DETROIT – The AT&T Foundation announced Monday it will provide $6.1 million to regional and local non profit organizations in Michigan and 12 other states for projects that use technology to build stronger communities.

2006 AT&T Excelerator grants will help nonprofit organizations across the U.S. improve their operations and build stronger communities through:

Internet Access. Networked, high speed access to the Internet and e-mail.

Data Networking. Network connectivity enabling easy sharing of database applications and information systems.

Individual grants will range from $2,500 to $25,000 and are one year in length. Collaborations by two or more organizations will be considered for grants up to $50,000 for one year.

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 that they work with, providing resources such as Internet access, computer training, math and reading programs, and job-skills development.

?The AT&T Foundation believes that technology can empower communities and change lives,? said Gail Torreano, president of AT&T Michigan. ?Over the past five years, we have seen nonprofits use technology tools to improve staff communications, broaden capacity and, ultimately, impact more lives in our communities.?

In 2006, the AT&T Excelerator grant program will be open to nonprofit organizations located in the following states: Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin.

Last year, AT&T Excelerator distributed millions of dollars to nearly 30 organizations in Michigan.

“With funding from the 2005 AT&T Excelerator grant, the Sphinx Organization has been able to expand the functionality of our Sphinx Kids Web site in order to support the music history component of our Sphinx Preparatory Music Institute curriculum.” said Aaron Dworkin, executive director. ?This enabled our 80 prep students to familiarize themselves with the history of minority musicians and composers as well as their more well-known European counterparts, thereby, furthering our mission and strategic plan.?

Candidate projects include Online Outreach. Interactive, Web-based applications that support activities such as service delivery, volunteer recruiting and e-fundraising, Staff Technology Capacity. Technology-training programs for nonprofit staff members, Pooled Technology Resources, Programs that work to address the technology needs of multiple nonprofits.

To qualify for an AT&T Excelerator grant, an organization?s major focus and project must emphasize education, community development, health and human services, or arts and culture. Grant funds may be used for data communications services, hardware, software, technology training, personnel and application development. Additionally, no fewer than 50 percent of project grant funds must be used to target underserved populations, including racial and ethnic groups, low-income populations, seniors or disabled people.

All proposals must be received by no later than July 5.

Interested organizations can apply for this year?s grant by downloading a copy of the 2006 request for proposals (RFP) from ATT.Com/Foundation