Category Archives: Opportunities

OPPORTUNITY: Applications soon open for a New Initiative to Recognize Native Entities

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NDIA (National Digital Inclusion Alliance) reports…

Seven Star Communities is a new initiative to honor and celebrate Native nations accomplishing digital inclusion work. Native nations are a critical part of our network of digital inclusion practitioners here at NDIA. The Seven Star Communities program hopes to highlight outstanding work, and also provide an opportunity for Native nations to learn from each other.

The application for Seven Star Communities 2024 will open towards the end of August.

OPPORTUNITY: FCC Announces Anticipated Renewal of its Consumer Advisory Committee and Solicits Nominations for Membership

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From the FCC…

By this Public Notice, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) announces the anticipated rechartering of the Consumer Advisory Committee (Committee) and solicits nominations for membership. The Commission intends to recharter the Committee for a period of two (2) years following consultation with the Committee Management Secretariat, General Service Administration. It is anticipated that after this consultation, the renewed charter will become effective on or before October 13, 2024.  Nominations for membership are due by September 6, 2024.

 

PURPOSE AND FUNCTION

 

The Committee’s mission is to make recommendations to the Commission regarding topics of particular interest to consumers that will be specified by the Commission.  For additional background about the Committee, see its website:  www.fcc.gov/consumer-advisory-committee.

 

BACKGROUND

 

The Committee will operate in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. Chapter 10.  Each meeting of the Committee will be open to the public. A notice of each meeting will be published in the Federal Register at least fifteen (15) days in advance of the meeting.  Records will be maintained of each meeting and will be made available for public inspection. All meetings will be fully accessible to individuals with disabilities.

 

Members will serve at the discretion of the Chairperson of the Commission. The Commission will determine the appropriate Committee size necessary to effectively accomplish the Committee’s work.  While there is no required number of meetings, the Committee typically holds meetings three times per calendar year, to be conducted in Washington, D.C., and/or by video conference.

 

Members of the Committee will be expected to participate in at least one working group. The time commitment for participation in any such group may be substantial. However, working group meetings may be conducted informally, using suitable technology to facilitate the meetings, subject to oversight by the Designated Federal Officer of the Committee.

 

WHO MAY APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIP AND OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS

 

The Commission seeks nominations from interested nonprofit organizations, corporations, trade associations, government agencies, or other entities from both the public and private sectors, who wish to be considered for Committee membership for a two-year term of service.  Selections will be made based

on factors such as expertise and diversity of viewpoints that are necessary to effectively address the topics before the Committee.

 

Individuals who do not represent an organization, corporation, trade association, or entity, but who possess expertise valuable to the Committee’s work may also apply.  However, any applicants who want to serve in their individual capacities should be aware that government ethics rules may require detailed disclosures as part of the consideration of their application to serve as independent subject matter experts, and if appointed, such individuals would be considered Special Government Employees (SGEs).  Federally registered lobbyists are not eligible to serve as SGEs.  The Commission’s Office of General Counsel conducts ethics reviews of all organizational and individual members of the Committee or its working groups. SGEs, in particular, are subject to a variety of restrictions under the conflict of interest statutes, 18 U.S.C. § 203 et seq., and the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch, 5 C.F.R. Part 2635.  SGEs must file confidential employee financial disclosure forms prior to beginning their service and annually thereafter.  SGEs will also be subject to ethics restrictions in section 4(b) of the Communications Act, 47 U.S.C. § 154(b), and in the Commission’s rules, 47 CFR Part 19 and 5 CFR Parts 3901 and 3902.

 

NOMINATION PROCEDURE, DEADLINE, AND MEMBER APPOINTMENTS

 

All nominations must be received by the Commission by no later than September 6, 2024, and should be submitted via an online nomination form at www.fcc.gov/consumer-advisory-committee unless use of that form would present a hardship, in which case the information and documents specified below may be submitted by email to CAC@fcc.gov.  Nominations will be acknowledged shortly after receipt. Because mail delivery may be delayed by security screening and precautionary measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, interested parties are required to submit applications online.

Get more details.

