CLEARWATER, Neb. -- Two Nebraska communities are getting funding to improve their technology.

The Foundation for Rural Service, the philanthropic arm of The Rural Broadband Association, made an announcement Thursday declaring the recipients of 31 grants totaling over $142,000 to support projects in rural communities, the largest amount ever granted by the foundation.

The funding went to communities in 14 states. The Clearwater Chamber of Commerce and Saunders County Robotics were the lone Nebraska recipients. 

Clearwater was awarded $5,000 to build a small, private room in the Clearwater Public Library to be used for telehealth, mental health counseling and video calls for individuals and families that do not have access to technology or broadband services. The Antelope County community partnered with Northeast Nebraska Telephone Company in its application. 

Saunders County Robotics in Wahoo was awarded $5,000 to purchase storage solutions, tools, and equipment for local K-12 STEM robotics students. The 4H club also partnered with Northeast Nebraska Telephone Company for its application.

The FRS grants, coupled with support from NTCA members, will support a broad range of community projects across rural America – from providing new equipment to local students, expanding digital inclusion initiatives, creating telehealth spaces, supporting public safety, and more.

“The community grant program is particularly exciting because FRS multiplies the support NTCA members are already providing in their communities resulting in a larger impact for local schools and nonprofit organizations,” said Pam Becker, Executive Director of FRS.