http://www.bmtfoundation.com/media/
CONTACT: Mark Sanders
PHONE: 1-800-469-0661
(Washington, D.C.) - The Beaumont Foundation of America, headquartered in Jefferson County, Texas, today kicked off its effort to provide free computer technology to underserved communities in North Dakota.
The $350 million Foundation began accepting grant applications for its first grant cycle on January 6, 2003. Over the course of the program North Dakota will receive $680,000 in grants for computer hardware.
Senator Kent Conrad praised the initiative: "Already four communities in our state have benefited from grants already made and we're just delighted that this announcement of a substantial increase of available funds so that more communities can compete for those funds. I would urge communities across North Dakota to become aware of this program, to apply for the funds, and for those who are successful to know that this is going to make a difference in the lives of our young people."
The Foundation's core purpose is to grant state-of-the-art, Internet-enabled, wireless computer hardware to Americans who do not have access to the vast educational benefits of the Internet, and to collaborate with existing successful organizations to provide the technical support to utilize it. Grants from the Foundation will be available across America throughout the next four years.
The Beaumont Foundation of America was funded as part of the settlement of an historic $2.1 billion nationwide class action case. Three Beaumont, Texas lawyers, Wayne A. Reaud, Gilbert I. Low and Hubert Oxford, conceived of an ingenious approach to use large class action litigation for public good. Under this model, unclaimed portions of class action recovery are placed in a foundation which is dedicated to addressing unmet social needs.
The Foundation believes that the unique circumstances under which it was created can serve as a model for similar class action settlements and give rise to a new form of American philanthropy.
"I'd like to see to it that there is not a child in this country who is denied access to a computer, nor is there a child in this country who has access to a computer but does not have a teacher who can teach him how to use it," said Wayne Reaud, Chairman of the Board of the Foundation.
The Foundation is dedicated to the principle of digital inclusion. That is, to help make today's technology and all the educational advantages that accrue from it accessible to everyone, everywhere, anytime. From the most remote rural areas to the most densely populated sectors of our inner cities, the Foundation strives to provide the benefits of unlimited access to information.
The Beaumont Foundation of America is granting technology equipment to qualifying non-profits, faith-based and community organizations, libraries, schools and individuals in need. Grant applications are being accepted from January 6, 2003 through March 31, 2003. For more information about eligibility and future grant application opportunities, contact the Beaumont Foundation of America at www.bmtfoundation.com or call at 1.866.505.2667 (TTY 1-800-459-0311).