AT&T Supports Nonprofit Organizations in West Michigan; Builds Stronger Communities Through $9 Million in National Grant Program
AT&T Excelerator Grants Assist Organizations Serving Diverse Ethnic Groups, Low-Income Families, People with Disabilities, Youth and Seniors
Grand Rapids, Michigan, November 12, 2007
The AT&T Foundation — the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) — has announced that it has awarded more than $47,000 to support four western Michigan nonprofit organizations and communities through the AT&T Excelerator competitive technology grant program.
Since 2002, the AT&T Excelerator program has provided more than 2,500 technology grants — totaling more than $47.8 million — to organizations across the country. In 2007, more than 680 regional and local nonprofit organizations benefited from nearly $9 million through the competitive program. This year, the AT&T Foundation expanded the Excelerator grant program for the first time to include AT&T Southeast's nine-state service area.
"Funding like this will allow us to better help those in need of our services," said Deb VanderMolen, executive director of Kent County Community Coordinated Child Care Inc. "As technology changes so fast, it can be difficult for nonprofit groups like ours to keep up with the pace."
"Access to technology is a vital component to the success of nonprofit organizations and the help they provide the people in western Michigan who depend on their services," said state Sen. Bill Hardiman, who represents the area served by these organizations. "Having personally seen the benefits of technology at organizations such as these has clearly demonstrated the increased need to properly fund and equip such efforts, and I applaud AT&T for doing just that."
"Providing funding to improve technology for these nonprofit organizations will absolutely benefit those in need of the help provided by these groups," said state Rep. Dave Hildenbrand. "Having a private sector partner like AT&T step forward to help make a difference is important to helping these groups continue to serve our community."
The AT&T Excelerator program provides technology access to organizations that are working to strengthen underserved communities. Helping nonprofit organizations integrate technology into their operations and community outreach, AT&T Excelerator grants also place technology tools in the hands of the underserved populations that the organizations work with in order to provide resources such as education programs, Internet access, computer training and job-skills development.
"We are proud to be able to reach out to our community organizations and help them help those in need," said Gail Torreano, president of AT&T Michigan. "These organizations will continue to use technology that is funded by this program to empower the community and change the lives of the people they serve on a day-to-day basis. We commend our west Michigan legislators for their dedication in assisting nonprofit organizations and understanding the vital role that technology plays in their success."
Western Michigan organizations that are receiving this year's grants include: Kent County Community Coordinated Child Care Inc., Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI), Legal Aid of Western Michigan and Macatawa Area Community Media Center Inc.
2007 AT&T Excelerator grants will help nonprofit organizations across Michigan and the U.S. improve their operations and build stronger communities through:
- Internet Access — networked, high speed access to the Internet and e-mail.
- Data Networking — network connectivity that enables easy sharing of database applications and information systems.
- Online Outreach — interactive, Web-based applications that support activities such as service delivery, volunteer recruiting and e-fundraising.
- Staff Technology Capacity — technology-training programs for nonprofit staff members.
- Pooled Technology Resources — programs that work to address the technology needs of multiple nonprofits.
In 2006, AT&T Inc. and the AT&T Foundation contributed more than $101 million to nonprofit organizations across the country. With its strong giving record, the AT&T Foundation ranks among the most generous corporate foundations in the United States.
Note: This AT&T release and other news announcements are available as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss.
| FIND MORE INFORMATION ONLINE | ||
| Related News Releases: | Web Sites: | |
|---|---|---|
About Philanthropy at AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its philanthropic initiatives and partnerships, AT&T supports projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement and address community needs. In 2006, AT&T contributed more than $101 million through corporate-, employee- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs. AT&T and the AT&T Foundation, the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc., combine more than $1.8 billion of historic charitable commitment to communities across the country.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at
www.att.com.
© 2007 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.
