Urbana-Champaign Big Broadband Not-for-Profit
Our Impact
Scale of Impact
$26 Million
Grant Money Raised
$184,000
Investments in our Community through our Micro Grant Program
COVID-19 Response
Invested $45,000 in our community to support remote learning
Stories
We measure our success in actual lives changed. These stories are a testament to the difference that communities can make when we come together to create lasting change.
Featured Story
Library Hot Spots
In June, with $15,000 in funding from the UC2B Community Benefit Fund, the Champaign Public Library added 45 hotspots to their collection—bringing the total to 80. These hotspots give community members free access to the internet. If you need a tech device—a Chromebook, hotspot, or Kindle—they can be checked out to adult Champaign Public Library cardholders through the same process that one uses to request books: select and order items in the catalog, and pick them up curbside when they are ready. Questions? Call 217-403-2000 during curbside hours.
Featured Story
Shadowwood
The City of Champaign is pleased to announce the installation of new equipment to provide wireless Internet connectivity to Champaign Unit 4 students living in the Shadowwood Mobile Home Park. Through a collaborative project, new wi-fi equipment is being installed in Shadowwood August 19-21, 2020, with the goal of having the equipment fully operational to support online learning by the start of the fall semester. The City of Champaign is coordinating the project with cooperation from Unit 4 Schools, i3 Broadband, Mesh++, Ameren Illinois, and Shadowwood Mobile Home Park. This project was fully funded through a $20,000 grant from the UC2B Community Benefit Fund.
Featured Story
Hip Hop Xpress Bus Wifi
The Hip Hop Xpress Bus (HHX) is a mobile sound studio and classroom providing wifi access for learning, teaching, and connecting in Champaign County communities. The HHX commits 12 hours a week traveling to underserved areas and partnering with the Housing Authority of Champaign County to educate and to enlighten families about creative opportunities and financial goals that are within reach via the internet. The UC2B Community Benefit Fund provided $10,000 to support the operation of the Hip Hop Xpress Bus.