Sign in

Connect Humanity

@connecthumanity.bsky.social
220 followers 25 following 36 posts

Non-profit impact fund working to ensure all communities have the internet connectivity they need to thrive | ImpactAssets Emerging Impact Manager

PostsRepliesMedia
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Digital inclusion programs can't run on grants alone. The Alt Funding Field Guide makes the economic case for co-investment across healthcare, education, workforce, housing, local government, and telecom — and shows how to build it. connecthumanity.fund/alt-funding-guide/
3D book cover mockup of the Alt Funding Field Guide framework chapter, showing the title "Alt Funding Field Guide: Building sustainable funding for digital adoption — The Framework" by Samantha Schartman and Brian Vo, published by Connect Humanity with support from Mission Telecom Giving.
000
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
Whisper it: BEAD won’t deliver internet for all. Despite big ambitions, it's clear as rollout plans emerge that BEAD will fall short of its target to close the digital divide. Here's 8 reasons why: connecthumanity.fund/8-reasons-why-bead-is-the-new-floor-not-the-finish-line
connecthumanity.fund
8 reasons why BEAD is the new floor, not the finish line
BEAD aimed to deliver “Internet for All,” but shifting priorities and funding gaps mean we still have a long way to go.
010
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
"Private equity won’t close the digital divide — I know, I’ve tried." A first hand account from mission-driven broadband builder Brian Snider. Via @impactalpha.com: impactalpha.com/private-equi...
impactalpha.com
Private equity won’t close the digital divide — I know, I’ve tried.
Explore the impact of rural broadband investment on communities, enabling remote work, telehealth, and education opportunities.
000
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 25/07/2025
Satellites are cool... until they’re not. Our perspective on why BEAD must stay focused on fiber: fast, reliable, & future-proof. connecthumanity.fund/satellite-in...
connecthumanity.fund
Satellite internet won’t run our farms and factories: Fiber remains the right priority for rural America
The future of America’s economy depends on high-capacity broadband. Here’s why fiber is still the smartest BEAD investment.
010
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
💲 Now investing: Connect Humanity has funding to support community-centric broadband projects. If you're building community-centric broadband or want to learn about co-investing, let’s talk. Learn More 🔗 connecthumanity.fund/investment-c...
connecthumanity.fund
Funding for community-focused broadband
Learn about Connect Humanity’s financing and co-investment opportunities to expand internet access in underserved communities.
000
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
From detecting wildfires to expanding internet access in remote communities, Jim Kossow is building solutions in Plumas County. See how our investee Peak to Peak joined forces with PG&E to bring new fiber infrastructure to California’s mountain region. connecthumanity.fund/how-peak-to-...
connecthumanity.fund
ISP and electric utility team up to boost broadband in Plumas County
Connect Humanity investee Peak to Peak gets creative to build better broadband — from the valley floor to the mountaintop
000
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
We’re partnering with @missiondrivenfinance.com to unlock more capital for community-centered internet. Together, we’re accelerating investment in broadband networks that put people first. 🔗 connecthumanity.fund/connect-huma...
connecthumanity.fund
Partnering with Mission Driven Finance
We’re excited to announce a new partnership with Mission Driven Finance to accelerate investment in high-impact broadband infrastructure projects.
022
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
🎙️"We’re here for small businesses. For kids who want to go to college. For growth. The cornerstone of that is broadband" — Ashley Smith, SOAR Digital Navigator Proud to host these heroes for a candid conversation on trust, leadership & building broadband at #NetInclusion25.
Group photograph of Ashley Smith, Samantha Schartman, Adam Lewis, Annie Stroud and Shannon Millsaps
010
Reposted by Connect Humanity
Nicole Ferraro - Light Reading @nicfer.bsky.social · 19/05/2025
This week on The Divide for @lightreading.bsky.social we hear from NDIA's Angela Siefer on the immediate and long-term impact of Trump (unlawfully) terminating grants from the Digital Equity Act and how advocates and states can fight back. www.lightreading.com/broadband/th...
lightreading.com
The Divide: Trump terminates Digital Equity Act – now what?
This week: Angela Siefer, executive director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA), on the impact of President Trump 'ending' the $2.75 billion Digital Equity Act and how advocates can fig...
012
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
Join us at the first-ever Future of Public Broadband conference! Jordana Barton-Garcia joins the opening panel with lessons on building sustainable, community-centered broadband. 📅 May 14 | 🕐 1PM | 📍 DC 🔗 www.eventbrite.com/e/community-... Hosted by @aapbroadband.bsky.social & @newamerica.org
021
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
Learn how Macon County, Alabama got stacked 💪 connecthumanity.fund/where-are-th...
000
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
A win for broadband in Meigs County, OH! Construction is underway to connect 200 more homes with high-speed internet — thanks to Appalachia Digital Accelerator partners ARC, Buckeye Hills Regional Council & local champions 👏 www.wtap.com/2025/04/15/o...
wtap.com
Over 200 homes set to receive broadband access in Meigs County
The areas planned for the construction of the project include Longbottom, and on Ohio 681 between Tupper Plains and Reedsville.
