AT&T Supports AHEAD Foundation; 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
Massillon, Ohio, November 28, 2007
The AT&T Foundation — the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) — has announced that it has awarded $48,484 to support the Affordable Housing Educational Advancement Developers (AHEAD) Foundation through the AT&T Excelerator competitive technology grant program. The AHEAD Foundation will use its grant to help fund a collaborative after-school program that gives underserved students access to computer-based instruction.
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, 680 nonprofit organizations across the country have 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.
"When you see the work up close that the AHEAD Foundation does here in Massillon, you are immediately reminded of the critical role that technology can play in improving our capacity to serve and in improving the quality of life for those we serve," said Alan Edie, board president of the AHEAD Foundation. "Technology capacity continues to emerge as a key factor in day-to-day operations and outreach, and it needs continued focus."
"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. John Hagan. "Personally seeing the benefits of technology at organizations such as the AHEAD Foundation 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 Connie Browning, president of AT&T Ohio. "The AHEAD Foundation and other organizations throughout Ohio 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 Hagan for his dedication in assisting nonprofit organizations in the Massillon area and for his understanding of the vital role that technology plays in their success."
2007 AT&T Excelerator grants will help nonprofit organizations across Ohio 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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