OPPORTUNITY: Broadband Program Assistant – State Program Administrator

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From the Office of Broadband Development…

Working Title: Broadband Program Assistant
Job Class: State Program Administrator
Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

  • Job ID: 78643
  • Location: St. Paul
  • Telework Eligible: Yes, may be eligible to telework up to four (4) days per week.
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 07/29/2024.
  • Date Posted: 07/23/2024
  • Closing Date: 08/05/2024
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Employ & Econ Development Dept / Employ & Economic Dev-MAPE
  • Division/Unit: Business & Community Dev / 0359 Broadband Development
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.
  • Days of Work: Monday – Friday
  • Travel Required: Yes, up to 20% of the time
  • Salary Range: $23.63 – $34.18 / hourly; $49,339 – $71,367 / annually
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 – MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
  • FLSA Status: Nonexempt
  • Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you’ll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

The Broadband Program Assistant position exists to assist in the administration of projects and programs for the Office of Broadband Development. This includes preliminary review and evaluation of grant applications, contract processing and grant bookkeeping and reporting. The incumbent will also provide technical and organizational support of projects, as well as coordinate and manage marketing materials, communication announcements and inquiries. The position is responsible for examining, processing, and tracking invoices, expenses, and acquisitions to ensure accuracy and prompt payment using electronic and paper filing and database systems. The Broadband Program Assistant also provides technical assistance to clients and responds to client inquiries with program information.

DEED is committed to radically increasing economic impacts for individuals and businesses that face systematic barriers to growth. This position will contribute to efforts to build a positive internal culture that makes DEED an extraordinary place to work! If you want to make an impact and help people create possibilities, come and be a part of our amazing team!

Learn more:  Broadband Program Assistant – State Program Administrator- Job ID 78643, or Apply Here.

OPPORTUNITY: Benton Institute’s 2024 Opportunity Fund Fellowship Call

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From the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society…

Applications Due August 31, 2024 // Email questions to research@benton.org

About Us

The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society believes we need to build resilient, high-speed broadband infrastructure that reaches everywhere in the United States; to connect everyone to affordable internet service and equip people with the devices and the skills they need to use these connections; and to ensure broadband applications serve opportunity and equity for all. We accomplish our goals by making sure people have the timely information, rigorous evidence, and practical guidance they need to implement a ‘broadband for all’ agenda.

About the Fellowship

Through the Marjorie & Charles Benton Opportunity Fund, we aim to support a new generation of broadband scholars, practitioners, and advocates working on broadband access, adoption, application, and equity. Our Opportunity Fund fellows—within academia, nonprofits and government agencies—conduct research and document best practices on critical questions about the future of the internet in our communities.

For the 2024-25 fellowship cycle—when an historic level of federal funds will flow to states to build infrastructure and implement digital equity plans—we are focused on identifying what the obstacles are that can hamper the success of the initiative and how we can address them. We are interested in questions such as:

What obstacles prevent people from subscribing to broadband? How does the cost of broadband service impact adoption? Does a concern for privacy and safety dissuade people from using the internet? How might climate change adversely impact building broadband infrastructure? What national or state policies could delay or disrupt broadband deployment and/or digital equity efforts?

These questions are merely prompts and not an exclusive or exhaustive list. Please propose other approaches and questions to the overarching theme of barriers to building and using broadband networks. We especially welcome applications that focus on historically marginalized communities. Proposed projects can yield either practice or research-focused publications or multimedia content. Fellowships will range from $5,000-$20,000, with a tenure ranging from 6 months to 2 years.

Application Guidelines

To apply, please submit a resume or CV (no more than 3 pages) and a project proposal (no
more than 1000 words). The proposal should include:

  • A research question or project topic and an explanation of how your project will support the goals of the fellowship program
  • A description of the research methods or the work you’ll do over the fellowship tenure
  • A rough timeline, budget, and whether you are applying as an individual or affiliated with an organization (see note below).
  • Proposed outputs (reports/toolkits/webinars/podcasts)

Submit the documents as PDFs by email to research@benton.org by August 31, 2024. Email us if you have questions about the fellowship, your eligibility, and the application process.

Note: Fellowship funds do not cover institutional indirect costs; this restriction is applicable to all applicants.

OPPORTUNITY: Grants for libraries for digital equity and cybersecurity

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There are a couple of funding opportunities for libraries. It sounds like digital inclusion, digital equity and cybersecurity are priorities…

OPPORTUNITY: Broadband Technical Assistance from USDA deadline Aug 20

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Now is a good time for rural MN communities to prepare to find potential broadband provider partners for BEAD funded projects. It looks like the USDA Rural Development has some funding to help make that happen…

What does this program do?

