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Michigan Coalitions
Workforce development and entrepreneurship: Identify collaborators and target grants. READ ME
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Organizations supporting Community Owned Internet Networks in Michigan
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Organizations supporting Community Owned Internet Networks in Michigan
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Several organizations and initiatives in Michigan are actively supporting community-owned internet networks. Here are some key players and their contributions:
1. **Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI)**:
– MIHI plays a crucial role in expanding broadband access across the state, including supporting community-owned networks. They manage grants and funding to ensure underserved areas receive necessary infrastructure. For instance, they announced the first round of Realizing Opportunity with Broadband Infrastructure Networks (ROBIN) grant awards, which included $203 million to connect over 70,000 unserved Michigan homes and businesses【39:19†source】.
2. **Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force (BC-BIT)**:
– BC-BIT is an example of a local initiative working towards community broadband solutions. They secured nearly $26 million in federal funding, supplemented by additional funds from local municipalities and a private internet provider, to deliver high-speed internet to unserved rural areas in Berrien County【39:19†source】.
3. **Midwest Energy & Communications (MEC)**:
– MEC is collaborating with local governments like Berrien County to build broadband infrastructure. They provided significant financial contributions towards the projects, aiming to recover costs through user payments while improving regional connectivity【39:19†source】.
4. **American Association for Public Broadband (AAPB)**:
– AAPB supports the development and implementation of public broadband networks across the United States, including Michigan. They provide resources, mentorship, and a structured approach to help communities build and operate their own broadband networks【39:1†source】【39:6†source】.
5. **Benton Institute for Broadband & Society**:
– This organization partners with AAPB to develop handbooks and resources that guide communities through the process of establishing public broadband networks. They focus on addressing challenges related to planning, financing, and building these networks【39:1†source】【39:10†source】.
6. **Philanthropic Organizations**:
– Organizations like the Post Road Foundation and Connect Humanity offer grants and capital to help cities and towns plan and build public networks. These organizations are pivotal in providing the necessary financial support for community broadband projects【39:15†source】.
These initiatives reflect a collaborative effort between state offices, local task forces, private providers, nonprofit organizations, and national associations to support and promote community-owned internet networks in Michigan.
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The Post Road Foundation supports the development of community-owned broadband networks through grants and access to capital. Their aim is to help cities and towns plan and build public networks, provide workforce training, and promote internet adoption. Here are some key aspects of their support:
1. **Grant Funding and Capital Access**:
– The Post Road Foundation provides grants and other financial resources to assist communities in planning and building their own broadband networks. This financial support can cover various aspects of network development, including infrastructure construction and operational costs【43:0†source】【43:1†source】.
2. **Workforce Training**:
– The foundation also invests in workforce training initiatives to ensure that communities have the necessary skills to maintain and operate their broadband networks effectively. This includes training local residents in technical skills required for broadband infrastructure management【43:0†source】.
3. **Promoting Internet Adoption**:
– In addition to infrastructure support, the Post Road Foundation focuses on promoting digital inclusion by funding programs aimed at increasing internet adoption rates among residents. This can involve educational campaigns, providing devices, and offering affordable service options to low-income households【43:0†source】.
4. **Partnership with Other Organizations**:
– The foundation collaborates with other philanthropic organizations, like Connect Humanity, to amplify their impact. These partnerships help leverage additional resources and expertise, further supporting the development of robust community broadband networks【43:0†source】.
By providing these comprehensive resources, the Post Road Foundation plays a crucial role in enabling communities to achieve digital equity and build sustainable broadband networks.
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The Post Road Foundation is actively providing grants to support community-owned broadband networks. Here are some communities and details on the grants provided by the Post Road Foundation:
1. **Berrien County, Michigan**:
– Berrien County received nearly $26 million in federal funding supplemented by local funds and private contributions to provide high-speed internet access to unserved rural areas. The initiative involves collaboration with Midwest Energy & Communications and local municipalities【43:4†source】.
2. **Additional Communities**:
– While specific names of other communities receiving grants from the Post Road Foundation were not detailed in the provided documents, it is known that the foundation works broadly to help various cities and towns plan and build public networks, provide workforce training, and promote internet adoption【43:0†source】【43:1†source】.
The Post Road Foundation’s support aims to bridge the digital divide by ensuring that rural and underserved areas have access to high-speed internet, thereby fostering economic development, improving educational opportunities, and enhancing the overall quality of life in these communities.
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