The Michelson 20MM Foundation and Partners Bring Philanthropy Together to Launch Digital Equity Pooled Fund

Housed at the Michelson 20MM Foundation, the Digital Equity Pooled Fund is a new collaboration between 20MM, the Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF), and California Community Foundation (CCF) that is focused on advancing digital equity in California. The Utility Reform Network (TURN) and The Center for Accessible Technology (CforAT) will comprise the Fund’s inaugural cohort of funded partners. "By pooling our funds to support ongoing, hands-on technical support for community-based organizations and local governments to participate in the state's critical regulatory processes, we are making a shared investment in leveling the playing field for the people and communities most affected by the digital divide,” said Shayna Englin, Director of California Community Foundation's Digital Equity Initiative. TURN’s work centers on advocating for affordable and dependable utility services and standing up for consumers across the state as an independent and unbiased voice. TURN’s Voice for Broadband Equity Project, directly supported by the fund, will provide training and technical assistance to BIPOC-led and BIPOC- and low-income-serving organizations who want to participate in proceedings at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Concurrently, CforAT represents people with disabilities before the CPUC for both telecommunications policy and energy policy.