The Broadband Technical Assistance (BTA) program provides financial assistance through cooperative agreements to eligible entities to receive or deliver broadband technical assistance and training.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include:

  • Federally-recognized Tribes and Tribal entities
  • State or local governments, including agencies and subdivisions, among others
  • Territories or possessions of the United States
  • Institutions of higher education (including 1862 Land-Grant Institutions, 1890 Land-Grant Institutions, 1994 Land-Grant Institutions, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities)
  • Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) IRS status
  • Cooperatives or mutual organizations
  • Corporations
  • Limited Liability Companies or Limited Liability Partnerships

What is an eligible area?

For a project to be eligible to receive federal funds from the BTA program, it must promote broadband expansion into a rural community.

What is a rural area?

  • For the purposes of BTA, a rural area is defined as “any area not located in a city, town, or incorporated area with a population greater than 20,000, or an urbanized area  next to a city, town or incorporated area with a population greater than 50,000 people.” Certain other exclusions apply.
  • Eligible areas must be completely contained within a rural area or composed of multiple rural areas. You will find a mapping tool with additional eligibility information at this link: Map

How do we apply?

Applications must be submitted electronically through https://www.grants.gov/.

Is there a matching requirement?

BTA does not have a cost share or matching requirement.

Who can answer questions about this program?

  • For questions related to the BTA program, please use the Contact Us Form and select “Broadband Technical Assistance” as the subject.

Where do the funds come from?

The Rural eConnectivity Program (ReConnect) is authorized under 7 U.S.C. 1981(b)(4), 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq., 7 U.S.C. 950aaa et seq., and 7 U.S.C. 950cc and provided funding for broadband technical assistance. The current funding opportunity will use technical assistance funds appropriated under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) (Pub. L. 117-58).

Where can we learn about past BTA award recipients?

Fiscal Year 2023 BTA award recipients and project information.

OPPORTUNITY: IRRRB Broadband Infrastructure grant open July 1

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For folks on the Iron Range, an opportunity from the IRRRB…

Broadband Infrastructure

Broadband Infrastructure grants assist projects that help households and businesses reach the State of Minnesota broadband speed goal.

 

Contact: Whitney Ridlon, Whitney.Ridlon@state.mn.us or 218-735-3004.

Grant Cycle Dates: July 1, 2024 – May 31, 2025.

Eligible Applicants: Cities, townships, nonprofits, Tribal governments and governmental entities created pursuant to Minnesota Statutes located within the agency’s service area.

Multi-organization collaboration is welcomed.

FY25 Broadband Infrastructure Grant Guidelines
Grant Application Portal and Forms

FY20 – FY23 Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program Evaluation

OPPORTUNITY: Strengthening the Reliability and Resiliency of Minnesota’s Electrical Grid

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This felt broadband adjacent, as if the right organization might be able to spin this opportunity from the MN Department of Commerce into better broadband too…

The Minnesota Department of Commerce (“Commerce”) seeks proposals from eligible utilities (“Applicants”) throughout Minnesota for the BIL-40101(d) Strengthening the Reliability and Resiliency of Minnesota’s Electrical Grid Grant Program (“40101(d) Program”). This competitive grant program seeks proposals for projects which will: increase the resilience of Minnesota’s electric grid against disruptive events, advance grid modernization and the deployment of clean energy resources and reduce the impacts of climate-driven extreme weather and natural disasters. This program also aims to generate the greatest community benefit and expand or create clean energy workforce opportunities for Minnesotans.

A Request for Proposals (RFP) is available for download on the Department’s RFP website at Request for Proposals (RFP) / Minnesota Department of Commerce – Business (mn.gov).

All responses to this RFP need to be submitted through a single responder user account via the grant portal. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. CDT on Monday, August 26, 2024. Late proposals will not be considered. Instructions and links for submitting proposals are detailed in the RFP and attachments.

This request does not obligate the State to complete the work contemplated in this notice. The State reserves the right to cancel this solicitation. All expenses incurred in responding to this notice are solely the responsibility of the responder.

