FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 22, 2004                                       

CONTACT:  Eric Wetzel, Karen Way
800-469-0661
          

FOUNDATION AWARDS COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY GRANTS

The Beaumont Foundation of America (BFA) recently announced more than 400 community grants this October, a donation of nearly 5,000 Internet-enabled laptop computers valued at more than $11 million. The 2004 grantees are located throughout the country and include children’s hospitals, affordable-housing programs, faith-based initiatives, charitable foundations, and universities. Many grants were arranged through two key collaborations: eQuip for Success, a partnership between BFA and The Salvation Army; and Operation Connect, a partnership with Boys & Girls Club of America. All were made with the goal of helping the disenfranchised achieve digital equity. 

“We are excited about our 2004 grantees,” said Frank Newton, BFA President and Chief Executive Officer. “This latest round of grants helps solidify the Foundation’s dedication to the principle of digital inclusion. We selected exceptional organizations with the knowledge they will join us in furthering the mission of providing access to technology and digital information to the underprivileged.”

The Beaumont Foundation of America grants computer hardware to qualifying nonprofits, faith-based and community organizations, libraries, and schools in need. 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 Since 2001, BFA has awarded approximately 2,400 education, community and individual grants throughout the United States.

New grantees are listed by state in the Yearbook section of our website. For more information about eligibility and future grant application opportunities, contact the Beaumont Foundation of America at www.bmtfoundation.com or toll-free, 866-546-2667.