T-Mobile Hometown Grants 2026

The T-Mobile Hometown Grants Program is a $25 million, five-year initiative that supports small towns across the United States by funding community-driven, physical infrastructure projects. Administered in partnership with Main Street America, this quarterly program provides financial support to up to 25 towns each cycle, helping local governments and nonprofit organizations implement public benefit projects that revitalize or improve shared spaces. The program is designed to promote a sense of place and potentially catalyze further community investment. Each grant award can be up to $50,000, and the funding is specifically designated for physical placemaking projects that improve community infrastructure. Eligible expenses include construction supplies and materials, equipment, labor costs, artist fees, and furniture for public spaces. A limited portion—up to $5,000 or 10% of the total award—can be used for public programming or events related to the project. The grant does not support engineering or architectural fees, operational or maintenance expenses, or reimbursement for past work. The project must be shovel-ready, completed within 12 months of disbursement, and open for public use by the end of the implementation period. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations and local government entities operating in rural towns with populations under 50,000. For-profit businesses and religious congregations are not eligible. Projects must be sited on land owned by the applicant or supported by written permission from the property owner. Only one application per organization is permitted per cycle, although reapplication in future quarters is allowed. Previous grantees may also apply again if they successfully completed their prior project. Applications for the Q3 2025 cycle opened on July 1, 2025, and will close at 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. No late applications will be accepted. Proposals must be submitted through the online portal hosted by Main Street America. Required materials include a full project proposal, detailed budget and timeline, up to five letters of community support, and any applicable permits or permissions. All applicants will receive notification of the grant decision by late November 2025. Selected recipients will receive funds by December 1, 2025, and must submit progress and final reports during and after the 12-month implementation period. The review process includes both T-Mobile's internal committee and representatives from Main Street America. Evaluation criteria include demonstrated community need, potential impact, partner and community engagement, feasibility, and alignment with T-Mobile’s commitment to supporting small towns. Projects must show strong community support and be realistically achievable within the timeframe and budget constraints. To apply, eligible entities must first create an account on the Main Street America portal. The application form includes dropdown menus, fillable fields, and upload areas for required documents. Examples of successful past projects include technology upgrades for public libraries, community murals, historic building revitalizations, and construction of outdoor public stages. T-Mobile emphasizes that projects should be community-focused and encourage long-term, meaningful connections among residents.

Strong letters of support and clear evidence of feasibility and community engagement are emphasized.