OPPORTUNITY: Nominate someone for a Tekne award by Aug 2

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Tekne reports…

The Tekne Awards are back! Celebrate the accomplishments of your organization or a colleague by completing a nomination application for the 2024 Tekne Awards. On November 14, we will hand out 16 awards across three categories: Business Impact, Community Impact, and Individual Achievement. You can view all the categories and submit your Tekne Award application here. Applications are due by August 2.

OPPORTUNITY: MN Association of Townships Scholarship Applications Open Essays on Broadband

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From the MN Association of Townships…

The Minnesota Association of Townships (MAT) is proud to offer a township scholarship program for high school Juniors in the state of Minnesota. Up to Five $2,000 scholarships will be awarded.

The Minnesota Association of Townships is a nonprofit corporation representing Minnesota townships while promoting an understanding of the heritage, future and being a voice for its roughly 9,000 officers. It regularly conducts research and educational programs designed to foster efficient and economical town governmental services and acts as a liaison between township officers and other local government officials to encourage sustained cooperation.

The Minnesota Association of Townships Scholarship Program is designed to heighten awareness among young people about Minnesota’s Grassroots Township government. The program encourages every high school in the state of Minnesota to offer this opportunity for Juniors to participate in this scholarship program.

Here’s the topic…

2024 Essay Topic:

Throughout its history the United States has adopted policies which took advantage of major technological advances that led to prosperity as a nation. In the 19th century it was the development of canals and a national railroad system. In the 20th century it was rural electrification and the national highway system. Today, high speed broadband Internet access is as vital as phones, electricity, and roads. Those without this access, particularly people in rural areas, are left stranded on the wrong side of the digital divide.

Describe ways in which broadband Internet access improves the lives of rural residents. What challenges exist in providing broadband Internet in rural areas? And what policies should governments at all levels, (federal, state, and local) adopt to ensure that regardless of geographic location all Americans have equal access to broad band Internet?

Check the next tab, “Eligibility & Requirements,” for how to enter.

2024 Application Form

OPPORTUNITY: Survey on Human Infrastructure of Broadband

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An opportunity from Benton Institute for Broadband & Society...

The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society (in partnership with the American Library Association, METRO’s Digital Equity Research Center, and the National Digital Inclusion Alliance) is researching the work of people who help connect others to broadband.  Whether they are called librarians, digital stewards, or digital navigators, they perform a wide range of activities like helping people enroll in low-cost broadband plans, making low-cost computers available, providing digital skills training, or helping people use digital services like telehealth. 

If your organization works on these or related issues, please take our survey!  The data you provide will help us better understand what you do and will contribute to a report that will recommend strategies to sustain this work beyond the current Digital Equity Act investment.  

The survey is available here. Deadline: May 24, 2024. For questions, please email: research@benton.org.

OPPORTUNITY: Unleash the Good(R) Grant: A Web Design Initiative by ArcStone – deadline May 31

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A little bit off topic but, ArcStone is a Minnesota company, and I know many readers have a connection to a nonprofit organization, and I’m just one day off Earth Day – so here’s info on a grant for website development. Good luck!

ArcStone partners with nonprofit organizations and thoughtful brands to drive missions forward. As a demonstration of our commitment to growing the impact of organizations that care, we are proud to launch the Unleash the Good Grant program.

Through this grant, we aim to support nonprofit organizations to enhance their online presence and achieve their mission through strategic web development services.

Our current grant cycle is open to 501(c)3 tax-exempt organizations dedicated to protecting, preserving, and improving the Earth’s natural environment.

Stay tuned for our Fall grant cycle, exclusively dedicated to social impact organizations making a meaningful and sustainable difference in people’s lives and society.

This in-kind grant provides services valued at $15,000 to selected organizations to empower them to create a compelling and impactful online platform.

 

Eligible Organizations

To be eligible for the Unleash the Good Grant, organizations must meet the following criteria:

  • 501(c)3 Status: The organization holds a valid 501(c)3 tax-exempt status under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
  • Environmental Impact: The organization actively works to protect, preserve, and improve the Earth’s natural environment.
  • Web Design Needs: The organization has a clear vision of how web design services will enhance its online presence and further its mission.
  • Agreement to Grant Terms: The organization agrees to comply with the terms and conditions outlined in the grant application.

