Foundation for Rural Service Grants – Due: 9-15-18

Amount: Up to $5,000
Deadline: 9-15-18
Eligibility: programs in rural communities served by NTCA members

MISSION STATEMENT

The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) works in cooperation with the NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association (NTCA) to sustain and enhance the quality of life in America by advancing an understanding of rural issues. FRS is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization.

GRANT GUIDELINES

FRS will provide annual grants for programs in rural communities served by NTCA members. Our grants support local efforts to build and sustain a high quality of life in rural America. Applicants may request grants in the range of $250 to $5,000. Each grant is a one-time award. Projects may be funded at a lesser amount than requested.

The foundation supports organizations and projects that fit into the following grant categories:

• Business and Economic Development

Entrepreneurship and job creation programs.

• Community Development

Outreach programs that promote technology learn- ing and innovation. Programs that encourage rural development through arts and tourism.

• Education

Technology in the classroom (computers, smart boards), curriculum development, extracurricular activities and distance-learning programs.

• Telecommunications

Broadband adoption projects; applications of broadband, including in healthcare, agriculture, and education; and technology infrastructure, such as community hot spots.

We give priority to projects that:

• Could be fully funded by the grant maximum of

$5,000 or have 75% or more of the project currently funded.

• Broadband enabled, technology focused
• Have a long-term impact for the community and its
• Promote community participation and
• Make rural communities a better place to live and

FRS will not fund grants to the following:

• Individuals
• Scholarship programs
• International organizations
• Lobbying and political activities
• Ticketed events
• Infrastructure/Building campaigns
• Capital campaigns
• Endowments
• Event sponsorships
• Community food programs

GRANT PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

Please submit a grant proposal containing all of the items listed below. Incomplete proposals will not be considered. Electronic submissions will not be accepted.

Your grant proposal must include:

1. Cover letter indicating project leader or person responsible for funds (include all contact information: address, telephone number and project leader email address).
2. Organizational overview (mission of organization, your programs and major activities).
3. General description of project (no more than three to five pages) that includes:
   1. Problem statement (Why are you doing this project? What is the need within the community?)
   2. Goals and objectives
   3. Project activities
   4. Target population (demographics)
   5. Listing of other partners in the community
   6. Estimation of project start and end dates
4. Project budget and amount
   1. Listing of other funding sources for the project (include financial commitment)
5. A letter of support from an NTCA member company endorsing the project (must be original signed copy on company letterhead). All applications without this letter will be ineligible for a
6. W-9 form with a tax ID number and 501c(3) certificate (if applicable).

For more information visit: https://www.frs.org/programs/grant-program