About Us
Google Fiber is installing their superfast 1 GB network in Kansas City, making it one of the most wired cities in America. However, unless we act soon, thousands of families will be left out of this fiber revolution. Some simply cannot afford to pay for the fiber service. Others lack the computer equipment to connect and the knowledge to become productive Internet users. Our organization has a plan to ensure that all citizens can access broadband Internet, regardless of their incomes.
Connecting for Good, Inc. is a Kansas City-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is bridging the Digital Divide. We are governed by a community-based board of directors. Our mission is to enable organizations and individuals to use technology to connect with one another in order to have a positive impact on society and the environment.
Learn more about the history of Connecting for Good.
While Internet access is available at libraries, schools and other public institutions, we believe connectivity in the home is essential for all Kansas City families if they are to fully participate in our digital society. We do this by providing free and affordable broadband Internet connectivity, inexpensive refurbished PCs and digital life skills training.
Our core values are:
- Internet connectivity equals opportunity. It is an absolute necessity in order to fully participate as a productive citizen in a digital society.
- Education is the number one thing that lifts people from poverty. In a digital society it is impossible to pursue a quality education without access to the Internet.
- In-home Internet access must be viewed as an essential modern utility; like phone service, electricity and running water.
Our three-pronged strategy of Connectivity, Hardware and Digital Literacy is being accomplished through these ongoing activities:
A. Free and affordable in-home broadband Internet access
- With Google Fiber’s launch, we are working to encourage as many families as possible to sign up and pay the $300 construction fee (payable in 12 monthly installments) for seven years of 5 Mb Internet access.
- For low income communities such as public housing projects where Google Fiber is not a viable option, we have a strategy to get them online using Wi-Fi mesh networks. We buy bandwidth wholesale and use point-to-point microwave technology to bring it to needy communities. We currently operate two free Wi-Fi networks at Rosedale Ridge, a low income housing project in Kansas City, KS and Posada del Sol, a senior high rise in Kansas City, MO. We are currently building a four block network at the Juniper Gardens public housing complex that will reach 390 households. We are have plans for similar projects at additional local properties for low income families on both sides of the state line.
B. Reasonably priced Internet-ready computers
- Thousands in our area have no PC at home and cannot take advantage of all the benefits of Internet connectivity. We collect used desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones for this purpose.
- This equipment is provided to low income residents at an extremely low price. We offer additional discounts to those who participate in digital literacy training programs.
C. Digital literacy training experiences
- We have developed a curriculum designed to help people in under-resourced communities access online resources and create a brighter future for themselves and their families.
- In order to take hands on experiences with broadband Internet to these neighborhoods we have a portable computer lab that can be setup in key locations in our targeted communities in order to introduce residents to the online world.
- A group of committed volunteers is already in place and we are conducting free digital life skills training and awareness sessions at local libraries and other community institutions.
How you can be involved:
- Take a few moments to learn more about our programs
- See “CFG in the Media” on the right menu for local and national media coverage of our efforts.
- Register for our site to receive regular updates via e-mail
- Download the PDF Version of our Mission and Programs Statement .
- If you want to get involved please use our contact form.
Connecting for Good is a registered Kansas not-for-profit corporation #4563276 and has 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service. Contributions are tax-deductible.