TDS Telecom – Community Partner Program & TDS Cares
Discounted Internet and Cable TV Services, Volunteerism, and Community Support for Local Nonprofits
TDS Telecom supports the communities it serves through TDS Cares, a community involvement program that includes hands-on volunteering, in-kind support, direct financial support, employee giving, and community partnerships. One of its key nonprofit support opportunities is the Community Partner Program, which awards discounted Internet and Cable TV services to local nonprofit organizations.
Organization: TDS Telecom
Support Type: Discounted services, volunteerism, in-kind support, and community giving
Geographic Focus: Communities served by TDS Telecom
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About the Funder
TDS Telecom is a telecommunications company that provides Internet, TV, phone, and business services in communities across the United States. Giving back is a core part of the company’s culture, reflected through its TDS Cares community involvement efforts.
Through TDS Cares, the company supports local communities with volunteerism, in-kind contributions, direct financial support, and programs that recognize local leaders. TDS also encourages employee volunteerism through its “Be Good Citizens” program, which provides associates with 16 hours of paid time off each year to volunteer.
What This Program Supports
TDS Telecom’s community involvement includes several types of support for local organizations and community leaders.
Community Partner Program
The Community Partner Program provides discounted Internet and Cable TV services to local nonprofit organizations.
Employee Volunteerism
Through TDS Cares and the “Be Good Citizens” program, TDS associates volunteer with local organizations and community initiatives. Since the program began in 2009, associates have contributed more than 23,000 volunteer hours.
Hometown Hero & Most Valuable Educator Programs
TDS honors educators, first responders, veterans, and volunteers who make a difference in their communities. These recognition programs include a TDS award and donations to the impactful organization or school associated with the honoree.
TDS Open
The TDS Open is an annual charity golf event that brings associates and business partners together to support high-impact organizations in TDS communities. In 2025, the event awarded a record-breaking $90,000 to Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center in Madison, Wisconsin, and Tumbleweed Runaway Program in Billings, Montana.
Eligible Support Types
TDS may support communities through:
Discounted Internet and Cable TV services for local nonprofits
Employee volunteerism
In-kind support
Direct financial support
Recognition awards tied to local educators, first responders, veterans, and volunteers
Charity fundraising through the TDS Open
Eligibility & Preferences
The Community Partner Program is intended for local nonprofit organizations seeking discounted Internet and Cable TV services.
Strong-fit organizations are likely to:
Serve communities where TDS provides services
Operate as a local nonprofit organization
Need discounted Internet or Cable TV services to support their mission
Provide meaningful community benefit
Align with TDS’s commitment to supporting impactful organizations in local communities
Ineligible Requests
TDS does not publish a detailed list of ineligible requests on the Community Partner Program page. Organizations should review the application carefully and ensure they meet nonprofit and service-area requirements.
Funding Amounts
The Community Partner Program provides discounted Internet and Cable TV services rather than a published cash grant amount. TDS does not publish a standard value for the discount.
Other TDS community support may vary by program, community, and available resources.
Timeline & Review
📅 Application Deadline: December 1
📅 Program Type: Discounted service support for local nonprofits
📅 Review Process: Not specified
Organizations interested in the Community Partner Program should apply by the December 1 deadline.
Application / Request Process
Local nonprofit organizations should complete the Community Partner Program application through TDS’s online form.
Organizations may also review TDS Telecom’s broader community involvement page to learn about TDS Cares, employee volunteerism, Hometown Hero, Most Valuable Educator, and other community support efforts.
Apply / Learn More:
➡️ TDS Community Partner Program Application
Additional Information:
➡️ TDS Telecom Community Involvement
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This opportunity is a strong fit for local nonprofit organizations that:
Operate in communities served by TDS Telecom
Need discounted Internet or Cable TV services
Use connectivity to support programs, operations, outreach, or community services
Can demonstrate local impact
Are seeking a corporate partner with a strong employee volunteer culture
TDS Telecom’s Community Partner Program is best suited for local nonprofits that can benefit from discounted communications services, while the broader TDS Cares program reflects the company’s commitment to volunteerism and community support.
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
Review Type: Online application review
Typical Lead Time: Apply by December 1
Best Suited For: Local nonprofits in TDS service communities needing discounted Internet or Cable TV services
Support Type: Discounted services, employee volunteerism, in-kind support, and community engagement
