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SBC Foundation Announces 2003 SBC Excelerator Multi-Million Dollar Competitive Grants Program For Community-based Organizations

SBC Foundation Announces 2003 SBC Excelerator Multi-Million Dollar Competitive Grants Program For Community-based Organizations

Published 01-22-03

Submitted by SBC Communications Inc.

SAN ANTONIO, TX – The SBC Foundation today announced the opening of its 2003 SBC Excelerator competitive technology grants program. Now in its second year, SBC Excelerator will provide $9 million in competitive grants to help nonprofits fully integrate technology into their ongoing operations and community outreach. Interested organizations can apply for this year’s grant by downloading a copy of the 2003 request for proposals (RFP) from www.sbc.com/foundation, or by calling 1-800-591-9663.

Introduced in 2002, SBC Excelerator is a competitive grants program that contributes millions of dollars annually to qualified organizations and projects that use technology to build stronger communities. In 2002, more than 400 organizations throughout SBC’s 13-state region received SBC Excelerator grants.

This year, SBC Excelerator will fund projects that build the technology infrastructure of nonprofits, enabling them to increase their organizational effectiveness and/or service capability in areas such as:

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

· Data Networking – Network connectivity to enable easy sharing of database applications and information systems.

· Online Outreach – Interactive web-based applications that support activities such as service delivery, volunteer recruiting, e-fundraising, etc.

· Staff Technology Capacity – Technology training programs for nonprofit staff members.

· Pooled Technology Resources - Programs that work to address the technology needs of multiple nonprofits, e.g. technology circuit riders (mobile, skilled technology consultants) and application service providers.

“The SBC Foundation recognizes the valuable role that nonprofit organizations play in meeting human needs and shaping successful communities,” said Laura Sanford, president of the SBC Foundation. “Technology can strengthen the ability of nonprofits in every sector of our community to advance their missions. SBC Excelerator is designed specifically to improve technology access and use at the national and grassroots levels.”

To qualify for the SBC Excelerator grant, an organization’s major focus and project must have emphasis in one of the following areas: 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. Grants will range from $2,500 to $25,000 and are for one year in length. Collaborations by two or more organizations will be considered for grants up to $50,000 for one year. Grant recipients of the 2002 SBC Excelerator program are eligible to submit a grant application for the 2003 program. Completed applications are due by April 22, 2003.


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The SBC Foundation is the charitable giving arm of SBC Communications Inc. The SBC Foundation supports efforts that enrich and strengthen diverse communities nationwide, particularly those with an emphasis on education and technology and those that benefit underserved populations. SBC Foundation-backed programs are designed to increase access to information technologies, broaden technology training and professional skills development, and effectively integrate new technologies to enhance education and economic development. The Chronicle of Philanthropy and Foundation Center have consistently ranked the SBC Foundation among the nation's top five corporate foundations. In 2001, the SBC Foundation launched SBC Excelerator, a multi-million dollar competitive grants program that funds non-profit organizations in their efforts to digitally connect communities.

SBC Communications Inc. (www.sbc.com) is one of the world’s leading data, voice and Internet services providers. Through its world-class networks, SBC companies provide a full range of voice, data, networking and e-business services, as well as directory advertising and publishing. A Fortune 30 company, America’s leading provider of high-speed DSL Internet Access services, and one of the nation’s leading Internet Service Providers, SBC companies currently serve 58 million access lines nationwide. In addition, SBC companies own 60 percent of America’s second-largest wireless company, Cingular Wireless, which serves more than 22 million wireless customers. Internationally, SBC companies have telecommunications investments in 25 countries.

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