MN Broadband Coalition

Preparing for ARRA applications

The first round NOFA for the ARRA broadband stimulus funding is scheduled to come out by July 1. Once the NOFA is released they will hold workshops on how to complete an application. I’ve been to sessions for previous NTIA grants and they are important. They will tell you exactly what you need to have to qualify for funds. They will also remind you to follow the rules; be as creative as you want in the program but stick with the linear format for the application.

At the recent FTTH Council conference they hosted a discussion on how to prepare for the NOFA. Below are notes from that session merged with what we’ve learned through other research:

• The main goal of the stimulus packages is job creation. It’s great to highlight how many jobs will be possible with increased access to broadband – but they are looking for direct employment.
• The speaker claimed that you didn’t need a grant writer for the proposal, but someone who knows how to write a business plan.
• There will be three rounds of NOFAs. The first round may not be decided before the second round is announced. Plan to apply to both.
• Get started now.

1. Build a team
2. Develop a plan that makes sound business sense (and creates jobs!)
3. Start working on documents they are likely to request such as company profile, financial history and budgets, background of key personnel, evidence of eligibility to seek funding, infrastructure and deployment plans. You can get a longer list of potential documents here: http://tinyurl.com/kwksht (Scroll down to session 2)

Blandin Foundation is doing exactly these tasks as it prepares to apply for stimulus funding with a strong concentration on building market demand, user education, public access and other digital inclusion strategies.  We are working with a growing number of partners to develop a comprehensive proposal that will bring significant resources to Minnesota.  We are kicking around ideas and talking about prospective roles for organizations so that all Minnesotans can benefit from these broadband dollars.

If you’re interested in collaborating on an NTIA application, consider partnering with the Blandin Foundation (more info: http://tinyurl.com/lrqf9g get involved: http://www.mnbroadbandcoalition.com/stimulus.html).

Explaining Broadband to all contingencies

Last week, we heard someone claim that while broadband was important, it wasn’t as essential as a “chicken in every pot”. It led us to think that we needed a tool that helps describe the benefits and policy implications of broadband to a wider audience. So we created a “Hot web sites on Big Decisions Coming on Broadband” to do just that: http://tinyurl.com/mq9nx2

Task Force Meetings

The Ultra High-Speed Broadband Task Force is meeting in rural areas this summer. The first meeting is Friday June 19 in Grand Rapids. As always the public is welcome. If you’re in that area, consider attending the working session (http://www.ultra-high-speed-mn.org) or the precursor on Broadband Policy sponsored by the Blandin Foundation on Thursday (http://tinyurl.com/mvquta).

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