Verizon Foundation Offers $150,000 in Grant Opportunities to Community-Based Organizations in the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence

PHILADELPHIA - The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, is seeking grant proposals for technology-based programs that bolster efforts to combat domestic violence through awareness, prevention and recovery.

Community-based nonprofit organizations in the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) - the first state domestic violence coalition in the country - can apply online for competitive grants from the foundation totaling $150,000. Eligible nonprofit organizations in the coalition can compete for individual awards of up to $10,000 to fund programs that best match the foundation's technology focus.

"As a corporate neighbor employing 17,000 men and women in Pennsylvania, Verizon cares deeply about the communities we serve," said William B. Petersen, president of Verizon Pennsylvania. "We help improve the safety of families in communities throughout the commonwealth by supporting domestic violence prevention programs.

"The goal of our grant program is to continue to raise awareness, educate people about the causes and effects of domestic violence, and help our communities address and prevent domestic violence."

Organizations must submit their proposals through the Verizon foundation's Web site (www.verizon.com/foundation) no later than midnight Eastern time on Aug. 2.

To qualify for funding, applicants must be a nonprofit 501c(3) organization with a valid Internal Revenue Service Tax ID.

Verizon delivers technology that touches people's lives. The Verizon Foundation uses that technology and its financial resources to improve literacy and K-12 education; support people who have experienced domestic violence; and improve the delivery of health care. In 2005, the foundation awarded more than $74 million in grants to charitable and nonprofit agencies in the United States and abroad. The foundation also supports Verizon Volunteers, one of the largest employee volunteer programs in the United States, responsible for 2 million hours of community service since 2000 and $35.6 million in combined contributions to nonprofits in 2005 alone.

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

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), a Dow 30 company, 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 53 million customers nationwide. Verizon Business operates one of the most expansive wholly-owned global IP networks. Verizon Telecom is deploying the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network to deliver the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services to customers. Based in New York, Verizon has a diverse workforce of more than 250,000 and generates annual consolidated operating revenues of approximately $90 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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