History

Printer-friendly versionSend to friend

ZeroDivide was founded in 1998 as a result of the groundbreaking advocacy work  and coalition building of 134 community organizations during the merger of two telecommunications companies, Pacific Bell and SBC Communications.

ZeroDivide has sought to transform both individuals and communities through the power of information and communications technologies. We believe that through the use of technology, underserved communities will become healthy and vibrant; that great organizations, businesses, and jobs will thrive at the local level; and that community members will become more engaged, influential, and amplify their voices to be heard, to make a difference, and to foster change.

We believe that the digital divide is part of the set of social, economic, political and cultural divides that separate the haves from the have-nots. "ZeroDivide" is a concept to describe the aspirational goal of bridging the digital divide. Achieving a ZeroDivide characterizes both our vision and our mission.

Since our inception, almost $50 million has been invested through us through a combination of investments to provide solutions to community-building barriers such as:

• Lack of access to technology

• Inability to use technology

• Lack of relevant content

ZeroDivide has awarded more than 502 grants to nearly 400 community-based organizations in 41 of the state’s 58 counties. By increasing access to information and communications technology, ZeroDivide’s strategic and community investment partners have improved the lives of thousands in underserved communities.