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

• The Light Speed Grant Program provides 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 reache home users. 

Funds are currently available for 28 southwest Minnesota counties including: Chippewa, Kandiyohi, McLeod, Meeker, Nicollet, Renville, Sibley, Lac Qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, Redwood, Yellow Medicine, Brown, Cottonwood, Jackson, Martin, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Rock, Watonwan, Blue Earth, Faribault, Freeborn, LeSueur, Rice, Steele, and Waseca.

Download the RFP Application (.pdf)

Pre-application Workshop Flyer

• The Open Access 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)

2008 News Release

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