Nonprofit Organizations in the Quad Cities Building Stronger Communities Through Nearly $6 Million in National Grant Program From AT&T

Nonprofit Organizations in the Quad Cities Building Stronger Communities Through Nearly $6 Million in National Grant Program From AT&T

Celebrating its fifth year, AT&T Excelerator, a competitive technology grant program from the AT&T Foundation — the philanthropic arm of AT&T Inc. — awarded $16,300 to two Quad Cities nonprofit organizations. Since 2002, the AT&T Excelerator program has provided more than 2,500 technology grants, valued at more than $38.8 million, to organizations across the country. In 2006, more than 480 regional and local nonprofit organizations benefited nearly $6 million through the competitive program. The AT&T Excelerator program is a key component of AT&T AccessAll, a three-year $100 million philanthropic initiative that provides technology access to the organizations that work to strengthen communities.

“The development of our youth is vital. This grant is another exciting step in the King Center’s expanding its capacity to serve more youth in order to have a more powerful impact in the community,” said Jerry Jones, the executive director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center serves youth aged 12 and older. The teen center that is being created is in need of computers with Internet access, serving as an effective tool for academic, vocational and recreational activities. This grant will allow the center to purchase the needed computers, secure Internet access and educational software and provide classes in order to maximize their use.

“In today’s fast-paced world, technology is a vital component of the success of nonprofit organizations that do not always have the funds to properly utilize time- and cost-saving technologies,” said State Sen. Mike Jacobs. “Personally seeing the benefits of technology at organizations like The Martin Luther King Jr. Center and the Boys and Girls Club demonstrates the increased need to properly fund and equip such efforts.” 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.

“For five years, the AT&T Excelerator program has underlined the importance of how technology can benefit communities and organizations,” said Dennis Pauley, director of External Affairs. “The Martin Luther King Jr. Center and other organizations in the Quad Cities area will continue to use technology funded by this program to empower the community and to change the lives of those they serve on a day-to-day basis. We commend State Senator Jacobs and State Representative Verschoore for their dedication in assisting nonprofit organizations in the Quad Cities and for understanding the vital role that technology plays in their success.”

Read the complete Press Release