Does your community need funding to get a project off the ground? T-Mobile wants to help with its Hometown Grant program.

The T-Mobile Hometown Grant program, in partnership with Main Street America, is a significant commitment to rural towns, cities, villages and territories across America. Over five years, T-Mobile has pledged to distribute $25 million to invest in local projects — from technology upgrades to revitalizing community centers and infrastructure — supporting communities' growth and development. Since its inception in April 2021, the T-Mobile Hometown Grant Program has supported 275 communities, distributing over $12 million in funding.

Each quarter, 25 small towns with populations less than 50,000 are awarded up to $50,000 in funding to jumpstart their shovel-ready projects. To apply, qualified participants must submit a proposal include a budget, timeline, the expected impact and up to five letters of support.

Read on to learn about the first round of 2024 Hometown Grant recipients and the ideas they’re bringing to life.

1. Jacksonville, Alabama

The City of Jacksonville will use its Hometown Grant to construct a gazebo at the Public Safety Complex Lake. The covered outdoor area will serve as a venue for community events and provide an escape from the sun for local fishermen.

“We wanted to give everyone a place to rest and enjoy themselves while they were at the park, and the Hometown Grant was a great opportunity to make it happen,” said Jacksonville Police Chief Marcus Wood, who helped to secure the grant, in a statement.

2. Camden, Arkansas

The City of Camden is allocating its Hometown Grant funds toward revitalizing a burned-down library and an empty lot into an outdoor green space for the community. The planned revitalization is part of the city's efforts to improve its recreational offerings and community engagement while focusing on sustainability.

“This Memorial Park will honor our military, police, firefighter[s] and veterans,” said the Ouachita Partnership for Economic Development, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the area’s economic development, in a statement. “Thank you, T-Mobile!”

3. Russellville, Arkansas

The City of Russellville plans to use its Hometown Grant to improve accessibility and modernize the Riggs-Hamilton American Legion Post 20. With the award, the 90-year-old building’s kitchen will get a facelift and its bathrooms will be remodeled to be ADA-compliant.

“This investment will greatly enhance our ability to serve our veterans and community,” said Cole Hendrix, commander of the post, in a statement to T-Mobile. “Thank you, T-Mobile, for your support and commitment to our mission.”

4. Ukiah, California

The City of Ukiah will use its Hometown Grant to support the United Disaster Relief of Northern California’s Resource Center renovations. With the funding, the city will develop the center into a welcoming space for disaster victims by adding lounge areas, updated tech, comfortable new furniture and kids’ toys and games.

“UDRNC's unique center, bolstered by a substantial grant from T-Mobile, serves as a vital sanctuary for fire and disaster survivors, propelling us to the next level in our mission to compassionately assist and rebuild lives,” said Danilla Sands, executive director and founder of UDRNC, in a statement to T-Mobile.

5. Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, Connecticut

To support tribal entrepreneurs in the community, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN) will use its Hometown Grant money to establish a Business Tech Center. The center will educate aspiring entrepreneurs in the tribe and offer the resources necessary to develop and launch successful businesses.

“Secretary Matthew Pearson and I have worked diligently with our amazing Grants Administration Department to secure resources to begin the planning stages of a business center in our tribal community,” said Tribal Councilor Michele Scott in a statement. “An exciting first step to our plan ahead!”

With its Hometown Grant funding, the City of Cordele plans to finish renovations and unveil a Cultural Arts Center. The community-focused hub will offer services including after-school activities, local events, festivals and cultural arts celebrations.

“These funds will help our community by completing the renovations for the new home of the Cultural Arts Center,” the City of Cordele said in a statement to T-Mobile. “We look forward to working on this project and anticipate great progress for our community.”

7. Hogansville, Georgia

The City of Hogansville is looking forward to revitalizing its local theater scene with its newfound Hometown Grant funding. Using the $50,000, the city will upgrade the historic Royal Theatre — a building from 1937 that requires upgraded electrical work to serve the community.

“We are extremely grateful for [T-Mobile’s] partnership, as it will play a vital role in the completion of the renovation of the historic and iconic Royal Theatre, as well as the revitalization of our beautiful community,” said Mayor Jake Ayers in a statement to T-Mobile. “Working together, we can begin to rethink what is possible for small-town America.”

8. Clinton, Iowa

The City of Clinton plans to use its Hometown Grant to repair and reopen the Vince Jetter Community Center, carrying on Jetter’s mission of helping underserved youth. With this, local youth will have access to more programs and services and a supportive environment that teaches life skills, such as coping, communication and self-care.

