Senior administration officials announced new policies that aim to ensure that rural regions hit by mine closures and shuttered power plants can get an economic boost from new federal cash for energy and infrastructure funding.
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Thune (R-SD), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Jerry Moran (R-KS) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to expand broadband access to rural communities. The Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act would strengthen funding mechanisms for the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Universal Service Fund (USF), which promotes universal access to broadband and other telecommunications services.
Federal grants will support abandoned mine reclamation
The Chronicle of Philanthropy showcases the Just Transition Fund's mission and work to support coal-impacted communties in the effort to secure historic levels of federal funding.
A look at the challeges facing rural communities seeking federal funding and the programs created by the Biden Administration to help.
Over the past two years, millions of low-income U.S. households have received broadband internet at a discount through two consecutive government programs -- but they could soon lose that benefit.
The pandemic exacerbated the economic, political and cultural differences in the United States. Big problems call for big solutions, which is what motivated Heidi Binko to create The Just Transition Fund to create a pathway for coal communities to move away from coal.
A look at why broadband remains inaccessible to certain communities, and why new federal efforts may still fail to reach them.
A look at the major difference broadband access in rural communities can make for employers, from a human resources-oriented perspective.
JTF partner Tony Pipa of the Brookings Institute discusses the federal policy "renaissance" needed to revitalize rural communities, including building blocks like broadband, the Rural Partners Network, RECOMPETE, & more.
The ACP Outreach Grant Program will provide funding to community organizations to help make sure more people know about and take advantage of a subsidy to help rural and low-income families get broadband access. This program provides a critical opportunity for the Just Transition Fund’s partners and allies, including groups not already working in the digital equity space, to build on the local relationships and trust they’ve developed to spread the word about this program.
Read more from the Benton Institute on the ongoing work focused on how communities can reach their broadband goals—and how philanthropy can help.
