Facebook

   For a third year, Facebook’s Forest City Data Center is announcing a round of competitive grants aimed at supporting non-profits in Rutherford County that put the power of technology to use for community benefit, connect people online and off, improve education, and promote local economic development.

   A total of $125,000 in grants will be distributed in the round. Groups may apply for a maximum of $15,000 per 501(c)(3) registration. Eligible non-profits can review the full list of guidelines and submit their application by clicking the “Grants” link at facebook.com/ForestCityDataCenter or by applying directly here.  

   The deadline for submitting applications is midnight, Friday, September 13. Facebook will announce winners at a special ceremony in the late fall/early winter (details to come).  

   “Facebook remains committed to supporting Forest City and Rutherford County in every way we can,” said Keven McCammon, manager, Facebook’s Forest City data center. “This includes everything from our grants program to having local businesses cater lunches and breakfasts at the data center. Our team lives, works, and is from the area. We care about our community and are very happy to announce the third year of our grants.”

   McCammon, a longtime Rutherford County business leader, took the reins as manager earlier this year from original data center leader George Henry, who remains with Facebook in a different capacity. Before joining Facebook, McCammon managed financial services data centers, designed fiber routes making high speed internet possible for rural schools and served as chairman of the Rutherford County Economic Development Commission, among many other community engagements. 

   Grants awarded to 16 Rutherford Co. organizations in 2012 have made a major impact. For example:

   The Town of Forest City used a portion of its Facebook community grant to invest in Street Wise CADlink software that allows responding fire units to receive up-to-the-minute information for fire calls, including nearest water supplies, storage of hazardous materials, and surrounding structures that could be at risk. The system will serve the entire Forest City service area of more than 3,600 homes and 900 commercial structures. The Town’s grant also funded the expansion of a mesh internet system that, among other benefits, will allow more students to access the Web.  

   The Rutherford Outdoor Coalition used its Facebook community grant to create an  interactive online trail map for Rutherford County. As rolled into a larger partnership with the Tourism Development Authority, the map will include downloadable trail maps for GPS-enabled devices, elevation maps, as well as surface and mileage markers. The group also plans a downloadable app for mobile devices.

   Isothermal Community College is using its Facebook community grant to develop a simulated ambulance for enhanced training. Funds will be used to retrofit an existing lab/classroom space at the Rutherford Learning Center and to enhance existing training equipment. The intention is to create a “close to real” setting that will enhance training and, eventually, real-world care.

   For more information, please visit: http://www.facebook.com/ForestCityDataCenter.