Verizon Foundation Seeks Grant Applications from Nonprofit Organizations and Educational Institutions

EVERETT, Wash. - Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, is seeking grant applications from nonprofit and educational organizations in Washington for community technology development projects. The foundation will award more than $143,000 in grants to qualifying programs in the state.

The application deadline is July 12. Verizon will announce the winners in September.

To qualify for funding, applicants must be a nonprofit organization with a valid 501(c)(3) Internal Revenue Service tax ID. Educational institutions must have a current National Center for Education Statistics school and district registration.

Verizon Foundation will give strong preference to projects that:
• Benefit communities served by Verizon's local phone (non-wireless) companies.

• Emphasize how the innovative use of technology can solve problems.

• Assist nonprofit organizations in serving diverse racial and ethnic communities, persons with disabilities and other under-served groups.

• Demonstrate collaboration and help improve organizational efficiency.

"We are committed not only to providing superior telecommunications service to our customers but also to improving the quality of life in the communities we serve," said Marilyn Hoggarth, external affairs manager for Washington. "Our technology grants will be a catalyst for positive change because they will help nonprofit organizations serve those local communities more effectively."

Community technology development proposals and other funding requests are accepted only through the company's Web site - www.verizon.com/foundation. More information about the foundation can also be found at that site.

Verizon Foundation also provides "eGrants," one-time $240 awards for first-time Internet access for nonprofit organizations, and "e-Training" grants, which help employees at nonprofit organizations improve their computer skills. Organizations must submit applications for funding consideration online via the foundation's Web site.

Earlier this year, Verizon Foundation awarded $157,000 to nonprofits in Washington to support a variety of literacy projects. Later this year, the company will underwrite more than $143,000 in work force development grants in the state as well.

Verizon Foundation

Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, is committed to helping Verizon employees, customers and the communities in which they work and live make progress every day. The foundation supports a variety of programs that focus on improving basic and computer literacy, bridging the digital divide, enriching communities through technology and creating a skilled work force. The foundation promotes partnerships in technology with organizations serving the needs of diverse communities, people with disabilities, and the economically and socially disadvantaged. The foundation also supports Verizon Volunteers, an incentive program that encourages Verizon employees to volunteer in their communities and provides matching gifts to nonprofit organizations. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizon.com/foundation.

Verizon Communications

Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. Verizon companies are the largest providers of wireline and wireless communications in the United States, with 133.8 million access line equivalents and approximately 29.6 million wireless customers. Verizon is also the largest directory publisher in the world. With more than $67 billion in annual revenues and nearly 248,000 employees, Verizon's global presence extends to more than 40 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. For more information on Verizon, visit www.verizon.com.

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