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(Los Angeles) May 8, 2007 –- TZONE Foundation, the national grantmaking foundation founded by Tyra Banks, who was recently named among TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world, has expanded its philanthropic giving to New York City and is announcing its goal of developing long-term ties within the city’s under-served neighborhoods. It has awarded three grants of $10,000 each to non-profit organizations: Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy , The Lower Eastside Girls Club, and Sadie Nash Leadership Project. These organizations will utilize their TZONE Grants to build their community-based programming.

In response to research indicating that unrestricted funding for non-profit is the most valuable type of support, TZONE is distinguishing itself from the majority of funders, which often place a number of restrictions on their grants.

Ifetayo, a community-based arts and cultural organization, supports the creative, educational and vocational development of youth of African descent in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. TZONE’s grant will support The Sisters in Sisterhood Rites of Passage Program, which empowers girls with information to navigate their transition from adolescence into adulthood and develop strong leadership and communication skills. The Lower Eastside Girls Club provides an array of programs, for girls and young women ages 8-23, designed to build ethical, entrepreneurial and environmental leadership. The Girls Club will use TZONE’s grant for its Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds Program, which promotes active living, healthy eating and positive self-image. Sadie Nash Leadership Project provides opportunities for young women to develop their self-esteem, confidence and positive self-image by teaching them to take care of themselves, each other and their communities as they take on leadership roles.

“What these three organizations have in common is a commitment to fostering long-term, supportive female relationships through innovative programs that promote personal accountability, self-esteem, goal setting, healthy lifestyles and an appreciation for diversity. These are the defining criteria for organizations TZONE will fund, and they reflect what I’ve learned is necessary for a woman to be successful in life, in whatever career path she chooses,” said Ms. Banks.

“We’ve done our research and know which organizations are doing good work and producing results that have a lasting impact on young women. Our grantmaking reflects the confidence we have in our grantees. TZONE selects emerging organizations that, while off the radar of most funders, clearly know their community and have demonstrated positive outcomes for their communities,” said Mary Genis, Program Officer for TZONE.

The mission of the TZONE Foundation is to build a sisterhood movement among women by raising funds and delivering grants to community-based nonprofits that serve low-income and disadvantaged women and girls in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City. The Foundation began making charitable grants to nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles and Chicago in December 2006 and is seeking additional corporate funding to advance its work.

Donations to TZONE may be made by sending a check to the TZONE Foundation at:
2029 Century Park East Suite 500
Los Angeles, CA. 90067
or online at www.tzonefoundation.org.

Media Contact:
Elana Weiss
The Rose Group
310.280.3710
Email: Elana@therosegrp.com

TZONE Foundation Information:
TZONE Foundation
8391 Beverly Blvd. Suite 313
Los Angeles, CA 90048
For more information about the TZONE Grant Program: (323) 860-6500
Website: www.tzonefoundation.org