Verizon Foundation Offers Grant Opportunities to Texas Elementary and Middle Schools

IRVING, Texas - The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, is seeking grant proposals for technology projects from elementary and middle schools (K-8). Specifically, the foundation seeks innovative ideas for the use of computers in the teaching curriculum and other ideas that increase literacy levels in both language and computer technology.

Schools serving communities where Verizon provides local telephone service are invited to apply for competitive grants totaling $250,000.

"Economic vitality depends on high literacy rates and quality education. Computer technology can open up a treasure chest of information that inspires and challenges teachers and students," said Steve Banta, Verizon Southwest Region president. "Verizon has invested billions of dollars in the region's telecommunications infrastructure and cares deeply about the communities it serves."

Proposals must be submitted through the Verizon Foundation's Web site, www.verizon.com/foundation, no later than June 25. Individual grants will range from $1,000 to $25,000, although some could be higher. Applicants should click on the Texas RFP link and type invitation code 566583SSX6.

To qualify for funding, schools must have a current National Center for Education Statistics school and district registration.

The Verizon Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, a Dow 30 company and one of the world's leading providers of communication services. In 2003, the foundation awarded more than 21,000 grants totaling about $70 million to charitable and nonprofit agencies that focus on improving basic and computer literacy, enriching communities through technology, and creating a skilled work force. More than 175 organizations in Texas received $3.8 million last year. The foundation uses its resources in the United States and abroad to develop partnerships in technology and connect them with organizations serving the needs of diverse communities, people with disabilities, victims of domestic violence, and the economically and socially disadvantaged. The foundation also supports Verizon Volunteers, an incentive program that last year encouraged Verizon employees to volunteer 595,000 hours in their communities and provided $34.6 million in combined contributions to charitable and nonprofit organizations. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizon.com/foundation.

Verizon Communications

A Dow 30 company, Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services, with approximately $68 billion in annual revenues. Verizon companies are the largest providers of wireline and wireless communications in the United States. Verizon is also the largest directory publisher in the world, as measured by directory titles and circulation. Verizon's international presence includes wireline and wireless communications operations and investments, primarily in the Americas and Europe. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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