At the height of Covid-19, a group of us got together to think about how we can best help create a fairer, more resilient society in the aftermath of the pandemic. Our answer was Connect Humanity: a fund to make sure that internet access, which had proved to be a lifeline, is out of reach of no one. Even with historic funding in the form of the $42.5 Billion BEAD program, millions in the US and billions more around the world are at risk of remaining unconnected and falling further behind just by staying where they are. A moment of such great need and opportunity calls for urgency.

We innovated financial models that offer community-focused internet service providers the type of capital they need to connect the unconnected. Our partnerships in Macon, Alabama and with Hawk Networks are excellent examples. We launched programs, like the multimillion-dollar Appalachia Digital Accelerator, which will support more than 50 of the country’s least connected communities with planning, partners, and funding required to build fast, affordable next-generation networks. The work we’ve done with our partners is already bearing fruit. For example, earlier this year, we cheered  alongside residents in East Carroll Parish, Louisiana at the groundbreaking of the construction of a new fiber network. After supporting the local broadband taskforce for two years, it’s inspiring to see their hard work pay off.

As unprecedented as the government’s broadband investments are, they alone will not close the digital divide. As our friends at the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) have said, this must be a movement, not just a moment. This year, we’ve worked to determine the best role we can play to accelerate digital equity for all, outlined in our updated strategy. This strategy focuses on bringing more funders and investors into this movement to ensure that everyone — wherever they live and whatever their background or income — has access to the digital tools needed to thrive.

We always welcome feedback, ideas, and partnership discussions. Email us at info@connecthumanity.fund.

Thank you for your dedication and support and we wish you a happy holiday when it comes.

Jochai Ben-Avie
Chief Executive, Connect Humanity