Verizon Supports 123 Florida Nonprofit Groups to Promote Literacy, Technology and Workforce Development

TAMPA, Fla. - Verizon reaffirmed its commitment to improving literacy and technology education last year through grants for a broad range of literacy, workforce development, community technology and human service programs. Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon, donated $2,083,000 to 123 nonprofit groups in the state during 2002.

"In today's tight economy, nonprofit organizations need financial assistance now more than ever," said Alan Ciamporcero, president - public policy and external affairs, Southeast region, Verizon. "Verizon's grants underscore our long-standing goal of improving the communities we serve and our commitment to providing excellent service to our customers."

Recipients of major grants included:
• Florida Literacy Coalition -- $125,000 to support community-based programs that help integrate family literacy concepts into instruction and delivery.

• University of Tampa -- $100,000 to help with the creation of a distance learning/satellite communications center within the library.

• Polk Community College Education Foundation -- $25,000 to help create a Workforce Development Strategic Plan that will help design class offerings to meet employer workforce needs.

• Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center -- $50,000 for "Page to Stage."

• IT Florida -- $75,000 to enhance the organization's technology infrastructure.

In addition, literacy grants went to Junior Achievement of West central Florida; Manatee County Schools Foundation; Pinellas County Urban League; Read Pinellas, Inc.; and Serve, Inc., among others.

Technology education grant recipients included Tampa Bay Partnership Regional Research & Education Foundation; Hispanic Services Council; Computer Mentors Group, Inc.; Science Center of Pinellas County, Inc.; Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services, Inc; and The Spring of Tampa Bay.

Verizon recognized the importance of the state's workforce development programs by awarding additional grants to the Cuban American National Council, Inc.; Krewe of the Knights of Sant Yago Education Foundation, Inc.; Pasco Economic Development Council, Inc.; Pinellas Opportunity Council, Inc.; Goodwill Industries - Manasota, Inc.; Florida Southern College; and the TOBA Foundation.

Other grant recipients include The Florida Orchestra; Lowry Park Zoo; Florida Education Foundation; St. Petersburg Employment & Economic Development Corporation; University of South Florida; and H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute Foundation, Inc.

In addition to these grants, a wide variety of nonprofit agencies received a total of over $410,000 through Verizon Volunteers, an incentive program that encourages Verizon employees to volunteer in their communities and provides matching gifts to nonprofit organizations.

Verizon Foundation is committed to helping people and communities 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 135.0 million access line equivalents and 31.5 million Verizon Wireless customers. Verizon is also the largest directory publisher in the world. With more than $67 billion in annual revenues and more than 236,000 employees, Verizon's global presence extends to more than 35 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. For more information on Verizon, visit www.verizon.com.

####