Foundation for Rural Service (FRS), the philanthropic arm of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, supports rural communities through scholarships, community grants and educational initiatives. Utility Capital Solutions has been part of that effort for nearly three decades, making it one of FRS’ longest-standing donors.
“First as RTFC and now Utility Capital Solutions, the organization is one of the longest and most generous supporters of the Foundation for Rural Service,” FRS Executive Director Pam Becker said. “In fact, Utility Capital Solutions has contributed to FRS every year since 1998!”
Our partnership with FRS is stronger than ever, and we are proud to be one of the foundation’s closest partners.
Becker said that long-term support has helped FRS expand programs that benefit rural communities and increase awareness of the issues they face.
“It’s helped us build scholarship and grant programs and educate the public and policymakers about the challenges rural communities face, such as the annual Congressional Broadband Tour,” Becker said.
The Congressional Broadband Tour brings bipartisan U.S. House and Senate staff to rural service territories, where they meet with NTCA members and gain firsthand insight into the challenges of deploying and maintaining broadband networks in rural areas.
The partnership extends beyond financial support. Utility Capital Solutions is a 5K sponsor of this year’s FRS Rural Run/Walk, a virtual fundraiser held each September.
Utility Capital Solutions covered registration fees for its 37 employees who signed up this year. Participants complete the 5K at their own pace and in a location of their choice, with proceeds supporting FRS scholarships and community grants.
“What started out as a virtual fundraising event during COVID is now in its seventh year and in that time, the number of people and companies that participate keeps growing,” Becker said. “What I love is that it’s a healthy activity that brings people together across the country during September.”
Utility Capital Solutions Vice President of Business Development Jason Shelton, who also serves on the FRS board of directors, takes pride in the long-standing partnership between the two organizations.
“Our partnership with FRS is stronger than ever, and we are proud to be one of the foundation’s closest partners,” Shelton said. “It is an honor to support programs that make a meaningful difference in rural communities. We look forward to building on that partnership and continuing to support FRS’ mission in future initiatives.”
This year, FRS awarded more than $185,000 in scholarships and plans to distribute more than $150,000 in community grants by the end of the year.
“We truly wouldn’t be able to help that many students and important organizations without all those people supporting FRS,” Becker said.