Verizon Foundation Offers $45,000 in Grants to South Carolina Nonprofits and Educational...

Verizon Foundation Offers $45,000 in Grants to South Carolina Nonprofits and
Educational Institutions

Foundation Seeks Proposals for Innovative Projects That Support Technology in
Literacy or Internet Safety Programs

COLUMBIA, S.C., July 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The Verizon Foundation is seeking
grant proposals from nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in
South Carolina for innovative projects that support the use of technology in
literacy or Internet safety programs.

Literacy programs may address the areas of family, adult, early childhood or
K-12 literacy, including programs that develop English as a second language or
basic computer literacy skills. Verizon is particularly interested in
proposals that deliver literacy training via e-learning or use technology to
enhance literacy training, such as computer and Web-based training programs.

Internet safety programs should focus on those that promote online safety for
children, senior citizens, families and communities.

Eligible nonprofit organizations and educational institutions may submit
proposals online and compete for individual grants ranging from $1,500 to
$10,000 to fund programs that most effectively match the Verizon Foundation's
literacy and Internet-safety focus areas. The foundation will award a total
of up to $45,000 in grants.

"As a technology company, Verizon is committed to supporting innovative
initiatives that leverage broadband technology to address the social issues
that are critical to the communities we serve," said Stan Bugner, state
director of public affairs, policy and communications for Verizon in South
Carolina. "Higher literacy rates result in stronger communities, economic
growth and a skilled workforce for today's technology-driven workplace.

"With regard to Internet safety, the Internet's dynamic features also make it
a convenient vehicle for those who intend to take advantage of innocent
consumers," Bugner added. "As one of the principal providers of online
services in America, Verizon is educating and encouraging consumers to use
safe practices while online. We hope that this request for proposals will
produce great opportunities for Verizon to support."

To qualify for funding, applicants must be a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization
with a valid Internal Revenue Service tax identification number, or an
accredited educational institution that has a current district registration
number and is affiliated with the National Center for Education Statistics.

Proposals must be submitted through the Verizon Foundation's Web site,
www.verizon.com/foundation, no later than Aug. 29, 2008. Qualified applicants
should click on the "Grant Applications -- Apply Online Today" link, then
click on the link marked "Ready to apply for a cash grant? Click here to
begin." Applicants then will need to add the invitation code 486D8JUVUV.

More information about this request for proposals can be found on the Verizon
Foundation Web site, under "Foundation News." Verizon expects to announce
grant recipients by Sept. 30.

About the Verizon Foundation:
The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications,
supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education through its signature
program, Thinkfinity.org, and fosters awareness and prevention of domestic
violence. In 2007, the foundation awarded more than $67.4 million in grants
to nonprofit agencies in the United States and abroad. The foundation also
matched the charitable donations of Verizon employees and retirees, resulting
in $25.1 million in combined contributions. Through Verizon Volunteers, one of
the nation's largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and
retirees have volunteered more than 3 million hours of community service since
Verizon's inception in 2000. For more information on the foundation, visit
www.verizon.com/foundation.

About Verizon Communications:
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a leader
in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication
innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.
Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving
more than 67 million customers nationwide. Verizon's Wireline operations
include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business
solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings
customers the benefits of converged communications, information and
entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network. A
Dow 30 company, Verizon employed a diverse workforce of approximately 232,000
as of the end of first quarter 2008 and last year generated consolidated
operating revenues of $93.5 billion. For more information, visit
www.verizon.com.

VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and
biographies, media contacts, high-quality video and images, and other
information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at
www.verizon.com/news. To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the News
Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news
releases.

SOURCE Verizon

Media, Sandra Arnette, +1-410-393-7109, sandra.u.arnette@verizon.com, or Amber
Landsman, +1-803-254-5736, amber.l.landsman@verizon.com, both of Verizon