T-Mobile has announced the final 26 recipients of its Hometown Grants program, bringing the initiative to a close after nearly five years of supporting community development projects in small towns and rural communities across the United States.

Since launching in April 2021, the program has awarded more than $22.8 million in grants to fund 500 projects across 49 states and Puerto Rico. According to T-Mobile, the initiative has impacted approximately 4.2 million people, helped create more than 2,770 jobs, generated nearly $125 million in matching funds, and inspired more than 300,000 volunteer hours. Nearly $6 million of the funding supported projects aimed at strengthening small businesses and local economies.

The program's final application cycle drew more than 2,000 submissions, the highest number in its history. T-Mobile selected 26 communities to receive grants of up to $50,000 for projects ranging from digital learning centers and workforce development initiatives to parks, public gathering spaces, and downtown revitalization efforts.

Final Hometown Grants Recipients

The final round of grant recipients includes:

• Russellville, Alabama: Playground improvements at City Lake Park with new accessible equipment.
• Tuskegee, Alabama: A downtown storytelling and wayfinding hub highlighting local businesses and cultural landmarks.
• Paragould, Arkansas: Conversion of a vacant property into a community pocket park featuring public art.
• Huron, California: Expansion of the Huron-Coalinga Family Resource Center into a community support hub.
• Twentynine Palms, California: Renovation of a historic building into a literacy, workforce, and technology center.
• Groton, Connecticut: Development of eastern Connecticut's first competition-grade robotics and engineering hub.
• Key West, Florida: Installation of hurricane-rated artistic bus shelters at high-traffic transit stops.
• Perry, Florida: Creation of a digital learning hub with public Wi-Fi, devices, and workforce training.
• Glenns Ferry, Idaho: Track and field equipment upgrades supporting the community's first home meet in three decades.
• Washington, Indiana: Expansion of the local library's STEM education facilities.
• Clear Lake, Iowa: Construction of a 31-foot replica of Buddy Holly's 1954 Fender Stratocaster to promote tourism.
• Washington, Iowa: Outdoor gathering space at PAWS & More to support community engagement and animal adoption.
• Cimarron, Kansas: Redevelopment of a downtown building into a rotating gallery and entrepreneur showcase.
• Scottsville, Kentucky: Expansion of a community Share Station to improve food access.
• Lewiston, Maine: An ADA-accessible computer lab and telehealth space serving older adults and individuals with disabilities.
• Hartford, Michigan: Construction of an outdoor pavilion at the public library.
• Marion, Mississippi: Installation of the town's first public playground.
• Three Forks, Montana: Safety improvements at the community ice rink.
• Salisbury, North Carolina: Development of an outdoor fitness park.
• Hagerman, New Mexico: Renovation of the community center into a permanent youth programming facility.
• Blanchard, Oklahoma: Streetscape improvements along South Main Street to enhance accessibility and public space.
• Ironton, Ohio: Technology upgrades for the Ro-Na Theater to expand community programming.
• Eagle Pass, Texas: Revitalization of a downtown alley into the Paseo del Aguila pedestrian corridor.
• Galax, Virginia: Construction of a permanent outdoor performance venue in the downtown district.
• Walla Walla, Washington: Redevelopment of a historic storefront into a shared entrepreneurial marketplace.
• Wheeling, West Virginia: Improvements to Market Plaza Park to support events, recreation, and local businesses.

T-Mobile partnered with Main Street America to administer the grant program and evaluate applications based on community impact, project feasibility, and implementation plans.

Source: T-Mobile

Stay Connected with ISE Magazine 

Subscribe to our newsletters and magazine for the latest telecom insights, explore the current issue for in-depth features and strategies, and register for upcoming webinars to learn directly from industry leaders.