“We have goals, dreams and aspirations of providing the light for a brighter community in Clinton," said Rachel Jetter, the center’s president, in a statement to T-Mobile. “This partnership will serve as a tremendous resource for us to complete [the] renovation of the community center and accomplish our mission and goals!”

9. Spencer, Iowa

In downtown Spencer, Hometown Grant funds will be used for the Spencer Public Library’s courtyard to be converted into a musical garden. Funding will also go toward improving the library’s entrance, providing a welcoming environment to residents and visitors.

“I want to thank T-Mobile for the Hometown Grant that will provide for the installation of an outdoor percussion instrument Music Garden,” said Mayor Steve Bomgaars in a statement to T-Mobile. “The Music Garden will allow all patrons, young and old, of the Spencer Public Library an opportunity to express themselves musically in a fun and non-threatening manner.”

10. Angola, Indiana

The City of Angola is excited to use its Hometown Grant to grow its Imagine Alley into an inclusive gathering space that promotes creativity and community engagement. The city, in partnership with Easterseals RISE and Relic Emporium, plans to create a mural centered around inclusivity and kindness.

“This exciting development marks a significant step forward in our efforts to enhance the vibrancy and expand connectivity within downtown Angola,” said Mayor Dave Martin in a statement to T-Mobile. “I’d also like to thank T-Mobile for their generous support.”

The Town of Argos plans to launch a kid-focused 4-H Poss-ABILITIES Program with its Hometown Grant. The innovative program will pair K-12 special needs students with 4-H youth mentors to provide inclusive experiences in livestock management and exhibit building.

“This award from T-Mobile will open new opportunities for those who have been unable to

participate in the past,” said Marshall County Commissioner Mike Burroughs in a statement to T-Mobile. “We thank all involved for seeing the good in what is being done and working to make it better.”

12. El Dorado, Kansas

The City of El Dorado will use its Hometown Grant funding for the completion of the District Stadium, an outdoor venue that will serve its community for generations to come. The stadium will cater to the local community and visitors alike, offering a space for entertainment and local wiffleball events.

“The T-Mobile Hometown Grant signifies more than just an infusion of financial support, but a validation of El Dorado’s potential and a testament to T-Mobile's commitment to fostering growth and innovation in small-town America,” said Mayor Bill Young in a statement to T-Mobile.

The City of Hammond plans to use its Hometown Grant to improve the safety of its community by installing a new public announcement system at Chappapeela Sports Park, a local recreation center.

“We are deeply grateful to T-Mobile for their generous grant towards our PA system at Chappapeela Sports Park,” said Ryan Barker, the park’s executive director, in a statement to T-Mobile. “This investment will be instrumental in ensuring the safety of everyone that attends our park.”

14. Northampton, Massachusetts

The City of Northampton is looking forward to sprucing up a railway underpass in its downtown area. The improvements to the Main Street connector, made possible by the Hometown Grant funding, will include a new artistic lighting installation that will make the area more walkable and welcoming for residents.

“I extend my heartfelt thanks to T-Mobile for awarding Northampton a Hometown Hero grant award,” said Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra in a statement to T-Mobile. “This invaluable contribution allows us to complete our popular Bridge Lighting project on Lower Main Street, helping us connect two beloved sections of Northampton’s downtown.”

15. Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Residents in Hattiesburg will soon be able to enjoy community events under the pavilion at Vernon Dahmer Park once again, thanks to the T-Mobile Hometown Grant. The city will use the funds to restore the fire-damaged pavilion and fund the renovation of the community playground to provide better resources and entertainment.

“This investment will enable us to breathe new life into our playground and pavilion, providing our residents with enhanced opportunities for leisure, recreation and community engagement,” Mayor Toby Barker said in a statement.

16. Laurel, Mississippi

With funds from the T-Mobile Hometown Grant, the City of Laurel will turn a refurbished trolley into the Laurel-Jones County Library Bookmobile. This mobile library will serve as a crucial resource for underserved and rural communities throughout the county, providing technology access on the go.

“Transforming a vintage trolley into a mobile library would be very difficult without this donation,” said Mayor Johnny Magee in a statement to T-Mobile. “Thank you, T-Mobile, for making this possible and choosing to help make our community a better place to live and learn.”

17. McComb, Mississippi

As a home to many wonderful musicians throughout time, the City of McComb has an extensive musical history worth celebrating. With its Hometown Grant, the city will celebrate that history by opening the doors to its McComb Museum of Music — a first in the city.

