COMMUNITY Connections

Descriptions and Applications are available below.

Purpose

ATMC is dedicated to providing communications services that add value to the lives of our customers and the communities we serve. To ensure that our corporate contributions also add value within our communities, we have established a Grant Program. This program came about as a result of a restructuring of ATMC's overall corporate giving plan. The majority of the cooperative's corporate contribution and sponsorship dollars are given directly, through our Grant Program, to the numerous causes and worthwhile organizations that make a positive difference in the lives of Brunswick County residents.

History

Our cooperative has always been a good corporate citizen. Over the years, we have generously given hundreds of thousands of dollars in services and financial contributions to a wide scope of community groups and organizations. Our employees have been active as well, helping to uphold the cooperative spirit. The decision was made to establish a grant program so that we could directly address specific needs in our community and achieve the greatest benefit for our residents.

Guidelines/Criteria

• Grants must be for programs which directly benefit residents in Brunswick County.
• Grant dollars available to a specific program or group range from $250 to $2500.
• Funds are disbursed for single-use and must be expended within one year of receipt.
• Grants are open to any charitable or nonprofit/educational organization in Brunswick County or one in another county which offers a program specifically targeted at and benefiting Brunswick County residents. In the case of an outside charity or organization, 100% of the funds must be used for Brunswick County residents.
• An organization may not apply twice in one 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, advertising, fraternal organizations, fund-raising events, such as raffles, auctions, walk-a-thons or telethons, 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.

Selection Process

Grant applications will be reviewed semi-annually by a committee appointed by ATMC. This committee shall consist of ATMC staff and a board and community representative. The committee will meet one time to review applications and make recommendations for final approval by the Board of Directors. Recipients will be notified by mail within 30 days of final approval.

Timeline

The 2010 Grant Program will have a one-time disbursement process for each of its two categories. Timeline for implementation will be as follows:

COMMUNITY Connections

• Awards: June 2010
• Deadline for applications:
  April 22, 2010
  

ATMC COMMUNITY GRANTS 2009 AWARD RECIPIENTS

Arts & Culture -Brunswick Concert Band - Student Assistance Program: provide musical instruments to local students who desire to play but are financially unable to do so ($600)

Emergency and Disaster Planning -Winnabow Volunteer Fire Department - Operation LIFE SAVER: purchase an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and train firefighters to use it in saving the lives of fellow firefighters, emergency personnel and residents ($2500)

Health and Human Services -Brunswick Adult Medical Clinic - Beyond Basics: program to help cover the costs associated with diagnostic testing, lab, x-rays, consultations and other services that go beyond basic healthcare for the working poor and uninsured patients of Brunswick County ($2500) -Brunswick Senior Resources - Family Caregiver Support: program to assist with the cost of personal care items for patients whose caregivers are unable to provide them ($2500) -New Hope Clinic - Economic Increase/Pharmacy Demand: program to help cover the rising costs of pharmacy supplies for uninsured, low-income patients ($2500) -South Brunswick Interchurch Council - Food Pantry: a nondenominational operation serving clients through the Food Pantry at Camp Methodist Church in Shallotte, working with the Food Bank of North Carolina to serve clients in Southern Brunswick County ($1400) -WAVES 4 K.I.D.S. - Mentors 4 K.I.D.S.: program to pair foster children with mentors and obtain materials to help the children master life skills for independent living ($2488)

Civic and Miscellaneous -Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity - 27th Home: assist in the purchase of materials for building the 27th Habitat Home for a family in Brunswick County ($2500) -Brunswick Housing Opportunities - Homeward Bound/Healthcare Workers Initiative: program to provide financial education and training support for healthcare workers and help them find affordable housing ($1080) -Brunswick Pink Angels - Brunswick Pink Angels Project: assist with the cost of comforting items for tote bags for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients in Brunswick County ($1000) -Calabash Lions Club - Sight First: program to identify the visually impaired in Brunswick County and assist with the purchase of eyeglasses as needed ($452) -Cedar Grove Improvement Association - Community Family Assistance: program to provide support to needy families through donations of food, home repair assistance, yard cleanup, basic medical supplies and health screenings ($2500) -Communities in Schools of Brunswick County - After-School Wrap-up Learning Centers: provide ready-to-use learning centers designed to provide after school programs with a fun, self-directed, self-corrected method of teaching basic math and reading skills ($1980) -The First Tee of Brunswick County - Learning Center Automation II: purchase a high-capacity copier for office use, parent/guardian communications, lead coach communications and handouts for participants ($1000)