Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence and Comcast Launch Rockford Digital Opportunity Initiative

New coalition of community organizations to address the digital divide in Rockford

Comcast’s latest investment follows $100,000 in cash and in-kind donations to Rockford nonprofits in 2024

May 20, 2025 – Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE) and Comcast joined Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara today to announce the launch of the Rockford Digital Opportunity Initiative, a new coalition of community organizations aimed at increasing digital opportunity and bridging the digital divide in Rockford.

Facilitated by NICNE and supported by a $20,000 investment from Comcast, Rockford Digital Opportunity Initiatives’ initial coalition includes the Boys & Girls Club of Rockford, Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois, Rockford Public Schools, Rockford Housing Authority, Winnebago County Housing Authority, and additional community- and faith-based organizations.

“NICNE is committed to bridging the digital divide here in Rockford and unlocking digital opportunity for residents,” said Pamela Clark Reidenbach, President and CEO of NICNE. “The Rockford Digital Opportunity Initiative’s goal is to build a more connected, empowered and digitally resilient Rockford. I’d like to thank Comcast for its support and our coalition partners for joining us in this collaborative effort.”

“Partnerships among the government, community-based organizations and the private sector are critical in addressing important issues like the digital divide,” said Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara. “Our residents and businesses alike will benefit from this coalition’s work, and I look forward to partnering with the Rockford Digital Opportunity Initiative in pursuit of a more connected Rockford.”

Comcast’s co-launch of the Rockford Digital Opportunity Initiative follows the company’s $100,000 in cash and in-kind donations to Rockford nonprofits in 2024 to support activities designed to help bridge the digital divide. These donations are part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to advance digital opportunity.

“Comcast is deeply committed to the communities we serve,” said Joe Higgins, Comcast’s Regional Senior Director of External Affairs. “For more than a decade, Comcast has worked with partners in Rockford and across Illinois to bridge the digital divide. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made together and our continued partnerships to advance digital opportunity across our communities.”

Today’s announcement was made at the Boys & Girls Club of Rockford (Stenstrom Unit), a coalition partner and one of nine Rockford community locations outfitted with a Comcast Lift Zone, which offers free high-capacity Wi-Fi that enables residents to access the Internet and learn digital skills. Comcast has more than 1,250 Lift Zone locations nationwide and nearly 90 in Illinois alone. Lift Zones complement Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, a low-cost Internet adoption program for lower-income households, which has helped more than 10 million people across the country- more than 100,000 in Rockford – connect to the Internet at home since it launched in 2011.

About Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence
Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE) has been strengthening nonprofits by providing capacity building, training, leadership development, technical assistance and resource support to organizations within northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin since August 2004. NICNE is an independent 501 (c) (3) organization affiliated with Northern Illinois University, Division of Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development.

About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

About Comcast Greater Chicago Region
With around 4,000 local employees, Comcast’s Greater Chicago Region (https://chicago.comcast.com) serves customers in central and northern Illinois, including the Chicago area, northern Indiana and southwest Michigan. “Like” Comcast’s Greater Chicago Region on Facebook by visiting @Comcast. “Follow” Comcast’s Greater Chicago Region on Twitter at @ComcastIllinois.