This document outlines Blandin Foundation's commitment to expanding broadband access in greater Minnesota through its Community Broadband Program. The program will provide support to 9 selected communities, including research, planning assistance, and grants up to $100,000 for locally-developed broadband projects. It will focus on digital inclusion, network feasibility studies, broadband-enabled innovation, and other priority projects. The Foundation has committed $1.5 million over two years to continue its work expanding broadband and supporting communities' broadband development efforts.

1. A New Opportunity to Thrive
BLANDIN COMMUNITY
BROADBAND PROGRAM

2. 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.

3. Community Leadership Matters
Since 2003, Blandin
Foundation has
partnered with over
• 60 communities
• 80 organizations

4. 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

5. 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.

6. Intelligent Community Framework
The ICF Virtuous Cycle
KNOWLEDGE INNOVATION
B WORKFORCE M
R A
O R
A K
D E
B T
A I
N N
DIGITAL INCLUSION
D G

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Places to Receive More Information
– Online
• Blandin on Broadband blog
www.blandinonbroadband.org
• Blandin Broadband website
http://broadband.blandinfoundation.org
– In Person
• Mary Magnuson
memagnuson@blandinfoundation.org
218-326-0523