Downtown Biddeford, once known for its textile mills, is growing with new businesses and an infusion of younger residents. A $15,000 grant from MaineCF will help the city create a plan to make the internet accessible to more low- to moderate-income residents and identify areas that lack high-speed internet service. Photo Thalassa Raasch

MaineCF is working to increase connectivity across the state, especially in rural areas where too many residents still lack adequate high-speed internet service. Here’s an update on what we’re doing:

• Community support: In December 2018, we awarded the first round of 11 grants totaling $130,000 to communities and nonprofits to explore expansion of high-speed internet service and access. The Community Broadband Grant Program will be in place until 2021.
• Digital literacy: We awarded a $50,000 grant to Axiom Education & Training Center to help launch a three-year statewide digital literacy program.
• Advocacy and public policy: MaineCF supports the Maine Broadband Coalition, an informal federation of more than 60 organizations and other partners focused on expansion of broadband access.
• Creative approaches: MaineCF is providing support to a national pilot project with the Post Road Foundation that involves three Maine communities: Calais/Baileyville, Old Town/Orono, and Sanford. The pilot is studying the feasibility of expanding high-speed internet access in combination with other utilities and potential synergy with smart infrastructure and broadband.

For more information about MaineCF’s efforts to increase connectivity for Maine people, communities, and businesses, please contact Senior Program Officer Maggie Drummond-Bahl, mbahl@mainecf.org.