GRM Networks Community Improvement Grants
Through its Community Improvement Grant Program, GRM Networks positively influences the communities in which it operates. Since 1999, GRM Networks has awarded more than 300 grants to deserving community organizations in its serving territory.
Grant applications are accepted twice a year, with deadlines on May 1 and November 1. Grant amounts vary, with a maximum of $1,500 awarded to successful applicants. The Cooperative’s Board of Directors reviews the applications and selects grant recipients.
Questions should be directed to Amy Davison, Sales Representative at 660-748-2110 or adavison@corp.grm.net.
GRM Networks Awards $3,750 in Community Improvement Grants
GRM Networks recently awarded a total of $3,750 as part of the company’s Community Improvement Grant program. Organizations receiving funding in the latest round of grants were the City of Lamoni – Parks and Recreation of Lamoni, Iowa; Denver Community Betterment of Denver, Missouri; and the Princeton Arena Association of Princeton, Missouri
GRM Networks Combination Technician Darrell Redman, pictured above right, presented the grant to Lamoni Parks and Recreation/Community Center Director Tim Brunner. They will use the money to install new backstop padding on the softball field.
Denver Community Betterment will use their grant for supplies, paint and drywall for the Denver Schoolhouse. Pictured above are representatives from the organization and GRM Networks. From left to right are Member Karen Grace, GRM Networks Combination Technician Joe Bond, Secretary Lowell Houts and President Helen R. Foster.
The Princeton Arena Association will use their grant to install arena lights and electrical work at the Princeton Arena. Pictured above are GRM Networks Customer Service Representative Allie Vaughn, Princeton Arena Association President Jake Letner and Board Member Jerod VanGenderen.
Other Grant Opportunities
GRM Networks has two partners that offer grant programs to our customers. If you have questions, contact Amy Davison, Sales Representative, at 660-748-2110 or adavison@corp.grm.net.
Aureon Charity Grant Program
Aureon invites public and private non-profit agencies to submit proposals for consideration in assisting in your charity drives and/or funding of a specific project for your respective communities. Only those communities served by Aureon participating telecommunications companies are eligible to submit proposals. Applications may be submitted any time of the year and will be reviewed quarterly. Most awards range from $250 to $1500.
Learn more at www.aureon.com/community-involvement or download the Aureon application.
Aureon Awards Charity Grant to Decatur County Conservation Board
The Aureon Charity Grant Program awarded $250 to the Decatur County Conservation Board in Leon, Iowa. Aureon is a statewide fiber network owned by independent Iowa telephone companies such as GRM Networks. The grant was presented in partnership with GRM Networks, who sponsored the grant application.
The grant will be used to purchase a laptop for Operation SafeHunt: Virtual Training for Hunter Education. This project’s goal is to teach firearm safety, ethical hunting and conservation principles in a controlled environment. The laptop will be used to operate a simulator that will provide supervised, practical, hands-on learning.
“This program provides a valuable resource for Decatur County,” said Mitchell Bailey, Chief Executive Officer of GRM Networks. “Hunting is a blend of stewardship, community connection and tradition, bringing family and friends together. This project is an investment in hunter safety and education that will have a long impact on Decatur County. We appreciate Aureon’s commitment to rural Iowa through its Charity Grant Program. I am grateful that through our partnership we are fortunate to offer this grant to the communities we serve.”
The Aureon Charity Grant Program was established to increase services and support for rural independent telecommunication companies and the communities they serve. Since 1994, the program has given nearly $1.5 million to public and private nonprofit agencies for tangible community-based projects. To learn more, please contact Giving@Aureon.com or visit www.aureon.com/community-involvement.
GRM Networks District Manager Michael Jordison presented the grant to Conservation Technician Kimberly Miller.
FRS Community Grant Program
As part of its ongoing commitment to rural communities across the country, the Foundation for Rural Service provides annual grants for communities served by NTCA members, which includes GRM Networks. The goal of this program is to support local efforts to build and sustain a high quality of life in rural America. Grants are awarded in four categories:
- Business and Economic Development
- Education and Workforce
- Health and Well-Being
- Public Service and First Responders
Grants can range from $250 to $5000, with GRM Networks contributing 20% toward the one-time grant and the remainder of the award coming from FRS.
Learn more at www.frs.org/programs/grant-program/community-grant. The flyer and application guide detail everything that needs to be included in the application.
Applications were due to GRM Networks by August 7, 2026 for approval and processing before the FRS deadline. GRM Networks submits the applications to FRS. Awards are announced by FRS, usually around Thanksgiving.
For further assistance with the application process, contact Amy Davison, Sales Representative at 660-748-2110 or adavison@corp.grm.net.
Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments Awarded GRM Networks/FRS Grant
Founded in 1994, FRS is the philanthropic arm of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association. The FRS Community Grants enable a broad range of community projects across rural America, supporting projects in public service, education, health and business development. This year, the FRS Community Grant Program awarded 31 Community Grants totaling more than $145,000.
“GRM Networks is proud to be an active supporter of the communities in which we operate,” said Mitchell Bailey, Chief Executive Officer of GRM Networks. “The collaboration between GRM Networks and FRS allows us to expand our impact on the communities we serve. The FRS Community Grant Program supports projects in communities served by NTCA members such as GRM Networks. We are truly grateful for the dedication and financial contributions of FRS,” said Bailey. “Their support helps us make an even bigger impact on the communities we serve.”
“Every year, we are inspired by the creativity and dedication of our member companies and their community partners,” said FRS Executive Director Pam Becker. “The work each of these organizations does helps improve the lives of those in their communities. FRS is honored to partner with NTCA members to make these projects a reality and is grateful for our generous donors for making it possible.”
More information about the FRS Community Grant Program may be found at grm.net/about-us/grants. A complete list of awardees can be found at https://www.frs.org/programs/grant-program/community-grant.
The grant was awarded by GRM Networks District Manager Steve Miles. Pictured from left to right are Project Assistant Peyton Bell, Community Planner Heather Montenguise, Miles and Community Planner Christy Pearce.