Verizon Foundation Invites Massachusetts Nonprofits to Apply for $100,000 in Domestic Violence Solutions Grants

The Verizon Foundation is inviting nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts to apply for a total of $100,000 in grants to support domestic violence prevention and services programs.

In the past three years, under the Verizon Foundation Domestic Violence Solutions Awards program, Verizon has provided grants to more than 30 nonprofits in Massachusetts. Past recipients have included Abby Kelly Foster's House in Worcester, Elizabeth Stone House in Jamaica Plain, and Portal to Hope in Medford.  This year, 10 grants of $10,000 each will be awarded.

"Domestic violence is a terrible epidemic that affects many people and their families across Massachusetts," said Donna Cupelo, Verizon region president of New England.  "The Verizon Foundation is working closely with domestic violence service providers to end the cycle of violence.  Through our grant giving, we provide the financial, technical and human expertise organizations need to focus on education, prevention, victim relief and empowerment."

This year's grants will support:

• The use of technology to improve domestic violence prevention and awareness programs.
• Programs that enable an agency to reach the community it serves more effectively.
• Programs that provide participants with strategies for enhancing their safety and use of community resources.
• Proposals that provide job-related technology training for individuals participating in domestic violence programs.

More information about applying for the grants is available at www.verizon.com/ma.  Nonprofits must apply by July 23.

The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education and fosters awareness and prevention of domestic violence.  In 2009, the Verizon Foundation awarded $67.9 million in grants to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad.  It also matched the charitable donations of Verizon employees and retirees, resulting in $26.1 million in combined contributions to nonprofits.  Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation's largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retirees have volunteered more than 5 million hours of community service since 2000. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizonfoundation.org.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving nearly 93 million customers nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 217,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $107 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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