The T-Mobile Hometown Grants Program provides up to $50,000 per project to support small towns in the U.S. with shovel-ready community development initiatives. Grants target nonprofits and local governments in communities with populations under 50,000, funding projects that deliver tangible public benefit within a 12-month period from March 2026 to February 2027.

The T-Mobile Hometown Grants Program supports small-town revitalization by funding projects that strengthen community spaces, foster public engagement, and create lasting local impact. The program provides quarterly grants to eligible applicants for physical placemaking projects that would not otherwise be feasible through municipal funding.

Programme Objectives

The Hometown Grants Program aims to:

• Promote community development and local pride

• Fund shovel-ready projects that enhance public spaces

• Enable community-informed design and engagement

• Support initiatives with tangible public benefit

Funding Details

• Grant amount: Up to $50,000 per project

• Number of grants per quarter: Up to 25 small towns

• Implementation period: March 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027

• Eligible expenses: Construction materials, equipment, labor, artist fees, streetscape or indoor furniture, community-informed design processes

• Ineligible expenses: Architectural planning, staff salaries, operational costs, and reimbursement for completed projects

This structure ensures grants are used to create visible, functional improvements to community infrastructure.

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) nonprofit or local government entity

• Serve a rural community with a population of 50,000 or less

• Own the project site or provide documented permission to alter it, supported by a letter from the site owner if applicable

Project Requirements

• Projects must be completed and publicly usable within the 12-month period

• Applicants must submit:

  • A progress report six months after funding

  • A final report at the conclusion of the project period

• Strong community involvement and letters of support are highly valued

How to Apply

1. Confirm eligibility of your organization and community

2. Develop a project proposal focusing on tangible public benefit and feasibility

3. Gather letters of support from local stakeholders

4. Submit the completed application online before December 31, 2025, 11:59 p.m. CT

5. Await award decisions, expected late February 2026, with funds disbursed by March 1, 2026

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying from a community larger than 50,000 residents

• Submitting projects that are not shovel-ready

• Including ineligible expenses such as staff salaries or reimbursed costs

• Failing to obtain site ownership or permission

• Neglecting community engagement and letters of support

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can apply for Hometown Grants?

501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits or local government entities in small towns (pop. ≤50,000).

What projects are eligible?

Shovel-ready physical placemaking projects that improve public spaces and serve the community.

How much funding is available?

Up to $50,000 per project, with up to 25 grants awarded per quarter.

Can funding cover staff salaries or completed projects?

No, grants cannot be used for staff salaries, operational expenses, or reimbursement of completed work.

What is the project timeline?

Projects must be completed and publicly usable between March 1, 2026, and February 28, 2027.

Is community engagement important?

Yes, strong letters of support and evidence of community involvement are critical in the review process.

When is the application deadline?

Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time.

Conclusion

The T-Mobile Hometown Grants Program empowers small towns to implement transformative community projects that improve public spaces, foster engagement, and enhance quality of life. With grants up to $50,000 and a focus on shovel-ready initiatives, the programme provides a practical pathway for nonprofits and local governments to bring meaningful local projects to fruition.