AT&T Supports Nonprofit Organization in Springfield; 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
Springfield, Illinois, November 16, 2007
The AT&T Foundation — the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) — has announced that it has awarded $10,000 to support Computer Banc 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 50 organizations across Illinois have been among the organizations nationwide that have benefited from nearly $9 million available 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.
"On behalf of Computer Banc, I would like to thank AT&T for its generosity in providing this funding," said Mike Mahorney, president, Computer Banc board of directors. "As we continue to grow and expand our mission, this grant will greatly help us in placing computers in the homes of underserved families and families that have a child or children who are academically at risk. It is partnerships such as these that enable us to serve families in our community and beyond."
The grant will support the placement of donated and refurbished computers in the homes of underserved families and will target academic areas by using software that is in a fun game format.
"In today's fast-paced world, technology is a vital component to the success of nonprofit organizations that do not always have the funds to properly use cost-saving technologies," said state Rep. Raymond Poe. "Personally seeing the benefits of technology at organizations such as Computer Banc demonstrates the increased need to properly fund and equip such efforts."
The AT&T Excelerator program provides technology access to organizations working to strengthen underserved communities. Helping nonprofits 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 nonprofits work with in order to provide resources such as education programs, Internet access, computer training and job-skills development.
"For the past six years, the AT&T Excelerator program has demonstrated the importance of how technology can benefit communities and organizations," said Dennis Pauley, director, External Affairs for AT&T Illinois. "Computer Banc and other organizations in central Illinois will continue to use technology funded by this program to empower the community and change the lives of the people whom they serve on a day-to-day basis. We commend Representative Poe for his dedication in assisting nonprofit organizations in the region and for his understanding of the vital role that technology plays in their success."
2007 AT&T Excelerator grants will help nonprofit organizations across Illinois 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.
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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.
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