“Our museum will give people, residents and visitors an opportunity to learn how blessed we are,” said Vickie Webb, the McComb Main Street Association board president, in a statement to T-Mobile. “It will give our young people hope for a bright future and instill a sense of pride that they come from an area that produced so many ‘stars.’”

Using its Hometown Grant, the City of Goldsboro will make improvements to the Wayne Opportunity Center, increasing accessibility and providing an inviting space for the local community.

“Automatic doors will provide a safe, accessible and inclusive environment for the community while the picnic tables and park benches will enhance our outside patio area,” said the center’s Executive Director, Amy Hartley, in a statement to T-Mobile.

19. Hickory, North Carolina

The City of Hickory is putting its Hometown Grant toward updating the historic Samuel William Davis, Sr. Multipurpose Field at Taft Broome Park. The field will get upgraded turf, netting and fencing, along with an improved PA system, to provide a better experience during community events.

“The historic Samuel William Davis, Sr. Multipurpose Field is a significant landmark in Hickory's history, especially for the Ridgeview community, the former Ridgeview High School and the legendary 1964 Untouchables football team,” said Mayor Hank Guess. “We look forward to using these grant funds to make improvements that will preserve and celebrate the community's history while creating an engaging space where current and future residents can gather, play and connect.”

20. Murphy, North Carolina

The Town of Murphy plans to use its Hometown Grant to support the Cherokee County Sharing Center. With this funding, the town will be able to revitalize the food pantry’s facility, adding a large wash sink and new restrooms. This will enable volunteers to continue supporting and feeding those in need throughout the community.

"We are flushing with excitement on being able to provide a comfort station for our volunteers and neighbors we serve through this food pantry — all thanks to the T-Mobile Hometown Grant program," said Sande Kimball, president of the Cherokee County Sharing Center Food Pantry Board, in a statement to T-Mobile.

21. Columbus, Nebraska

The City of Columbus plans to use its Hometown Grant to build a new playground in a central part of downtown. The all-inclusive play area will be located near the Columbus Community Building, offering easy access to community-oriented spots like the children’s museum and public library.

“Recognizing the positive impact this all-inclusive playground would have on the City… the Columbus Children’s Museum, the Modern Miss Club, the Cornhusker Public Power District Foundation, BVH Architecture and T-Mobile all have stepped forward to help make this a reality,” Mayor Jim Bulkley said in a statement.

22. Lovelock, Nevada

The City of Lovelock plans to use its Hometown Grant for renovations at Amherst Park that encourage physical activity throughout its community. The park — which already offers many essential amenities to residents — will undergo a transformation, featuring new equipment to replace the existing facilities.

“Using the T-Mobile Hometown Grant, we are able to upgrade aging exercise equipment by installing a new fitness court and begin the revitalization process of the park with other upgrades planned for the future,” said Mayor Mike Giles in a statement to T-Mobile.

The City of Independence is putting its $50,000 Hometown Grant to use by constructing an accessible playground at Sunset Meadows Nature Park. This new play area will encourage community engagement and promote nature exploration among kids.

“Independence is thrilled to receive these grant funds to complete our Sunset Meadows Park,” said Mayor John McArdle in a statement to T-Mobile. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to T-Mobile for their generous contribution, which enriches one of our community's newest green spaces and nurtures a love for nature in generations to come."

24. Herminie, Pennsylvania

As a Hometown Grant recipient, the Village of Herminie will use its Hometown Grant to fund a career training hub geared toward career development for future generations. The lab will be developed within the Yough School District to provide locals with access to training opportunities and educational resources.

“This grant will provide the school with a PAES Lab (Practical Assessment Exploration System Program) which will provide a vocational training program for our students,” wrote the Yough School District in a statement. “We are proud of this accomplishment as it will provide a unique educational opportunity for our students.”

25. Sun Prairie, Wisconsin

The City of Sun Prairie is committed to finding ways to improve its sustainability while preserving the historic charm of its downtown. With its Hometown Grant award, Sun Prairie will be one step closer to its mission for sustainability by being the “first private sector building to embrace solar energy.”

“Just when we thought adding solar panels was no longer possible, T-Mobile came through by providing a grant to fund our project,” said Christina Williams, the executive director of the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce, in a statement to T-Mobile. “This grant will not only enable us to add solar panels but help to bring our sustainability vision to life.”

Feeling inspired to bring your community project to life? Apply for a T-Mobile Hometown Grant today!