TNBA Members Receive FRS Community Grants

The Foundation for Rural Service awarded three Tennessee Broadband Association members with grants to support their communities.

Twin Lakes received two grants. They received $4,900 to provide iPads and Apple pens to math teachers to support better instruction for online students for Jackson County Middle School. The grant will also purchase a 360-degree camera to ensure access to virtual field trips.

Twin Lakes also received another $5,000 to purchase a thermal camera to assist firefighters at the Baxter Fire Department.

“We had an overwhelming response this year to the FRS grant opportunity, and we were fortunate that two of the grant recipients, Baxter Fire Department and Jackson County Middle School, were within the Twin Lakes footprint,” says Lea Ann Gore, marketing and sales manager.

Gore says Twin Lakes received twice the number of FRS grant applications this year because of new challenges and hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Twin Lakes has committed to fully funding the remaining 15 grant applications, totaling more than $70,000,” she says.

WK&T received $5,000 to equip the new Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) education center at the Martin Public Library Foundation.

“This is a great opportunity for WK&T to help area students prepare for the future,” says Chief Executive Officer Trevor Bonnstetter. “This equipment will help prepare students for careers using 21st-century technology and provide opportunities for advanced education.”

Ben Lomand Connect received $5,000 to expand the media program at Van Buren High School. The funds will help purchase new equipment and will expand filming capabilities to encourage broadcasting more local events.

“Ben Lomand Connect is thrilled the Van Buren County High School media class has been awarded this grant,” said Lisa Cope, general manager/CEO. “This program has been a great partnership between the students and BLTV for the benefit of the community. We look forward to continuing this relationship and are excited about the continued growth and development of the students and the program.”

TNBA Executive Director Levoy Knowles said association members have always been resourceful and supported projects that benefit those in their service areas.

“This is a great example of our members partnering with FRS to make great things happen in their communities that wouldn’t happen otherwise,” Knowles said.

The FRS Community Grant Foundation accepts applications each spring for grants ranging from $250 to $5,000. Projects must fall into four categories: business and economic development, community development, education, or telecommunications applications. Grants are awarded each December.

For more information, visit the Foundation for Rural Service.