Robust Network Feasibility Fund Grants

Feasibility studies provide factual data and information necessary to make informed decisions about potential broadband network infrastructure investments. The geographic area of a feasibility study may range from a rural township to a county or an even larger region. A well-designed study will provide information on existing broadband infrastructure and services, prospective customer demand and willingness to pay for improved broadband services, technology options, prospective provider partnerships and business planning. A study can be designed to examine any or all of these elements, depending on where a community is in the broadband improvement process.

Through experience, Blandin Foundation now recognizes that feasibility study impacts are maximized when a community has done important community development work in advance of hiring a feasibility study consultant. This work includes forming and educating a cross-sector steering team about community broadband development; interviewing existing and prospective broadband providers; considering public sector roles in broadband development; and discussing these preliminary findings with citizens and local elected officials. Applicants should be prepared to document these activities in advance of applying for a feasibility grant. The Foundation’s Community Broadband Resources program can help.

Application deadlines for 2021 are May 3, August 2, and November 1.