Services Included

The grant project includes the following web development services:

  • Website Discovery and Sitemap
  • Accessible and Inclusive Design
  • WordPress Development
  • SEO Basics for Key Pages
  • Limited Content Entry
  • Project Management, Quality Assurance, Training, and Launch
  • One year of free hosting

Application Process & Timeline

Application Submission: Eligible organizations are invited to submit their applications through our online application form below.

Review and Evaluation: Applications will be thoroughly reviewed, and organizations will be evaluated based on alignment with our mission, potential impact, and demonstrated need for web design services.

Selection: One organization will receive the $15,000 Unleash the Good Grant. Additionally, two organizations will be selected to receive $5,000 off the $15,000 web design package outlined above.

Timeline: The application period is currently open, and the deadline to apply is May 31, 2024 at 11:59 PM CST. All applicants will receive a decision via email by June 18th. Work on the project will begin in July. Grant recipients must submit a final report by August 31, 2025.

Please contact Dan Olson at dolson@arcstone.com with any additional questions.

Please fill out the form to be notified of future grant opportunities.

OPPORTUNITY: Broadband Planning Help Hub

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The Broadband Planning Help Hub is a free resource created to help communities…

LISC’s Broadband Planning Help Hub, part of the National Broadband Technical Assistance Marketplace, connects communities like yours with high-quality, targeted data and recommendations to produce investment-ready broadband plans.

Congressional action following the pandemic created a once-in-a-generation level of funding to close the digital divide across America. Affordable, reliable, high-speed internet access stimulates economic growth, lowers health care costs, improves access to education and strengthens community ties to needed services – making it a necessity, not a luxury, that should be accessible to all.

They have an opportunity for communities to apply for help…

Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis from any community-facing entity leading local efforts around broadband. Questions from prospective applicants can be sent to broadbandhelp@lisc.org.

OPPORTUNITY: ICANN grants to expand broadband Deadline May 24

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PRNewswire reports…

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the nonprofit organization that coordinates the Domain Name System (DNS), announced today that the application window for the first cycle of the ICANN Grant Program is officially open. This initial phase of the global program will include the distribution of up to $10 million in funding to develop selected projects that support the growth of an open, resilient, and globally interoperable Internet.

The World Economic Forum estimates that 70% of new value created in the economy over the next decade will be based on digital platform business models. However, 3.2 billion people are unable to access the Internet, meaning that nearly one-third of the world cannot access the benefits of these transformational platforms. The ICANN Grant Program seeks to fund creative and innovative solutions that support ICANN’s mission. It will consider projects that will advance innovation and open standards for the benefit of the Internet community; benefit the development, distribution and evolution of the services and systems that support the Internet’s unique identifier systems; and contribute to diversity, participation, and inclusion across stakeholder communities and geographic regions.

“From banking and health to e-commerce and transport, the Internet has become indispensable to our daily lives,” said Sally Costerton, Interim President and CEO, ICANN. “But there are still far too many people, particularly in less developed countries, who remain offline or who face barriers that prevent them from fully experiencing the benefits that the Internet can bring. Through the ICANN Grant Program we will support ideas that advance the evolution and innovation of the Internet’s unique identifier systems for the benefit of a growing, more inclusive Internet community.”

The application window will remain open until 24 May 2024 and the tentative timeline to announce the grantees of the first cycle is in January of 2025.

For more information on the program, including eligibility and submission requirements, the ICANN Grant Program Applicant Guide is available at https://icann.org/grant-program.

OPPORTUNITY: Opening in Minnesota Cybersecurity Task Force

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The Minnesota Secretary of State reports on an opportunity that might interest some readers…

Minnesota Cybersecurity Task Force
Membership requirements are based on and conform to Public Law 117-58. In summary:

  • The Chief Information Officer (CIO), the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), or equivalent official of the eligible entity;
  • If the eligible entity is a state (including territories), then representatives from counties, cities, and towns within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity;
  • Institutions of public education and health within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity; and
  • As appropriate, representatives of rural, suburban, and high-population jurisdictions.
  • At least one half of the representatives of the Cybersecurity Planning Committee must have professional experience relating to cybersecurity or information technology

The task force will additionally invite close participation in its decisions from members of the legislature. Four ex officio participants are invited for formal designation by the leaders in the Minnesota Senate and Minnesota House of Representatives.