RainbowWins Smart Rural Community Showcase Award Rainbow was recognized by NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association as a 2025 Smart Rural Community Showcase Award winner. This national honor celebrates rural broadband providers that deliver reliable connectivity and lead innovative projects making a lasting impact in their communities. Rainbow was selected for our strong community partnerships, including collaborations with local schools and Highland Community College to expand esports opportunities. Our company also established the Rainbow Esports Scholarship, awarded annually to a student from Rainbow’s service area who joins the HCC esports team—helping connect rural youth to future careers in technology and digital media. This marks Rainbow’s second Smart Rural Community distinction, following our recognition as a Pioneer Showcase Award winner in 2015, which was the inaugural year of the program. “We’re honored to be recognized for our team’s dedication to improving life in our communities through innovation, partnerships, and people-first service,” said Jason Smith, General Manager and CEO of Rainbow. We’re excited to announce the recipients of our 2025 Rainbow Community Grant Program! We awarded a total of $11,114 to support local projects that make our communities safer, stronger, and better connected. Through this annual program, Rainbow provides funding to help organizations bring meaningful ideas to life—projects that enhance public spaces, improve safety, and strengthen community ties across our service area. Here’s how this year’s recipients are making a difference: Atchison County Fair Board Association – $1,500 Funds will replace the outdated PA system in the Show Barn and 4-H Barns to ensure clear communication, safer operations, and an improved experience for participants and visitors. Everest Little League – $4,614 The league will replace its aging scoreboard with a new, energyefficient system that enhances visibility and the experience for both players and spectators. City of Whiting – $5,000 Funding will support the installation of a gravel parking area and electrical updates to the shelter house at South Park, improving accessibility and usability for community events. “It’s inspiring to see howmuch heart and effort these groups put into improving their communities,” said Julie Bergman, Senior Business Development Specialist at Rainbow. “We’re proud to play a small part in helping their ideas come to life.” Rainbow also partnered with the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) to award a $5,000 grant to the Boys & Girls Club of Atchison for technology and STEM lab upgrades. Altogether, Rainbow’s 2025 community impact totals more than $16,000 in grant funding—a reflection of our ongoing commitment to supporting vibrant, connected communities across Northeast Kansas. Rainbow’s 2025 Community Grants The attendees of the Boys and Girls Club of Atchison
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