Koochiching Technology Initiative (KTI) is accepting grant applications for digital technology projects until December 13. This is the second round of funding that encourages community vitality by addressing the six Intelligent Community pillars of: Broadband; Knowledge Workforce; Innovation; Digital Equality; Sustainability; and Advocacy. Funding is provided by the Blandin Foundation through their Blandin Broadband Community (BBC) program.
The BBC program favors requests around $5,000 or less, with a limit of $25,000. The group’s steering committee is available to help project leaders bring their ideas to fruition by facilitating a strong application for BBC and other funding sources.
Past projects which have already received KTI/BBC funding include:
- Public wifi in Smokey Bear Park from the IFalls Public Library.
- LinkedIn Learning online skills training for IFalls Public Library patrons.
- Podcast audio recording studio at the IFalls Public Library.
- Birchdale coworking center.
- Coworking entrepreneurial meetups at Ballan’s iSpace coworking center.
- Video conferencing equipment for the Backus Community Center.
- KCC-TV equipment and volunteer videographer support.
- Servants of Shelter wifi system for client use in applying for jobs, housing and aid.