FOCUS Broadband Grants for Education
As a cooperative, FOCUS Broadband is dedicated to helping improve the communities we serve. Each year, FOCUS Broadband awards $40,000 to educators that are making a difference in the lives of students in our area through our Smart Connections Grant Program. We’ve awarded more than $1.2 million in community and education grants since the program’s inception in 2006. For more information regarding the grants program, email grants@focusbroadband.com.
The 2026 Smart Connections Grants application period is now closed. The 2027 application period will open in December 2026.
Read Guidelines, Criteria & Exclusions
Guidelines/Criteria
- Smart Connections grants must directly benefit residents in areas served by FOCUS Broadband.
- Maximum request is $2,500.
- Funds are disbursed for single-use and must be expended within one year of receipt.
- Grants are open to nonprofit/educational organizations or educators in FOCUS Broadband’s service area or one in another county offering a program benefiting local residents. 100% of the funds must be used to benefit residents in FOCUS Broadband's service area.
- An organization may apply once per 12-month period.
Exclusions
Grant funds will not be available for the following: religious organizations or activities, political organizations or activities, capital campaigns, individuals, beauty pageants, scholarships; advertising, fraternal organizations, sponsorship of fund-raising events (such as raffles, auctions, walk-a-thons or telethons); general operating funds, payments to individuals for services, endowments and labor organizations. In addition, grants will not be issued to groups or organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, age, disability or status as a protected veteran.
Inquiries
Inquiries regarding the FOCUS Broadband Education Grant should be directed to:
FOCUS Broadband Grants
PO Box 3198
Shallotte, NC 28459
Email: grants@focusbroadband.com
2026 Education Grant Recipients
Bolivia Elementary – Full Spectrum: Adaptive Painting for All
Bolivia Elementary School – Mini Movie Makers Studio
Brunswick County Schools – BCS Science Olympiad Invitational
South Brunswick High School – Ap Bio Lab is Fun!
Town Creek Middle – Micro Worlds in Focus
Union Elementary School – El Story Hour
Waccamaw Middle School – The Green STEAM Lab
West Brunswick High School – Scales for Biology
West Brunswick High School – WBHS Carpentry Program
West Brunswick High School – Microscopes for Biology
Columbus County Schools – Sensory Support Kits
Williams Township Educational Foundation – Playground Beautification Project
Burgaw Middle School – BMS Flaming Hot Attendance Program
Penderlea School – Hornets SWARM at Penderlea
Pender County Schools – 21st Century After School Program
Rocky Point Elementary School – Music Resonates All Around!
Topsail High School – Robotics Clubs "Bogo Bots"
Perquimans High School –Reimagining Science In Our Library
L. Gillbert Caroll Middle School – PRIDE Palace
Lumberton High School – Robotics Club
Rosenwald Elementary School – Connected Readers Project
