At Verizon, we believe in the power of communications to change lives and are committed to bringing the benefits of our technology to Californians.  Our employees are continuing that commitment, serving millions of customers everyday on the job and contributing their own time for the well-being of our communities.

Verizon has a long-standing tradition of supporting organizations that improve the quality of life in the communities we serve. The 320 nonprofit groups funded in 2008 all share Verizon's vision of creating opportunities for Californians to lead healthier, safer and more productive lives.

Verizon works closely with a variety of advisory groups and nonprofit organizations to identify local needs and to develop and nurture programs that address those needs through the philanthropic support of the Verizon Foundation. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis following a review of online applications. For more details, go to www.verizon.com /foundation.

2008 at a Glance

More than 320 nonprofit groups in California received $8 million from the Verizon Foundation in 2008, enabling recipient organizations to enhance literacy skills, improve health care through the use of technology, and help domestic violence survivors rebuild their lives. 

Read the press release

Verizon has a long history of supporting quality educational resources and programs. We focus on preparing children to be successful; enabling teachers, parents and caregivers to help children learn; and educating adults so they are prepared to achieve their goals and contribute to their communities.

In the section you'll discover just a few examples of our commitment to lifelong learning.

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We focus our efforts on providing financial, human and technical support to programs and organizations that:

• Prevent domestic violence through education and provide victim relief and empowerment to individuals and families;
• Help underserved populations access information on critical health issues;
• Increase the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare providers;
• Improve the lives of people with disabilities, and;
• Teach children and adults how to use the Internet safely.

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Read the press release

Victims of domestic violence can now participate in a job-skills training program that can lead to economic self-sufficiency, thanks to a new partnership announced by the Jenesse Center and Verizon. At the charity's annual fundraiser, the Silver Rose Gala and Auction, on Sunday (April 19), Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry, the Jenesse Silver Rose chairperson, accepted a $250,000 grant from Verizon for the program.