1. The “New” 2016 AT&T CARES Special Contribution Program for Pioneers
April, 2016
AT&T Proprietary (Internal Use Only). Not for use or disclosure outside the AT&T companies except under written agreement

2. HISTORY
In September 2006, the AT&T Foundation Board of Directors approved AT&T CARES; a special funding program to begin in 2007 and in recognition of the value that volunteerism brings to the company and the communities served.
The program has been approved each year since However, since 2012 funding has been provided by AT&T rather than the AT&T Foundation.
Under the program, each Pioneer Chapter can nominate one public charity organization to receive a contribution of $5,000. (Pioneer Chapters are not eligible to receive direct funding through this program.)
In 2016, the program has been updated to allow the AT&T Pioneers National Board and the Projects and Programs (P&P) Committee to become more engaged in the management of the program and allocation of the funding.
The 2016 budget is $150,000 to cover the 30 AT&T recognized Pioneer Chapters ($5,000 per Chapter). A contribution will be made to TelecomPioneers and then further disbursed to the nominated organizations.
As a reminder, AT&T reserves the right to suspend, amend, or discontinue the program at any time.
04/12/2016
AT&T Proprietary (Internal Use Only). Not for use or disclosure outside the AT&T companies except under written agreement

3. 2016 Process and Criteria
Each AT&T recognized Pioneer Chapter may nominate an organization that meets the following criteria:
The organization must be classified by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity or a government instrumentality.
The organization must receive a minimum of 50 hours of volunteerism support from Pioneer Chapter members during the calendar year of January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016.  Additionally, volunteer hours must be recorded in one of the two online volunteer tracking systems (AT&T's Volunteerism Portal or Pioneers VolunteerNow!).    
Nominations must be submitted to Glynis Golden, (Projects & Programs Committee). Nominations may be submitted as early as May 1, 2016, but no later than July 1, 2016.
The AT&T Pioneers National Board and P&P Committee will coordinate with the AT&T Contributions Manager who will vet nominated organizations and verify public charity status.
Approved nominations will have a $5,000 contribution disbursed from the Pioneers Accounting Center made payable to the nominated organization and mailed to the Pioneer Chapter for presentation.
Disbursements will be made within a month of the approved nomination and not be held until the end of the year.
Chapters who have not reported the 50 hour minimum by December 15, 2016 will be subject to the $5,000 being reclaimed from Chapter Funds.
04/12/2016
AT&T Proprietary (Internal Use Only). Not for use or disclosure outside the AT&T companies except under written agreement

4. Benefits of 2016 Process Change
New Process Offers:
An expanded timeline that allows each Pioneer Chapter to more strategically plan their volunteerism efforts and then submit their CARES nomination.
A more streamlined approach that allows for more flexibility and less administrative burden on each Pioneer Chapter.
Less paperwork for the nominated organization since they are no longer required to complete an online funding application.
A higher level of involvement for the AT&T Pioneers Projects & Programs Committee and National Board.
04/12/2016
AT&T Proprietary (Internal Use Only). Not for use or disclosure outside the AT&T companies except under written agreement

5. Program Timeline Activity Timing
Nomination Forms submitted to the Pioneer Chapter President by date specified by each Chapter
Date set by each Chapter President
Each Chapter to review and select one final nomination and submit to Glynis Golden, no later then 07/01/16
Submissions window
5/1/16 thru 7/1/16
AT&T Pioneers National Board and Projects & Programs Committee completes nomination review (within 21 days of Chapter submission)
21 days from submission date (5/21/16 thru 7/21/16)
Contribution checks mailed to appropriate AT&T Pioneers contact for distribution
5/30/16 thru 7/31/16
Important to note: Chapters should understand that this is a nomination process and there is no implied commitment. Commitments are not final until the contributions are approved by AT&T Pioneers National Board and Projects & Programs Committee.
AT&T Proprietary (Internal Use Only). Not for use or disclosure outside the AT&T companies except under written agreement