Verizon Foundation Awarded Nearly $67 Million in Community Grants in 2010 to Support Nonprofit Organizations

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Jan. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon, awarded nearly $67 million in 2010 to nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S.  The majority of the funds went to organizations that support education, domestic violence prevention and Internet safety.  

Since 2005, the Verizon Foundation has awarded more than $411 million to support nonprofit organizations.

"Verizon is driven by its employees to use the innovative power of our technology and philanthropic dollars to address critical social issues," said Verizon Foundation President Rose Kirk. "We are proud to partner with key nonprofit organizations throughout the nation to be a positive force for change in communities in greatest need."

Programs and organizations supported by the Verizon Foundation in 2010 include:

• Technology in Education -- Eleven leading educational organizations were awarded $4.8 million to create engaging resources for use in and out of the classroom.  The resources -- which include standards-based K-12 lesson plans, educational videos, online activities and podcasts -- are available for free to teachers, parents and students through Verizon Thinkfinity (www.thinkfinity.org).
• Domestic Violence Prevention -- Continued support of "Telling Amy's Story," a compelling documentary about a mother of two who was shot and killed by her husband. The documentary, produced by Penn State Public Broadcasting, has aired on more than 300 public television stations and has been used as an educational tool by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice.  In addition, Verizon continued to support survivors of domestic violence through the Verizon HopeLine® program. Through HopeLine, no-longer-used wireless phones are collected and recycled or refurbished to support domestic violence survivors. Since 2001, more than 7 million wireless phones have been collected, generating $8 million that has been given to local agencies.
• Internet Safety -- Support of Common Sense Media's  "Digital Citizenship in a Connected Culture," an innovative series of 13 lessons and videos focusing on digital literacy and citizenship curriculum, available for free through www.thinkfinity.org. In addition, Common Sense Media hosts weekly blogs and video tips for parents on the Verizon Parental Control Center.
• Employee Volunteerism – In 2010, Verizon employees volunteered 733,806 hours to support nonprofit organizations. The Verizon Foundation supports employee volunteerism by awarding a $750 grant to a nonprofit organization when a Verizon employee volunteers 50 hours or more to the organization during the year.

The Verizon Foundation uses its technology, financial resources and partnerships to address critical social issues, with a focus on education and domestic violence prevention. Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation's largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retirees have volunteered nearly 6 million hours of community service since 2000. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizonfoundation.org.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 93 million customers nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 195,000.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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SOURCE Verizon