$70,000 in Grants Awarded to Seven Hampton Roads Organizations in the 'Cox Charities' First Grants Program

CHESAPEAKE, Va., Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Seven local non-profit organizations were each awarded $10,000 grants through Cox Communications' new philanthropic initiative -- Cox Charities. The grants were awarded during a special reception held January 27 at the Cox Communications headquarters in Chesapeake.  

The 2010 recipients are based throughout the region and include the following:

• Preschool Partners, Newport News
• Steps 2 Success, York County
• Community Housing Partners Community Centers, Yorktown
• Raising a Reader Program of the United Way, Norfolk
• Seton House Youth Shelters, Virginia Beach
• The Up Center, Norfolk
• Chesapeake Health Investment Program, Chesapeake

"Each of the grant recipients has done incredible work here in the community, and Cox is so pleased to be able to support their efforts," said Gary McCollum, Cox Senior Vice President and General Manager. "Cox Communications is committed to making a difference right here at home, and we couldn't be prouder to recognize these organizations -- each of whom is helping to brighten the future for the youth of Hampton Roads."

Cox Charities will award grants on an annual basis to qualifying organizations that are focused on academic achievement and development of young people through science and technology, mentoring, literacy and other areas promoting youth education.

Leigh Woisard, Cox Vice President Government and Public Affairs said, "Cox also thanks our Advisory Committee members who were instrumental in the grant process and enabled us to support such a worthy roster of grant recipients. Their work ensures that Cox Charities supports organizations that are engaged in innovative education activities in our community."

Cox Charities Advisory Committee Members

Charitable Pledge Processing serves as the Cox Charities fiscal agent. The Advisory Committee is comprised of community and business leaders and has been appointed to make the final grant selections. Cox Charities Advisory Committee members are as follows:

• Beatriz Amberman, Chair, Virginia Latino Advisory Board
• Golden H. Bethune-Hill, Vice President, Riverside Regional Medical Center
• The Honorable John A. Cosgrove,  Delegate, Virginia General Assembly
• Mr. Robert W. Mathieson, Virginia Beach Business Leader
• The Honorable Yvonne B. Miller,  Senator, Virginia General Assembly
• The Honorable G. Glenn Oder,  Delegate, Virginia General Assembly
• Frank Rogan, President/CEO, United Way of Roanoke Valley
• Jagdish A. Singh, President of Citizens First and Member of Virginia Council on Human Rights
• The Honorable Ronald A. Villanueva,  Delegate, Virginia General Assembly
• The Honorable William E. Ward,   Former Mayor, City of Chesapeake
• Edith G. White, President/CEO, Urban League of Hampton Roads
• Gary McCollum, Cox Senior Vice President and General Manager
• Leigh Woisard, Cox Vice President Public and Government Affairs
• Scott Sale, Cox Vice President Business Operations

Cox Charities is funded by Cox Communications, its business partners and vendors as well as its 2,000 local employees.  Finally, in total, Cox Charities awarded $85,000 - which included organizations from Roanoke, Virginia as well.

For more information on the 2010 grant awards winners and how to apply for a grant, please visit www.coxcharities.org.

About Cox Communications

Cox Communications is a multi-service broadband communications and entertainment company with more than 6.2 million total residential and commercial customers.  The third-largest cable television company in the United States, Cox offers an array of advanced digital video, high-speed Internet and telephony services over its own nationwide IP network, as well as integrated wireless services.  Cox Business is a full-service, facilities-based provider of communications solutions for commercial customers, providing high-speed Internet, voice and long distance services, as well as data and video transport services for small to large-sized businesses.  Cox Media offers national and local cable advertising in traditional spot and new media formats, along with promotional opportunities and production services.  Cox Communications wholly owns and operates the Travel Channel.  More information about the services of Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com, www.coxbusiness.com, and www.coxmedia.com.  In Hampton Roads, Cox has more than 400,000 basic cable subscribers.

Cox Charities

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Cox Charities?

Cox Charities is a newly launched philanthropic initiative supporting the academic enrichment of children in the Hampton Roads and Roanoke regions.

2. What is the mission of Cox Charities? What types of programs does it fund?

The mission of Cox Charities is to provide grants to non-profit organizations serving the Hampton Roads and Roanoke regions. Grants are designated for youth education programs involving science and technology, mentoring, literacy, and other areas promoting the academic enrichment of children.

3. What communities does Cox Charities support?

Cox Charities provides grant funding support to non-profit organizations serving the Hampton Roads and Roanoke regions.

The specific communities in Hampton Roads are: Chesapeake, Currituck County (Knott's Island only), Gloucester County, Hampton, James City County,  King & Queen County, Newport News, New Kent County, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Poquoson, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, Town of West Point, and York County.

The specific communities in Roanoke are: the City of Roanoke, the County of Roanoke, and the Town of Vinton.

4. What role does the United Way of South Hampton Roads play in Cox Charities?

The United Way's subsidiary, Charitable Pledge Processing, LLC, serves as Cox's fiscal agent. Charitable Pledge Processing, LLC is an independent arm of the United Way and manages all contributions made to Cox Charities.  The United Way also assists Cox Charities in evaluating grant applications.  

5. Why did Cox begin this program?

Cox's core community strategy is to participate in and enhance the communities in which the company operates. Each year, Cox gives an estimated $3 million in direct and in-kind donations to support the communities we serve.  We believe that Cox Charities will enable the company to further enhance its giving by deepening its support and expanding its impact for local communities within Cox's service areas.

6. How much money will Cox Charities distribute each year? What is the typical grant amount?

Annual total grant awards will vary based on fund raising efforts throughout each fiscal year. Individual grants will most often be made in amounts of $5,000 and $10,000.

7. Why is this a combined Hampton Roads and Roanoke effort?

Cox operations in Roanoke and Hampton Roads are now combined under the leadership of Gary McCollum, Senior Vice President and General Manager. To achieve our goal of giving back to the communities we serve, Cox Charities will issue grants in Cox's Hampton Roads and Roanoke service areas. For grant criteria and an application, please visit www.coxcharities.org.

8. Are Cox employees involved in Cox Charities?

Cox's nearly 2,000 local employees are the cornerstone of the company's charitable and community outreach efforts and play a key role in the success of Cox Charities.  As the program continues to build, Cox employees will help raise money for Cox Charities, volunteer at special events, and recommend organizations for grant consideration.

9. How often are Cox Charities grants awarded?

Grants are issued annually. The Cox Charities Advisory Committee selects grant recipients.

10.  How can my organization apply for funding?

Visit the Cox Charities website, www.coxcharities.org for grant criteria and information concerning the grant cycle and awards process, and to download a grant application.

11. Is my Cox Charities contribution tax-deductible?

Yes. Donations to Cox Charities are tax-deductible.

12.  How can individuals and businesses support Cox Charities?

Contributions to Cox Charities can be made at any time. Checks can be made out to: Cox Charities and mailed to:

13.  What is the role of the Advisory Committee?

The Advisory Committee reviews applications and selects grant award winners using an established process and with the support of United Way recommendations.

14.  If I have more questions, who do I call at Cox?

You may call 1-877-400-0936. You may also visit www.coxcharities.org for additional details regarding Cox Charities.

SOURCE Cox Communications