Arlington, VA —The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS), the philanthropic arm of the NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, recently announced the recipients of 23 grants, together totaling over $105,000 in grant funds, to support projects in communities served by NTCA members.
Surry Communications announced that Churchland Volunteer Fire Department in Dobson, NC, was one of these grant recipients. The Churchland Volunteer Fire Department received $5,000 to help purchase a thermal imaging camera for structure fires and in searches for missing people.
The FRS grants, coupled with support from NTCA members, will enable a broad range of community projects across rural America – from providing new equipment to schools and libraries for literacy and digital inclusion efforts, expanding esports and robotics programs, supporting first responders, and more. The partnering NTCA member is also contributing 10% of the total award amount.
Walkerton Community Fire Association in Belhaven, NC, was also announced to be an FRS grant recipient. Partnered with RiverStreet Communications, Walkerton Community Fire Association received $5,000 to help purchase a Rescue Boat and Response Truck to provide assistance to stranded boaters and water-related emergencies in two counties bordering the Mattaponi and Pamunkey rivers.
“Through the community grant program, FRS is proud to help multiply the work NTCA members are often already doing to give back so that their efforts can have an even greater impact on the communities they serve,” said FRS Executive Director Pam Becker. “We are grateful to the 23 NTCA companies that partnered with FRS this year to support these grants and would also like to thank Farm Credit East and the Carri Bennet Economic Development Fund for the additional support.”