News Release - Boulder County

Grants are given to organizations and programs working to bridge the digital divide.

Boulder, CO, (October 8, 2024)- Access to digital resources is a fundamental necessity for individuals and communities to thrive. To address the issue of the digital divide that disproportionately affects marginalized populations, 35 Mile Foundation has provided $100K in seed money for a Digital Equity Field of Interest Fund. The fund is managed through Community Foundation Boulder County.

Grants are given to organizations and programs working in all facets of digital equity including increasing digital skills, providing affordable quality broadband services, internet-enabled devices, and/or quality support, and applications and online content designed to enable and encourage self-sufficient participation and collaboration. Community Foundation Boulder County understands that 35 Mile Foundation’s work to bridge the divide in digital equity is aligned with the community foundation’s mission to ensure that everyone in Boulder County experiences a life of opportunity and fulfillment.

Grantmaking strategy and decisions are set by a committee of volunteer advisors and experts in their field, chosen carefully for their wisdom and lived experience in this space. Grants are dispersed two-to-four times per year. The first meeting will be in November or December of 2024. At that time, the committee will determine grant amounts and begin dispersing funds. 

“It is a pleasure to partner with 35 Mile Foundation! Their work is innovative, thoughtful, connected with the real needs of people, and everyone who is involved with the foundation brings so much wisdom and insight to bear on their work. They are seeking to fill important gaps, creating a structure to center the voices of those most impacted by the gaps, and in so doing, they will make an enormous difference with their work,” states Director of Development at Community Foundation Boulder County, Helen Gemmill.

VP of Broadband Services at 35 Mile Foundation, Cassie Bair, states, “Investing seed money in a digital equity field of interest fund is not just about providing access to technology; it's about empowering communities to thrive in a digital world. We were excited to do this with the Community Foundation Boulder County given their focus on community - it was a natural fit. By bridging the digital divide, we create opportunities for education, innovation, and economic growth, ensuring that everyone can participate and succeed in the digital age."

By providing seed money for the fund, 35 Mile Foundation hopes to generate interest from other foundations with the hope that this program will be replicated. This aligns with their mission to fund digital equity initiatives and opportunities that enable affordable internet access and advance social justice. 35 Mile Foundation plans to provide funds moving forward to keep the initiative going.

To donate or get involved, visit https://comm-found.networkforgood.com/projects/228909-digital-equity-field-of-interest-fund or contact Cassie Bair at Cassie.Bair@35Mile.org.

About 35 Mile Foundation

The 35 Mile Foundation works to help people equitably participate in today’s digital society. Schools, libraries, nonprofits, and social welfare agencies in under-resourced communities are offered affordable internet services and devices through our telecommunication company partners. We combine telecommunication revenue and investment income to fund digital equity and social justice grantmaking operations, as well as convening and collaboration work. Our goal is to empower historically marginalized people around the world to be more involved in modern civil society, democracy, and culture, and take an active role in overcoming systemic inequity and elevating themselves in every aspect of their lives. 

Contact

Cassie Bair
35 Mile Foundation
Cassie.Bair@35mile.org

About Community Foundation Boulder County

Vision: Community Foundation Boulder County envisions a thriving, equitable and inclusive community that collaborates to ensure everyone in Boulder County experiences a life of opportunity and fulfillment.
Mission: Community Foundation Boulder County nurtures and activates the ideas, generosity and leadership of the community to galvanize resources and support equitable solutions for all who live or work in Boulder County.
History: Since 1991, Community Foundation Boulder County has worked with donors, nonprofits, civic leaders, and community members to meet the evolving needs of the Boulder County community. The foundation has given out over $175 million since 2001.

Contact

Severin Lier, slier@commfound.org