2025 FRS Impact Report: Rural at Heart
The Foundation for Rural Service has released its 2025 Impact Report, a celebration of the milestones achieved over the past year. Thanks to support from NTCA members, FRS empowers the next generation and rural communities through scholarship and community grant awards, providing vital resources to rural students and local initiatives. The report also highlights the transformative experiences of the FRS Youth Tour participants and the vibrant energy of FRS fundraising events at NTCA conferences. Every dollar raised and every story shared reinforces the FRS commitment to strengthening rural communities. Explore the full report to see how your contributions are creating lasting change.
2026 Distinguished Service Award: Dee Herman
The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) honored Donald L. Herman, Jr. (Dee) of Herman & Whiteaker, LLC with the 2026 FRS Distinguished Service Award. As the Foundation's pro bono counsel, Dee's expertise and work behind the scenes do not go unnoticed. His commitment to FRS supports our mission and strategic goals.
Not only does Dee support FRS, but he also advocates on behalf of NTCA members. We thank Dee for his continued service, and congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition!
Pictured from left to right: Pam Becker, FRS Executive Director; Dee Herman, Principal at Herman & Whiteaker, LLC; Andy Isackson, FRS Board Chair and Chief Marketing Officer at Consolidated Telephone Company (CTC).
Shirley Bloomfield Fund for Women’s Advancement
Honoring Shirley’s 36 years with NTCA, her many contributions to the rural telecom industry and strong support of women in telecom, the Shirley Bloomfield Fund for Women’s Advancement will endow a scholarship for a woman student who is either a recent high school graduate, a non-traditional student returning to school after/while working, or a current student seeking to complete her degree. The fund is sponsored by the NTCA Women in Telecom program.
To make a gift to the fund, please click the blue link above, select 'Individual or Corporate Donation', log in to your Member Central account (or create a new one), check the box next to 'Shirley Bloomfield Fund for Women’s Advancement', enter a dollar amount, and select 'Continue' to submit your donation.
Thank you for supporting women's education!
The Tim Owens-Ron Laudner Memorial Fund
Our industry lost a true leader with the death of Ron Laudner, Jr. Ron served on the FRS Board of Directors, the NTCA Board of Directors, and chaired the OPASTCO Board during his 40-year career. Ron was recognized for his passion for FRS with the Distinguished Service Award and was a close friend of another FRS leader, Tim Owens, who passed away several years ago. Both men were passionate about supporting rural youth and communities.
To honor and remember the legacy of both men, FRS has established the Tim Owens-Ron Laudner Memorial Fund, which supports scholarships for students studying the arts and grants for community arts-related projects.
To make a gift to the fund, please click the blue link above, select 'Individual or Corporate Donation', log in to your Member Central account (or create a new one), check the box next to 'Tim Owens-Ron Laudner Memorial Fund', enter a dollar amount, and select 'Continue' to submit your donation.
Thank you for supporting youth education and artistic expression!
More than $2 million has been awarded by FRS in scholarships since 1994 to invest in the next generation of rural youth.
Over $700,000 has been awarded in FRS Community Grants.
Over 2,500 students have attended the FRS Youth Tour.
Make a Difference
The Foundation for Rural Service is rural at heart. As the philanthropic arm of NTCA—The Rural Broadband Association, we’re your foundation, devoted to rural communities and those who live in them. We know NTCA members share this passion and that’s why we love working together.
Each year, our Scholarships assist high school graduates attending college or technical school, our annual Youth Tour brings teens to Washington, D.C., to learn about our nation’s capital, and the Community Grant Program helps support nonprofit organizations doing important work in your service area. These important FRS activities and other FRS programs wouldn’t be possible without your support so please make a tax-deductible gift today. Thank you.