North Carolina Nonprofits Received Nearly $177,000 in Verizon Foundation Grants During 2007

DURHAM, N.C. - Forty nonprofit groups in North Carolina received nearly $177,000 from the Verizon Foundation in 2007, enabling the recipient organizations to improve basic literacy skills, create new and diverse approaches to technology-based learning, and help domestic violence victims rebuild their lives.  Additionally, 214 assorted nonprofit organizations received over $259,000 through the Verizon Volunteer program, bringing total foundation support for North Carolina to more than $436,000.

The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications and one of the largest corporate foundations in the world, awarded a total of $67.4 million in grants last year. 

"Verizon's philanthropy is directed to address critical social needs," said Alan Ciamporcero, Verizon's president for the Southeast region.  "Our foundation is making strategic investments to improve the quality of life in our communities - where our customers and employees live and work.

"Projects that advance the fundamental skill of literacy, apply technology to augment organizational capabilities, and protect the vulnerable tie directly into the Verizon Foundation's mission of making a difference," Ciamporcero said.

In 2007, Verizon Foundation grants included $8,000 for the Cape Fear Guardian Ad Litem program in Wilmington to raise awareness of the organization's role with domestic violence programs; $20,000 for Duke University The Write Stuff, a joint venture science literacy program between Duke and Durham's middle schools; $7,500 for Western Carolina University in Cullowhee for expansion of the biodiesel learning laboratory; and $2,500 for the Futures for Kids  program in Raleigh to assist with curriculum choices toward career goals for middle and high-school students. 

An additional 214 organizations received $259,354 through the foundation's Verizon Volunteers and matching gifts program, which rewards employees and retirees with matching gifts and grants to nonprofits and educational institutions that employees donate to and support.  Last year, Verizon employees supported numerous community organizations, including the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, Rescue Mission Ministries in Durham and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure - Triangle Affiliate, among many others.

The Verizon Foundation supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education through its signature program, Thinkfinity.org, and fosters awareness and prevention of domestic violence.  In 2007, the foundation awarded more than $67.4 million in grants to nonprofit agencies in the United States and abroad. The foundation also matched the charitable donations of Verizon employees and retirees, resulting in $25.1 million in combined contributions. Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation's largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retirees have volunteered more than 3 million hours of community service since Verizon's inception in 2000.

For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizon.com/foundation.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving nearly 66 million customers nationwide.  Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of nearly 235,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of $93.5 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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