As the ARRA-supported MIRC initiative winds down, Blandin Foundation plans to continue the momentum with the Blandin Community Broadband Program (BCBP). Through BCBP, the foundation extends its broadband focus in 2013 and 2014 with up to $1.5 million in grants and technical support available to rural Minnesota communities, including:

• Blandin Broadband Communities program – an intensive two-year partnership with 10 rural Minnesota communities
• Community Project Grants – Matching grants available to all rural Minnesota communities (application instructions will be released in December 2012)
• Community Broadband Resources – Non-grant resources

Download the fact sheet or community application for more info.

To introduce the Blandin Broadband Communities program, Blandin will be giving presentations throughout the state. (Please contact the local host for more info):

August 8
West Central Region
WCI Offices, Fergus Falls
11:00 am – 1:30 pm
Contact: Greg Wagner, West Central Initiative

August 9
Southwest Region
Jackpot Junction, Morton, MN
9:00 am – 2:30 pm
Contact: Scott Marquardt, Southwest Initiative Foundation

August 13
Northwest Region
Northwest Initiative Foundation
9:00 – 11:00 am
Beltrami Electric, 4111 Technology Dr NW, Bemidji
Contact: Nancy Vyskocil, Northwest MN Foundation

August 16
Central Region
Initiative Foundation Offices
9:30 – noon
Contact: Don Hickman, Initiative Foundation

August 22
Northeast Region
Carlton County Transportation Building
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Contact: Pat Henderson, ARDC

September 5
South Central and Southeast Region
Mankato Intergovernmental Center, Blue Earth River Room
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Contact: John Considine, Region Nine Development Commission