100
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
📰 New in @ssireview.bsky.social: Financing Broadband in Hard-to-Reach Communities We won’t close the digital divide with the same old tools write Brian Vo & Clara Miller. To deliver internet for all, we need a capital market that powers community broadband. 🔗 ssir.org/articles/ent...
ssir.org
Financing Broadband in Hard-to-Reach Communities (SSIR)
To close the digital divide, we need a capital market that powers community broadband.
041
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
Still haven’t found what you’re looking for? If that “what” is local champions closing the digital divide, NDIA's new map might be just the ticket — featuring 85+ coalitions across the US. We like it. We hope it’s useful for u2 (ahem, you too). 👉 www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/ndia-pu...
021
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
Macon County, Alabama 📍 In 2023, we partnered with Macon County Economic Development Authority on a fiber network to improve internet access. Two years on, we checked in to see the ripple effects of world-class broadband. The results are insane 🤯 connecthumanity.fund/where-are-th...
connecthumanity.fund
Where Are They Now?
The ripple effects of broadband investment in Macon County. How a $500k investment unlocked $148m in rural Alabama.
010
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
Heard of People's Choice Communications? It’s an internet co-op bringing affordable internet to NYC — starting in the Bronx. Founded by striking Spectrum workers, it's built to reinvest in the communities it serves. 📰 @cnet.com / @cierranoffke.bsky.social www.cnet.com/home/interne...
cnet.com
This Co-Op Led Internet Service Offers a New Model for Closing the Digital Divide
Striking Spectrum workers started the cooperative several years back, and it's been fighting for equitable internet access ever since.
032
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
"Switching from fiber to satellite may reduce upfront costs, but it’s like replacing a bridge with a ferry service — cheaper in the short term, but less effective and far more costly over the long haul." Why BEAD's fiber-first approach remains the right choice 🇺🇸 connecthumanity.fund/fiber-first-...
connecthumanity.fund
Fiber-first is the right choice for America
While signs point towards a shift to satellite in BEAD funding, a focus on fiber remains the right approach to build broadband fit for the future
000
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
Celebrating the powerhouse women transforming broadband 👏 Kudos to Jordana Barton-Garcia, @gbsohn.bsky.social, Kathryn de Wit, Angela Siefer, Shirley Bloomfield, @agomezfcc.bsky.social & Jessica Rosenworcel for their work breaking down barriers to digital opportunity. www.cnet.com/home/interne...
cnet.com
Meet the Women Transforming the Broadband Industry: 7 Women Driving Digital Inclusion
From policy to infrastructure, these women are breaking barriers and shaping the future of internet access.
010
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
Tomorrow! Join Brian Vo for the 5th anniversary of Broadband Breakfast Live Online as we reflect on five years of broadband policy, deployment, and digital transformation. Hosted by Drew Clark, with Deborah A. Lathen, @jakevarn.bsky.social & Gary Wood. 🔗 broadbandbreakfast.com/broadband-br...
broadbandbreakfast.com
Broadband Breakfast on March 12, 2025 - 5 Years On: Where Is Broadband Now?
We’re also inviting you - our audience - to share your thoughts!
010
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
NDIA has been publishing great stories about how digital navigators help older Americans build the skills to use telehealth services, avoid online scams, keep in touch with family, and much more. Here's the latest: www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/buildin...
digitalinclusion.org
Building Digital Skills in Rural Maine: One Skill, One Device, One Person at a Time - National Digital Inclusion Alliance
Increasing Access, Affordability, and Adoption for Washington County Residents Build confidence with a personalized approach. Personalized learning plans
000
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
📡 Broadband fuels opportunity. Jordana Barton-Garcia spoke with Rio Grande Guardian about the launch of the RGV Digital Opportunity Plan to expand internet access and economic growth in the region. Learn more 🔗 riograndeguardian.com/barton-garci...
riograndeguardian.com
Barton-Garcia discusses the RGV Broadband and Digital Opportunity Plan – Rio Grande Guardian
The RGV Broadband Coalition unveiled its RGV Broadband and Digital Opportunity Plan at the offices of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council.
000
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
The numbers are in. New report confirms ACP more than paid for itself: 📌 $29B in annual healthcare savings 📌 $3.7B+ in future earnings from better student performance 📌 Billions in wage gains We must keep investing in closing the digital divide. 🔗 www.brattle.com/insights-eve...
brattle.com
New Brattle Study Finds the Affordable Connectivity Program Pays for Itself - Brattle
In a new report released today, experts from The Brattle Group provide an economic analysis of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) – which offered
000
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
Big day for the Rio Grande Valley! 🎉 The RGV Broadband Coalition is launching the Digital Opportunity Plan in Weslaco, TX — expanding high-speed internet, boosting digital skills, and creating economic opportunities. Learn more 🔗 connecthumanity.fund/broadband-co...
