2024 in 10 Highlights

1. Laid the Groundwork for a Community Broadband Capital Market

Communities need more than grants—they need sustainable investment. That’s why, in partnership with the Federal Reserve Banks of New York and Dallas, we’ve been working to foster a capital market for community broadband. This has the potential to unlock hundreds of millions in broadband funding for the nation’s least served communities.

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2. Named an IA 50 Emerging Impact Fund Manager

We were recognized as a global leader in mission-driven lending by ImpactAssets, validating our innovative financing approach in community-centric broadband. The success of our proof-of-concept fund has helped secure partnerships like Microsoft’s cornerstone investment in the Appalachia Broadband Fund.

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3. Championed Broadband Expansion in 67 Appalachian Communities

Through the Appalachia Digital Accelerator, we supported communities across one of America’s least connected regions to build actionable connectivity plans, secure funding, and create partnerships to turn their broadband visions into reality. By building local capacity the Accelerator is laying the groundwork for broadband expansion over the long term.

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4. Created Powerful New Broadband Planning & Advocacy Tools

Accelerator communities were able to access a wealth of tailored broadband planning resources. From data-rich maps and analysis uncovering commercial opportunities for fiber network builds, to webinars, workshops, and hands-on technical assistance, these tools helped communities jumpstart their broadband projects.

5. Catalyzed Millions in Broadband Funding

Connect Humanity’s support has helped grantees and investees unlock $112 million in funding to build networks and drive adoption programs, paving the way for economic development. This is just the beginning: with a slew of broadband grants due to be awarded in 2025, we expect grantees to secure millions more in vital funding.

6. Expanded Internationally with Investment Readiness Training in Brazil

In partnership with NIC.br, we delivered investment readiness training to small, community-focused ISPs in seven states across Brazil, equipping them with the tools to scale operations and attract funding. These trainings brought together ISPs serving more than 40 areas across the Amazon region. Next, we’ll pilot investments and sustainable funding models for ISPs to expand services to the most hard-to-reach communities.

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7. Grew a Coalition Working for Digital Opportunity in South Texas

We grew the Rio Grande Valley Broadband Coalition in 2024 with new members coming on board and Ricardo Saenz joining as program manager to lead the coalition to new heights. The coalition secured state funds for feasibility studies in Starr and Willacy Counties while developing the RGVs first-ever regional digital opportunity plan as a blueprint to expand access and adoption programs in 2025 and beyond.

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8. Empowered Young People as Digital Ambassadors

We supported RGV Broadband Coalition member Arise Adelante and IDRA to create the Digital Ambassadors Program. This initiative trains high school students in four local colonias to serve as digital ambassadors, helping residents navigate digital technologies and access online opportunities. The program not only bridges barriers to digital adoption but also equips young participants with valuable skills and confidence, setting them up for success in further education and future careers.

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9. Saw the Fruits of Our Investments

Investment in broadband generates economic value that when designed with communities at the center, benefits local people and businesses. We’re seeing that play out with our grants and investments, including in:

• Macon County, Alabama where our investment enabled a $128M manufacturing facility and 170 jobs.
• East Carroll Parish, Louisiana where our grants and technical assistance helped secure $4m for network expansion, and $6m more on the way.
• Williston, Florida where our planning grant has led to the city’s decision to build a municipal fiber network.

10. Flew the Flag for Community-Centric Broadband

We continue to tell anyone who’ll listen that the best way to bring sustainable connectivity to our least-served communities, is to let local people lead. We’ve made that case to the impact investing community, at national and international forums, on our blog, and as part of campaigns that have successfully changed funding rules. Slowly, but surely, the message is getting through—and community-centric networks are growing.