Verizon Foundation Offers $250,000 in Grants To Pennsylvania Boys & Girls Clubs

PHILADELPHIA - Boys & Girls Clubs located within Verizon's Pennsylvania service territory are invited to compete for $250,000 in grants being offered by Verizon Foundation.

The foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, is seeking grant applications for innovative projects that use technology to enhance the education of youth and create a better-educated workforce in the commonwealth.

"Children participating in Boys & Girls Club programs have an opportunity to build reading skills and participate in computer-based learning in a safe and enjoyable setting," said James V. O'Rourke, president and CEO, Verizon Pennsylvania. "The explosive growth of technology is dramatically changing the way kids learn and the way companies do business in Pennsylvania. We share the Boys & Girls Clubs' commitment to enhance the quality of life for young people by promoting education, along with character and skills development."

Verizon Foundation will give strong preference to projects that:
• Emphasize the benefits of innovative use of technology.
• Have a widespread impact in the community.
• Demonstrate partnerships and collaborations to help improve organizational efficiency.
• Define measurable results.

The deadline for filing proposals is May 29. Proposals must be submitted through Verizon Foundation's Web site at www.verizon.com/foundation. The foundation will not accept mailed or faxed proposals. Individual grants will range from $10,000 to $50,000 and will be awarded on or before Sept. 1.

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 135.8 million access line equivalents and 32.5 million Verizon Wireless customers. Verizon is also the largest directory publisher in the world. With more than $67 billion in annual revenues and 229,500 employees, Verizon's global presence extends to more than 30 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. For more information on Verizon, visit www.verizon.com.

####