Technology Mini-Grant Program Established [Jan-28-2007] Community technology projects throughout West Virginia have a new source of funding. The Alliance of Champion Communities will be administering a mini-grant program beginning in Spring 2007 to create technology projects focused on community development, health, education, human services and entrepreneurship. A $350,000 grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation was authorized at their December 2006 meeting to fund the new program, which will focus on: Increasing demand for broadband internet access Fulfilling community needs using technology solutions Increasing impact of community projects by using lower cost technological methods Establishing “Community Connect” teams in each community to champion and advance the mini-grant project and follow-through activities “The Alliance members are very excited to be able to offer this technology mini-grant program,” said Marcel Fortin, Executive Director. “People throughout the state will be able to enhance their efforts by adding technology elements.” The Alliance is collaborating with the Community Connect Foundation and other nonprofit organizations in the state to create a truly grass roots program that will reach communities whose needs require innovative solutions. This initiative continues the efforts of the Alliance’s Broadband Assessment Project survey that recognized the lack of high speed internet access in rural parts of the state. “West Virginians would love to take advantage of the Internet,” explains Fortin.  “But with so many limited to dial-up service, residents aren’t able to use current business, educational and entertainment opportunities that require high-speed connections.” The group polled residents in Barbour, Clay, Lincoln, McDowell, Webster and Wyoming counties in 2006 to determine levels of computer ownership and internet usage. Of the 700 people     who participated, 71 percent own and use computers. When asked how they connected to the internet, 67 percent said they depend on dial-up service. More than half said they would be willing to pay more for faster, more reliable internet access. Senator Jay Rockefeller, Congressman Nick Joe Rahall, and Federal Communications Commissioner Michael Copps addressed the need to bring broadband service to the state’s most rural areas at a recent Broadband Summit. During the summit Rockefeller said, "High speed internet access is not a luxury. It’s basic to economic development. It’s basic to long-distance learning. It’s basic to interactive health care." With its policy of “empowerment from within,” the Alliance is a community-based, citizen-led partnership that helps citizens of West Virginia communities advance their own projects. By participating in the Alliance, members access strategic leadership, share development experience,     and expand their access to technology. The Alliance membership includes Champion Communities representing 12 West Virginia counties. To find out more about the technology mini-grants and how to apply, visit the Alliance online at www.alliancewv.org . Back to News