Verizon Supports 17 Wisconsin Nonprofit Groups to Promote Literacy, Technology and Workforce Development

SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. - Verizon reaffirmed its commitment to improving literacy and technology education this 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 $164,000 to 17 nonprofit groups in the state during 2003.

"In today's tight economy, nonprofit organizations need financial assistance now more than ever," said Richard M. Armstrong, Verizon vice president, public policy and external affairs for Wisconsin. "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:

• Madison Area Literacy Council -- $20,900 to develop standards and a handbook for adult literacy tutor training that will be used throughout the state.

• Central Wisconsin Indian Center -- $10,000 to provide computers for youngsters receiving tutoring services.

• Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board -- $20,000 to develop Web-site competency testing and training for prospective employees in Grant, Green, Iowa, Lafayette, Richland and Rock counties.

In addition, literacy grants went to the Literacy Council of Sheboygan County Inc.; Marathon County Child Development Agency Inc.; Northcentral Technical College; and the Wisconsin Humanities Council.

In support of technology education, Verizon also awarded grants to the Alzheimer's Association Greater Wisconsin Chapter; Boys & Girls Club of Langlade County; D.C. Everest Area Education Foundation; Hess Memorial Hospital Inc.; Marshfield Area United Way; and the Wausau Area Performing Arts Foundation Inc.

Verizon recognized the importance of the state's workforce development programs by awarding additional grants to Forward Wisconsin Inc.; the Wausau Area Hmong Mutual Association; Wilmot Union High School; and Wisconsin Women in Government.

In addition to these grants, 85 Wisconsin agencies received a total of more than $60,000 through Verizon Volunteers, an incentive program that encourages Verizon employees to volunteer in their communities and provides matching gifts to nonprofit organizations.

Verizon Foundation last year awarded 22,000 grants totaling more than $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. 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. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizon.com/foundation.

A Fortune 10 company, Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services, with approximately $67 billion in revenues. Verizon companies are the largest providers of wireline and wireless communications in the United States, with more than 139 million access line equivalents and 36 million Verizon Wireless customers. Verizon is the third largest long-distance carrier for U.S. consumers, with nearly 16 million long-distance lines. The company 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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