We are thrilled to announce that Community Players has been awarded a $15,000 national grant from Main Street America.

The grant is part of Main Street America’s Hartbeat of Main Street Grant Program, sponsored by The Hartford. Community Players was one of 31 small businesses selected in the second round of the grant program which will distribute more than $1.2 million to 98 businesses, and is the only Nebraska business selected to receive grant funding.

“Keeping our patrons, volunteers, and employees safe while expanding our potential impact will be possible thanks to this grant. We are thrilled the theater has been recognized with this funding,” Jamie Ulmer, managing artistic director, said.

The grant award of $15,000 will be used to pay for COVID-19 safety measures including air scrubbers and touchless fixtures in public restrooms, video equipment for filming and streaming shows, and accessibility upgrades to the facility.

“This grant also recognizes the invaluable impact cultural institutions and small businesses make in our communities and local economies. Investing in our sustainability will be a key component of the post-pandemic recovery and rediscovery of our communities,” Ulmer said.

Thousands of businesses from across the country applied for funding. Grant awards ranged between $5,000 and $15,000.

Grant proposals were judged based on: feasibility; the extent to which the grant will help address an acute business need or help a business owner implement innovative solutions to address COVID-19-related challenges; opportunity for other businesses to learn from work; how the grant would help improve the viability of business; the business’s commitment to giving back to their community and/or community engagement; and strength of letters of recommendation and supporting documents.

For more information and complete list of grantees, visit www.mainstreet.org.