Verizon Foundation Seeks South Carolina Applicants for Literacy, Work Force Development and Community Technology Development Grants

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - Nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in South Carolina are invited to compete for $120,000 in grants offered by Verizon Foundation this year.

Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon, is soliciting grant applications from nonprofits that are pursuing projects in literacy, work force development and community technology development. Interested organizations and institutions should apply online at www.verizon.com/foundation.

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

Verizon Foundation will give strong preference to projects that:
• offer an innovative program that meets the literacy, work force development or technology development needs of the community;

• benefit communities served by Verizon's local phone companies;

• assist nonprofits in serving diverse racial and ethnic communities, people with disabilities and other under-served groups.

"The economic health of South Carolina depends on a skilled and literate work force, and Verizon's support will focus on initiatives that use technology to help create a skilled workforce," said John Blanchard, president of Verizon's southeast region. "We anticipate this competitive process will yield high-quality proposals that will make a difference in the quality of life in South Carolina.

"We want to assist as many deserving organizations as possible," he added. "We encourage nonprofit organizations that meet our funding criteria to apply online."

Verizon Foundation accepts proposals only through its Web site. Mailed or faxed proposals will not be accepted. Nonprofit organizations that do not have Internet access can request an eGrant from Verizon Foundation in the amount of $240 toward Internet access from the vendor of their choice.

Proposals for literacy, work force development or community technology development grants are due by midnight May 24, and recipients are expected to be notified as early as July.

Verizon Foundation

Verizon Foundation 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 on the Internet.

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 132.1 million access line equivalents and 29.4 million wireless customers. Verizon is also the largest directory publisher in the world. With more than $67 billion in annual revenues and approximately 247,000 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.