From the island of Hawaii to the coast of Maine, Verizon Foundation last year awarded in excess of 21,000 grants totaling about $70 million to charitable and nonprofit agencies that focus on improving basic and computer literacy, enriching communities through technology, creating a skilled work force, encouraging employee volunteerism, and finding solutions to combating domestic violence. Verizon Foundation uses its resources in the United States and abroad to support the technology initiatives of nonprofit organizations serving the needs of diverse communities, people with disabilities, victims of domestic violence, and the economically and socially disadvantaged. The foundation also supports Verizon Volunteers, an incentive program that last year encouraged employees to volunteer 595,000 hours in their communities and provided $34.6 million in combined contributions to charitable and nonprofit organizations.

In 2004, as we continue to encourage the spirit of volunteerism across America, our strategic grantmaking will include direct grants and Request for Funding Proposals (RFPs) that fulfill our commitment to enriching our communities by supporting literacy and education, technology and work force development, and the fight against domestic violence.

Verizon Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications. Verizon Communications Inc. is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. With a diverse workforce of approximately 208,000, Verizon has four business units: Domestic Telecom serves customers based in 29 states with wireline telecommunications services, including broadband, nationwide long-distance and other services. Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 42.1 million voice and data customers across the United States. Information Services operates directory publishing businesses and provides electronic commerce services. International includes wireline and wireless operations and investments, primarily in the Americas and Europe. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.