AT&T Supports Nonprofit Organizations in El Paso; 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
El Paso, Texas, November 27, 2007
The AT&T Foundation — the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) — has announced that it has awarded more than $35,000 to support nine El Paso 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 have benefited nationwide from nearly $9 million through the competitive program.
"This AT&T Excelerator grant will continue to support our efforts of entrepreneurial economic development for small and minority- and women-owned businesses by continuing to provide key hands-on resources to technology, technology-related information, technology-oriented training and technical assistance," said Cindy Ramos-Davidson, CEO of the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. "This grant definitely provides key support to enhance our Entrepreneurial Technical Assistance Centers and maximize the tools needed to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the services provided. We are building the labor force for tomorrow through entrepreneurship at the grass-roots level."
"Community-based and nonprofit organizations are integral to the local economy," said state Rep. Norma Chavez. "As technology improves, so should the systems of these organizations. These grants will not only ensure access to improved technology for El Paso organizations, but it will improve their outreach efforts and narrow the digital divide that exists today."
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 David Garcia, general manager of External Affairs for AT&T in El Paso. "The El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and other organizations in El Paso 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 state Representative Chavez for her dedication in assisting nonprofit organizations in El Paso and for her understanding of the vital role that technology plays in their success."
2007 AT&T Excelerator grants will help nonprofit organizations across El Paso improve their operations and build stronger communities. El Paso recipients illustrate the innovative ways technology can be employed to meet their missions:
- Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association will use grant funds to network and integrate all Alzheimer Association Chapter Web sites, which will help in developing consistency in design, content and navigation.
- American National Red Cross — El Paso will use grant funds to provide access to the American National Red Cross' Web-based client-assistance system on wireless laptops and to recruit and train field volunteers.
- El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Educational Development will further develop its Entrepreneurial Technical Assistance Centers (ETA's) with the appropriate technology in order to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the services that the Chamber of Commerce provides.
- Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce Foundation will upgrade the software and hardware of its current membership-management database system in order to keep up with the growth of members' needs.
- Interfaith Education Fund will expand its office network of technology infrastructure with the purchase and installation of three laptop computers.
- JA Worldwide will upgrade its technology infrastructure to improve efficiencies, increase service quality and help manage increasing numbers of students, teachers and volunteers.
- Project ARRIBA Advanced Retraining and Redevelopment will upgrade equipment, including lab and staff work stations, switches, a firewall appliance, a server, software and three new laptops.
- Ronald McDonald House Charities of El Paso will use grant funds to upgrade software, enhance employee skills through additional training and optimize events through the purchase of laptops.
- Sin Fronteras Organizing Project will use the grant to purchase computers, software, printers and the service of an IT specialist to analyze database needs in order to integrate technology into the organization's service delivery.
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 Media Kits: | Related Fact Sheets: |
|---|---|
| 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.
