The Verizon Foundation, the charitable arm of the telecom giant, has just announced a grant program for nonprofits and educational institutions working in South Carolina interested in supporting the use of technology in literacy and health care. A total of $50,000 – in blocks of $1,500 to $10,000 – will be awarded to eligible organizations submitting the best proposals.

According to the press release, proposals for literacy programs should focus on “the areas of family, adult, early childhood or K-12 literacy, including programs that develop English as a second language or basic computer literacy skills”, while health-related programs should address the “use of telecommunications technology to improve the quality of medical care for consumers or health care professionals, or both.”

Organizations do not necessarily need to be based in South Carolina, but all work done under this grant must benefit under-served communities in that state. Applications must be submitted by September 15, 2007. For more information, visit the Verizon Foundation’s web site.