Community Grant Program

Geographic Scope: Rural communities across the United States

Overview:
The Foundation for Rural Service awards grants to rural communities for projects that benefit residents and strengthen community infrastructure. In the most recent grant cycle (2017), FRS awarded $50,000 total to 11 grantees from a pool of nearly 100 applicants.

Focus Areas:

• Education and technology access
• Healthcare and telehealth initiatives
• Community development
• Crisis intervention and public health programs
• Emergency services and first responder support

Eligibility:

• Rural community organizations, schools, hospitals, and public service entities
• Projects must be endorsed by an NTCA member telecommunications provider

Example Projects Funded (2017):

• Small business training programs
• Technology upgrades for rural libraries
• Computer labs and educational equipment for K-12 schools
• Telehealth program implementation
• Emergency services equipment and training
• Virtual reality educational resources

Arlington, VA 22203

More Information: https://www.frs.org/programs/grant-program

Application Process

1. Identify a Sponsoring NTCA Member: Your project must be endorsed by an NTCA member telecommunications provider in your service area
2. Complete Application: Submit application through the FRS website
3. Project Proposal: Include detailed description of the project, community need, and expected outcomes
4. Review and Selection: FRS reviews applications and selects grantees
5. Notification: Grantees are announced and funds are awarded

Required Materials:

• Project description
• Community need assessment
• Expected outcomes and impact
• Budget documentation
• Letter of endorsement from NTCA member provider

Note: Specific application deadlines and detailed requirements should be confirmed at https://www.frs.org/programs/grant-program