AT&T Supports Nonprofit Organizations in Tyler; 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
Tyler, Texas, November 27, 2007
The AT&T Foundation — the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) — has announced that it has awarded $7,500 to support two Tyler nonprofit organizations 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 have benefited nationwide 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.
"The Excelerator grant will allow us to purchase new hardware and software," said Lana Peacock, executive director of the East Texas Crisis Center. "The upgrade to our technology will improve our staff efficiency, which will allow us to better deliver our services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault."
"Technology is such a vital component to our nonprofits here in Tyler so that they can better serve the many individuals who come to them for services or assistance on a daily basis," said state Senator Kevin Eltife. "Upgrades to technology or even basic equipment and services are needed to aid the organizations in creating good programs that can help so many."
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 Candice Gast, regional director of External Affairs for AT&T in Tyler. "The East Texas Crisis Center and other organizations in Tyler 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 Senator Eltife for his dedication in assisting nonprofit organizations in Tyler and for his understanding of the vital role that technology plays in their success."
2007 AT&T Excelerator grants will help nonprofit organizations in Tyler improve their operations and build stronger communities. Tyler recipients illustrate the innovative ways technology can be employed to meet their missions:
- East Texas Crisis Center will use grant funds to support the addition of hardware and software to its center in order to improve staff efficiency.
- Tyler Museum of Art will use grant funds to support its TMA Digital Project, enabling classrooms to access the museum's permanent art collections/exhibitions through digital tours. The idea is that exposure to the arts reaps academic benefits for greater success in post-secondary education.
In addition to the East Texas Crisis Center and the Tyler Museum of Art, 2007 AT&T Excelerator grants will help nonprofit organizations across Texas 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.
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