In 2007 the Blandin Foundation announced two new foundation grant programs supporting the development and use of broadband in rural communities in Minnesota. The new grant programs are:

• The Light Speed Grant Program will provide matching funds to support project implementation of new broadband applications from institutions (schools, health care facilities, etc.) to the home or between institutions with a priority on applications that reach to the home user. The RFP period for this program is closed.

• The Open Network Feasibility Fund will provide matching grants to communities for feasibility studies for deploying Open Networks.  Open Networks enable multiple, competitive retail providers to use the same network by purchasing access from a wholesale network owner and manager. Download the RPF Application (.pdf)

Please direct questions about these programs to Bill Coleman atbill@communitytechnologyadvisors.com or 651-491-2551.