OpenPrivate program

T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights

T-MobileNo deadline listed$5,000 – $1,000,000

Summary

Public and private high schools in U.S. towns of 150,000 or fewer people with their own football field can apply once a year. Prizes range from $5,000 to a $1 million home field upgrade. The 2026 window ran April 9 to September 18, 2026.

About this grant

T-Mobile's Friday Night 5G Lights contest pays for high school football field upgrades in smaller U.S. towns. In 2026, 40 division finalists each receive $25,000, four division champions each receive $250,000 plus a fitness gym, and one school wins a $1 million home field upgrade. 1,000 schools also won $5,000 just for applying and posting on social media. The 2026 submission period ran April 9 to September 18, 2026, and public voting runs through November 8, 2026.

Who can apply

  • State and local governments
  • Nonprofits
  • Other applicants (see eligibility)

Our reading of the listing: for-profit businesses are not eligible for this one.

Permanent public or private school offering grades 9–12 at a physical campus it owns or holds on a multi-year lease

Located in a U.S. city, town or municipality with 150,000 residents or fewer

Maintains its own football field and has the rights to install the grand prize upgrade

Maintains at least one official public school social media account

Application submitted by an authorized school representative aged 18+ who is a legal resident of the 50 states or DC

Virtual schools, home schools, post-secondary schools and prior grand-prize winners are excluded

Topics and uses of funds

Topics

  • Community development
  • In kind

Money can be used for

  • Capital projects
  • Infrastructure
  • Equipment

Related grants

Open opportunities funding similar work, from the same funder or in the same place.

All grantsGrants by stateGrants by industry