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 minimum of $500 and a maximum of $1,500 awarded to successful applicants. The Cooperative’s Board of Directors reviews the applications and awards grant amounts.
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 has awarded a total of $3,750 as part of the company’s Community Improvement Grant program. Organizations receiving funding in the first 2022 distribution included the Harrison County Historical Society, the Lamoni Food Pantry, the Princeton Chamber of Commerce and the City of Pleasanton.
Applications for the next distribution of grants are being accepted through May 1, 2023. Grant amounts vary, with a minimum of $500 and a maximum of $1,500 awarded to successful applicants. The Cooperative’s Board of Directors will review applications and award grant amounts.
Questions regarding grant applications should be directed to Amy Davison, Sales Representative at 660-748-2110 or adavison@corp.grm.net.
Pictured to the right are members of the Harrison County Historical Society of Bethany, Missouri, along with GRM Networks Customer Service Representative Katlynn Stevens, center. From left to right on the front row are Becky Turley, Stevens and Greg Hagan. On the back row, left to right, are Ethan Mann, Debbie Nalle, Leslie Kelim and Linda Sanders. The Historical Society will use their $1,000 grant to purchase a laptop computer, software, scanner and external hard drive to store historical documents and images preserving them for future generations.
Pictured to the right are Lamoni Food Pantry Director Gwen Simpson and GRM Networks Combination Technician Darrell Redman. The Food Pantry will use their $1,000 grant to complete the buildout of the newly purchased building to which they are relocating the pantry.
Receiving a $1,000 grant was the Princeton Chamber of Commerce of Princeton, Missouri. Pictured on the front row, from left to right, are Chamber Vice President Kelly Bertrand, GRM Networks Customer Service Representative Allie Vaughn, Ryleigh Neil and Chamber President Amy Cool. On the back row are Mike Tipton, friend of the Chamber, Chamber Member Shannon Kandlbinder, Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance Agent Marcia Cox and Chamber Event Coordinator Rafaela Johnson. The Chamber plans to use their grant to purchase a used utility terrain vehicle to transport equipment and supplies during Chamber sponsored community events as well as care for the Chamber’s flower boxes found throughout Princeton.
The City of Pleasanton, Iowa, received a $750 grant. The grant will be used to repair structures in the city’s park including the historical bandstand, shelter house and picnic tables. Pictured are Hazel Buttrey, City Council Member Ellen Buttrey, and GRM Networks Combination Technician Darrell Redman. Pictured in front is Warren Buttrey.
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
Apply for a grant for your organization from Aureon (formerly INS). 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 https://www.aureon.com/about/aureon/community/ or download the Aureon application.
Aureon Awards Charity Grants
Two Iowa organizations — the Decatur County Hospital and the Parks and Recreation Board of the City of Leon — were awarded 2021 Aureon Charity Grants. Aureon is a statewide fiber network, owned by Iowa independent telephone companies. These grants were presented in conjunction with GRM Networks who sponsored the grant applications.
“GRM Networks is proud to partner with Aureon to make these grants possible,” said Anissa Rockhold, COO of GRM Networks. “We appreciate the dedication the City of Leon and the Decatur County Hospital have to their citizens and look forward to the positive impacts made possible by these grants,” said Rockhold.
The Aureon Charity Grant Program was established in 1993 to increase service and support to rural independent telecommunication companies and the communities they serve. The Aureon Charity Grant Program awards grants on a quarterly basis and has donated more than $1 million to Iowa nonprofit organizations over the last 27 years. To learn more, please contact Giving@Aureon.com.
The Decatur County Hospital will use their grant to purchase emergency tools for first responders. Pictured from left to right are GRM Networks Customer Service Representative Amy Ray, Decatur County EMS Director Scott Young, Decatur County Hospital Director of Marketing and Business Development Shannon Erb and Aureon Senior Account Executive Kent Atha.
The City of Leon Parks and Recreation Board will use their grant to help purchase and install a climbing wall at the Leon swimming pool. Pictured from left to right are Senior Account Executive Kent Atha of Aureon, Leon Deputy City Clerk Lorrie Scrivner and GRM Networks Customer Service Representative Amy Ray.
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
- Community Development
- Education
- Telecommunications Applications
Grants can range from $250 to $5000, with GRM Networks contributing 10% 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 Application Guide details everything that needs to be included in the application.
Applications are due to GRM Networks by August 4, 2023 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.