ntinue to convene community
leaders and topic experts for dialogue and learning.
By providing consulting assistance
Communities, when seeking to determine appropriate next steps towards technology
vitality, are often without quality, tech - neutral, vendor - n eutral advice.
The Community Broadband Resource Program uses select consultants to provide
information and assistance to communities as they determine their appropriate role. No
grant funds will be made available to the communities, only short - term techni cal assistance.
Targeted communities
Get Broadband communities
Other communities interested in telecommunication and tech nology vitality
Resource Services
Project Assistance (limited to 32 hours of assistance)
High level community technology assessments of infrastructure, services and
community demand
Market Development Activity organizing and planning
Technical and business expertise to develop fair and appropriate joint venture
with providers
Ad hoc assistance
General information provided through telephone, email, referral to the Blandin
website and others.
Timeline:
The Broadband Resource Program was announced in November 2007 at the
Broadband Conference.
Application Process:
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and administratively
Complete application online
approved. .
Goals
Annually, the Broadband Resource Program will provide Project Assistance to 15
communities ranging from 16 to 32 hours.
Annually, the Broadband Resource Program will provide personal ad hoc
assistance to 25 communities
Outcomes
Increased uti lization of broadband, public and leadership awareness and
engagement in the broadband issues area and public private investment.
An evaluation process that measures success, primarily through information
gathered in the application process and a survey fo llowing the project assistance. Ad hoc
assistance will be measured through indicators including a) signing up for the e - news and
b) applying for project assistance.