Hey philanthropy: Don’t let BEAD break your heart

If you follow broadband news, you’d be forgiven for thinking we’re about to end the digital divide. That sentiment has dominated recent conversations we’ve had with foundation leaders who, having initially joined the chorus of voices calling for digital equity at the height of Covid-19, are now drifting to the sidelines, under the impression that the government’s broadband spending push will solve the problem. It won’t. Despite its ambition, the latest round of public investment will not reach all 42 million Americans still living without internet access. But there are still ways for philanthropy to help:

1. Provide seed funds to catalyze broadband investments
2. Give direct support for community broadband initiatives 
3. Invest in the capacity of Community Development Finance Institutions to finance broadband

[Chris Worman is Co-Founder and Chief Partnership and Strategy Officer at Connect Humanity; Erica Mesker is VP of Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives at Connect Humanity]