connecthumanity.fund
A digital opportunity plan in the Rio Grande Valley
Broadband Coalition Launches Plan to Bridge the Digital Divide and Expand Opportunity in South Texas
000
Reposted by Connect Humanity
Christopher Mitchell @sportshotchris.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
I'll be sharing some highlights from the @ilsr.bsky.social @communitynets.bsky.social municipal fiber financing webinar with the American Association for Public Broadband that just started with Gigi Sohn! www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLh8...
youtube.com
Municipal Broadband and Innovative Financing Models: Unlocking Economic Growth
YouTube video by Institute for Local Self-Reliance
141
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
Communities are working flat out to expand fast, reliable internet access. But to succeed, they need clarity on funding. In this post, 5 leaders working to expand broadband in rural Appalachia share why DEA and BEAD programs are critical. connecthumanity.fund/to-expand-br...
connecthumanity.fund
Rural communities need clarity on government funding
With federal broadband funding in the balance, rural leaders share why this support is critical for expansion efforts.
021
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
In 2024, we focused on empowering communities to build the connectivity needed to thrive. From Appalachia to the Rio Grande Valley and beyond, we’ve saw firsthand how broadband drives economic growth, fuels innovation, and transforms lives. 🔗 Find out how: connecthumanity.fund/story/connec...
connecthumanity.fund
Connect Humanity 2024 Highlights
10 ways Connect Humanity and our partners advanced broadband and community development in 2024.
012
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
When floods hit Fleming-Neon in 2022, Cheryl & Jeff Hawkins jumped into action, offering their building as an emergency response centre. Now, they’re working to create a high-tech hub to help bring life & jobs back to their town. 💡 Learn more: connecthumanity.fund/neon-lights-...
connecthumanity.fund
Introducing Neon Lights, in Eastern Kentucky
Meet Jeff and Cheryl Hawkins, two residents leading a community-driven effort to expand access to internet connectivity, skills, and opportunity.
000
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 10/01/2025
🖊️ Congress, Don't Drop Affordable Broadband, by Adrianne B. Furniss & Drew Garner. Via Benton Institute: www.benton.org/blog/congres...
benton.org
Congress, Don't Drop Affordable Broadband
The Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act was introduced one year ago today
000
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 20/12/2024
Great to see the City of Williston advance plans to build a city-owned fiber broadband network 👏 connecthumanity.fund/why-the-city...
connecthumanity.fund
Why Williston is All-In on Community Broadband
Aaron Mills, IT Director for City of Williston, shares the journey towards building municipal fiber.
010
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
📊 New report: The case for investing in improved digital connectivity in Harlan County, Kentucky In partnership with FarrPoint & Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR). 🔗 Read now: www.farrpoint.com/news/harlan-...
farrpoint.com
Improving broadband in Harlan County, Kentucky could generate $71.5 million in economic benefits
A new FarrPoint study indicates that Harlan County in Southeastern Kentucky could generate over 70 million dollars in direct economic benefits by improving broadband connectivity infrastructure and a...
010
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 02/12/2024
What are "Fiberhoods," and how can they help bridge the digital divide in underserved communities? Sean O'Malley breaks it down: connecthumanity.fund/introducing-...
connecthumanity.fund
Introducing ‘Fiberhoods’
Created for the Appalachia Digital Accelerator, Fiberhoods reveal viable areas for fiber investments in underserved Appalachian communities
000
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 27/11/2024
This Thanksgiving, we’re #GratefulToConnect, but millions in the US and billions globally still lack the internet access so many of us depend on. From online learning to accessing basic services, broadband is a lifeline. Let’s work to bridge the divide. 🔗 connecthumanity.fund/this-thanksg...
000
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 22/11/2024
If big telco did fast-food... 🍟 Ever order a burger and get hit with a Bun Alignment Charge or Grill Improvement Levy? 🤨 Well, for broadband, Americans are paying far beyond the sticker price, thanks to rate hikes and junk fees, according to a new US News survey: www.usnews.com/360-reviews/...
Mock ad for burger with text:
The only joint in town
Telco Burger, just $9.99
Excluding: salad integration fee (50¢) ketchup packet tax (20¢) table make-ready ($1) bun alignment surcharge (70¢)
tray rental (25¢) Grill improvement levy (40¢)
Flavor enhancement fee (80¢) + order termination fees
100
Reposted by Connect Humanity
Community Broadband Networks @communitynets.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
In September we released our map pinpointing the location of municipally-owned ISPs across the US. Today we unveil our predictive map that shows where existing community-owned fiber networks are located and where those networks will expand in the coming years communitynets.org/content/new-...
041
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
How a Kentucky community devastated by flooding in 2022 is turning disaster into an opportunity for transformation—using broadband connectivity as a cornerstone for revitalization. Via @samschartman.bsky.social connecthumanity.fund/a-journey-of...
connecthumanity.fund
A Journey of Broadband Resilience in Kentucky
Lessons learned from Fleming-Neon for communities impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton
011
Connect Humanity @connecthumanity.bsky.social · 19/11/2024
Why ISPs Should Care About Digital Equity (spoiler alert: it's good business)
connecthumanity.fund
Why ISPs should care about digital equity
Investing in broadband adoption isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a strategy for long-term business growth.
000