Verizon Foundation Offers $150,000 in Grant Opportunities to New Jersey Nonprofit Organizations for Domestic Violence Prevention Programs

NEWARK, N.J., July 26 /PRNewswire/ -- New Jersey nonprofit organizations can apply for $150,000 in grants from the Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, to support technology-based programs that bolster efforts to combat domestic violence through awareness, prevention and recovery in underserved communities across the state.

The foundation will award grants to agencies that develop programs that use technology to prevent and raise awareness of domestic violence prevention.  The funds can be used to enable the agencies to more effectively reach the communities they serve, to provide strategies for enhancing the safety of victims, and to offer job-related, training technology for individuals participating in the programs.

"As a major employer and corporate citizen across New Jersey, Verizon cares deeply about the communities we serve," said Dennis M. Bone, president of Verizon New Jersey.  "By supporting domestic violence prevention programs, we can help raise awareness of this issue and improve the safety of families in our communities."

To be eligible, a grant applicant must be a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in New Jersey.  Proposals should focus on underserved communities, such as low-income, ethic, minority, limited-English speaking and disabled groups in rural, suburban and inner-city regions. All grant applications must be submitted through the Verizon Foundation's website, www.verizonfoundation.org/apply, using invitation code VZNJDV.  Additional information regarding the grant guidelines can be found at the foundation's website. The deadline for submitting proposals is 11:59 p.m. Eastern time, Sept. 3.  Verizon will notify recipients of grant decisions by Oct. 8.

The Verizon Foundation supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education through its free educational website, Verizon Thinkfinity (www.thinkfinity.org), and fosters awareness and prevention of domestic violence.  In 2009, the Verizon Foundation awarded $67.9 million in grants to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad.  It also matched the charitable donations of Verizon employees and retirees, resulting in $26.1 million in combined contributions to nonprofits.  Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation's largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retirees have volunteered more than 5 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 92 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 last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $107 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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SOURCE Verizon