Call for Projects: T-Mobile Hometown Grants Program (United States)

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The T-Mobile Hometown Grants Program provides funding for small towns across the United States to improve public spaces, strengthen community connections, and support local improvement projects. The program awards grants of up to $50,000 for shovel-ready projects that create visible and lasting benefits for residents.

The initiative supports physical community improvements, including public spaces, parks, technology upgrades, safety projects, community centers, arts initiatives, and restoration of shared local facilities. Eligible projects must be completed within 12 months of receiving funding.

Overview of the T-Mobile Hometown Grants Program

The T-Mobile Hometown Grants Program is a community investment initiative designed to help small towns create stronger, more connected communities through local improvement projects.

The program focuses on projects that:

• Improve shared public spaces.
• Increase community engagement.
• Strengthen local infrastructure.
• Support public access to technology.
• Revitalize important community assets.
• Create long-term benefits for residents.

The grants are specifically designed for projects that are ready to begin implementation and can demonstrate measurable community impact.

Program Background and Funding Commitment

The T-Mobile Hometown Grants Program was launched in April 2021 as a five-year initiative focused on supporting rural and small-town communities across the United States.

The program committed:

• Total investment: $25 million.
• Target communities: 500 rural towns across the United States.
• Maximum grant amount: Up to $50,000 per project.
• Grant cycle: Quarterly funding awards.

The program has supported hundreds of community improvement projects aimed at creating better public spaces and increasing local participation.

The final phase of the initiative concludes with the last grant announcements scheduled for June 26.

Types of Projects Supported

The T-Mobile Hometown Grants Program funds physical projects that improve community spaces and create direct public benefits.

Eligible project categories include:

Community Space Improvements

Projects may include:

• Construction or renovation of community gathering spaces.
• Improvements to town facilities.
• Updates to shared public areas.
• Revitalization of community centers.

Parks and Outdoor Recreation Projects

Funding may support:

• Park improvements.
• Trail upgrades.
• Outdoor recreational areas.
• Public green spaces.
• Community gathering areas.

Technology Improvements

Eligible technology-focused projects may include:

• Public technology upgrades.
• Digital improvements in community facilities.
• Technology projects for public libraries.
• Public access technology enhancements.

Public Safety Projects

Projects may focus on:

• Improvements that increase community safety.
• Public safety-related infrastructure upgrades.
• Enhancements to shared community resources.

Arts and Cultural Projects

Funding may support:

• Community art installations.
• Cultural spaces.
• Local creative initiatives.
• Improvements to public arts facilities.

Historic Building Revitalization

Projects may include:

• Adaptive reuse of historic buildings.
• Conversion of older structures into community gathering spaces.
• Restoration projects that create public benefits.

Why the T-Mobile Hometown Grants Program Matters

Small towns often face challenges in maintaining public infrastructure, improving shared spaces, and funding community development projects.

The program helps communities:

• Create welcoming public spaces.
• Increase civic participation.
• Improve quality of life.
• Preserve important local facilities.
• Support community identity.
• Strengthen connections among residents.

By focusing on physical improvements, the program helps communities complete visible projects that residents can use and enjoy.

Who Is Eligible?

The T-Mobile Hometown Grants Program is available to eligible community leaders, nonprofit organizations, and local government entities.

Eligible applicants include:

• Elected officials.
• Town managers.
• Municipal employees.
• Tribal leaders.
• Nonprofit community leaders.
• Nonprofit organizations classified as 501(c)(3).
• Nonprofit organizations classified as 501(c)(6).
• Local government entities.

Location Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, proposed projects must:

• Be located in a town with fewer than 50,000 residents.
• Provide a meaningful benefit to the local community.
• Focus on public improvements rather than private benefit.

Projects located in larger communities or designed primarily for commercial purposes are not eligible.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The program does not provide funding to:

• For-profit businesses.
• Projects without a clear public benefit.
• Individual applicants.
• Projects focused only on planning or operational expenses.

Project Requirements

Applicants must propose projects that are ready for implementation.

Eligible projects must:

• Be shovel-ready.
• Involve physical construction, renovation, or improvements.
• Have a clear project timeline.
• Demonstrate community impact.
• Be completed within 12 months of receiving funding.

Projects should be ready to begin shortly after grant approval.

How the Grant Process Works

The application process involves several key steps:

Step 1: Identify a Community Improvement Project

Applicants should select a project that:

• Addresses a community need.
• Improves a shared public space.
• Benefits local residents.
• Can be completed within one year.

Step 2: Prepare a Project Proposal

Applicants must provide:

• Project description.
• Implementation plan.
• Project budget.
• Completion timeline.
• Expected community benefits.
• Community support documentation.

Step 3: Submit Community Support Evidence

Applicants may include up to five letters of support demonstrating:

• Local involvement.
• Community demand.
• Public value.
• Support from stakeholders.

Step 4: Grant Review and Selection

Grant recipients are selected quarterly based on factors such as:

• Community impact.
• Project readiness.
• Feasibility.
• Local support.
• Long-term value.

Step 5: Complete the Project and Provide Updates

Organizations receiving grants must provide project updates:

• Six months after receiving funding.
• Twelve months after receiving funding.

These updates help demonstrate project progress and outcomes.

Application Requirements Checklist

Applicants should prepare:

• Completed grant application.
• Detailed project description.
• Project budget.
• Implementation timeline.
• Explanation of community impact.
• Up to five letters of support.

What Makes a Strong Application?

Strong applications usually demonstrate:

• A clear community need.
• A realistic completion timeline.
• Strong local support.
• Visible public benefits.
• Long-term usefulness.
• A well-developed budget.

Successful projects clearly explain how the investment will improve the lives of community members.

Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying for projects that are not ready to begin.
• Requesting funds for planning-only activities.
• Failing to explain community impact.
• Submitting incomplete budgets.
• Proposing projects that benefit only private organizations.
• Requesting reimbursement for completed work.

Ineligible Uses of Grant Funding

Grant funds cannot be used for:

• Engineering plans.
• Architectural plans.
• Design fees.
• Related planning expenses.
• Salaries.
• Annual operating expenses.
• Reimbursement for completed projects.

The program supports implementation costs rather than administrative or planning expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the T-Mobile Hometown Grants Program?

The T-Mobile Hometown Grants Program provides funding for small towns in the United States to complete community improvement projects that strengthen public spaces and improve local connections.

How much funding can a project receive?

Eligible projects can receive grants of up to $50,000.

Who can apply for a T-Mobile Hometown Grant?

Eligible applicants include local government leaders, municipal employees, tribal leaders, nonprofit organizations, and nonprofit community leaders.

What types of projects receive funding?

The program supports physical community improvement projects such as parks, community centers, public technology upgrades, outdoor spaces, arts projects, public safety improvements, and historic building revitalization.

What communities are eligible?

Projects must be located in towns with populations of fewer than 50,000 people.

How quickly must funded projects be completed?

Approved projects must be completed within 12 months after receiving grant funding.

Can businesses apply for funding?

No. Funding is not available for for-profit businesses. Projects must provide a public community benefit.

Conclusion

The T-Mobile Hometown Grants Program helps small communities across the United States create stronger public spaces and improve local quality of life through direct investment in physical improvement projects.

By providing grants of up to $50,000, the program supports shovel-ready initiatives that strengthen community connections, enhance shared spaces, and create lasting benefits for residents. Eligible towns and nonprofit organizations can use this opportunity to transform local ideas into completed projects that positively impact their communities.

For more information, visit T-Mobile.