5.18.2006 ET

(CSRwire) SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 18, 2006--The AT&T Foundation - the philanthropic arm of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T)- today announced the launch of the 2006 AT&T Excelerator competitive technology grants program. Now in its fifth year, AT&T Excelerator will provide $6.1 million to regional and local nonprofit organizations for projects that use technology to build stronger communities.

AT&T Excelerator is a major philanthropic initiative that helps nonprofits fully integrate technology into their ongoing operations and community outreach. AT&T Excelerator grants also help nonprofit organizations put technology tools into the hands of the underserved populations they work with, providing resources such as Internet access, computer training, math and reading programs, and job-skills development.

Since 2002, the AT&T Foundation has allocated $33 million through AT&T Excelerator grants, supporting more than 2,000 nonprofit organizations across the nation. Grant funds helps nonprofits meet their missions by improving technology resources, including hardware, software and networking tools.

"The AT&T Foundation believes technology can empower communities and change lives," said Laura Sanford, president of the AT&T Foundation. "Over the past five years, we have seen nonprofits use technology tools to improve staff communications, broaden capacity and, ultimately, impact more lives in our communities."

"In our legislative work, we continually strive to find the most efficient ways to connect people with technology resources," said Texas state Sen. Kyle Janek, chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Emerging Technology and Economic Development. "The AT&T Excelerator program is valuable, because it provides the technology tools nonprofits need to improve day-to-day operations and focus on the people served by their missions."

In 2006, the AT&T Excelerator grant program will be open to nonprofit organizations located in the following states: Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin. Please see the 2006 AT&T Excelerator application for additional guidelines and restrictions.

Last year, AT&T Excelerator distributed millions of dollars to more than 500 nonprofit organizations across the country. In California, National Indian Justice Center used 2005 AT&T Excelerator grant funds to support computer-based instructional resources to teach at-risk Native American youth life skills. In Ohio, the Highland County District Library used grant funds to create a wireless computer lab that provides computer training to seniors in the community.

Finally, in Texas, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston received grant funds for hardware and a database program that helps match volunteers with enrolled youth.

"With funding from the 2005 AT&T Excelerator grant, the EAST Initiative developed an e-Learning portal to deliver first-class educational training to students and teachers across Arkansas at a fraction of the cost," said Edward E. Darbonne, president and CEO of EAST Initiative, a nonprofit based in Little Rock.

The 2006 AT&T Excelerator grant program will award $6.1 million in competitive technology-related grants. Individual grants will range from $2,500 to $25,000 and are one year in length. Collaborations by two or more organizations will be considered for grants up to $50,000 for one year.

2006 AT&T Excelerator grants will help nonprofit organizations across the U.S. improve their operations and build stronger communities through:

-- Internet Access. Networked, high speed access to the Internet and e-mail.

-- Data Networking. Network connectivity enabling easy sharing of database applications and information systems.

-- Online Outreach. Interactive, Web-based applications that support activities such as service delivery, volunteer recruiting and e-fundraising.

-- Staff Technology Capacity. Technology-training programs for nonprofit staff members.

-- Pooled Technology Resources. Programs that work to address the technology needs of multiple nonprofits.

To qualify for an AT&T Excelerator grant, an organization must emphasize education, community development, health and human services, or arts and culture. Grant funds may be used for data communications services, hardware, software, technology training, personnel and application development. Additionally, no fewer than 50 percent of project grant funds must be used to target underserved populations, including racial and ethnic groups, low-income populations, seniors or disabled persons.

Interested organizations can apply for this year's grant by downloading a copy of the 2006 request for proposals (RFP) from www.att.com/foundation. All proposals must be received no later than July 5, 2006.

About the AT&T Foundation

The new AT&T Foundation, the philanthropic arm of AT&T Inc., supports programs that build communities and improve access to information technologies, technology training and professional skills development. The new AT&T Foundation will provide more than $60 million in 2006 in charitable contributions, thereby placing it among the top five largest corporate foundations in the country. The new AT&T Foundation combines more than 40 years and $1.7 billion of philanthropic commitment to communities across the country.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. is one of the world's largest telecommunications holding companies and is the largest in the United States. Operating globally under the AT&T brand, AT&T companies are recognized as the leading worldwide providers of IP-based communications services to business and as leading U.S. providers of high speed DSL Internet, local and long distance voice, and directory publishing and advertising services. AT&T Inc. holds a 60 percent ownership interest in Cingular Wireless, which is the No. 1 U.S. wireless services provider with 55.8 million wireless customers. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and AT&T products and services is available at www.att.com.


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