AT&T Supports Lafayette Nonprofit Organization; Builds Stronger Communities Through $9 Million in National Grant Program
Performing Arts Society of Acadiana Receives AT&T Excelerator Grant
Lafayette, Louisiana, November 26, 2007
The AT&T Foundation — the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) — has announced that it has awarded more than $22,000 to support the Performing Arts Society of Acadiana Inc. (PASA) 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. 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. In Louisiana, 22 regional and local nonprofit organizations will receive a total of $340,000 through the competitive program. Nationally, nearly $9 million will be received by organizations serving diverse ethnic groups, low-income families, people with disabilities, youth or senior adults.
"As an arts presenting organization, it is important to us to provide high quality entertainment to Acadiana audiences," said Jacqeline Lyle, PASA Executive Director. "Thanks to the AT&T grant, we were able to enter into an artistic and technological partnership with renowned choreographer David Parsons to develop a 3-D dance performance. Our community will benefit tremendously from this experience, and we are certain that 'Lite Footed' will entertain local audiences."
"Technology is an important part of our everyday life — and of equal importance to our quality of life are the arts," said City-Parish President Joey Durel, whose administration has been a supportive partner for PASA. "Most nonprofit organizations do not have the funds necessary to take full advantage of the benefits of technology. It is my hope that by witnessing the potential of technology in connection to the performing arts, others will recognize the need to support similar endeavors."
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.
"Since 2002, the AT&T Excelerator program has demonstrated the importance of technology and the benefits it can bring to local communities and organizations," said Mandi Mitchell, AT&T Regional Manager of External Affairs. "The Performing Arts Society of Acadiana and other Louisiana organizations will continue to use technology funded by this program to improve our communities and to enrich the lives of the people they serve each and every day. City-Parish President Durel is to be commended for his dedication to the nonprofit organizations in the Lafayette area and for understanding the importance of technology."
2007 AT&T Excelerator grants will help nonprofit organizations across the state 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.
