Our Story

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 not just the digital divide, but all of these divides. Achieving a ZeroDivide characterizes both our vision and our mission.

Since our inception, we have invested almost $50 million to increase economic opportunities (workforce readiness, education, health, financial literacy) and civic engagement in underserved communities by:

• Increasing technology access
• Building technology skills through training and experience
• Increasing internet content and media production that is reflective of voices in communities that are not often heard
• Increasing the sustainability of community-based organizations through the creation of technology-based earned income strategies

ZeroDivide has partnered with and awarded grants to more than 500 community-based organizations. By increasing access to information and communications technology, ZeroDivide’s strategic and community investment partners have improved the lives of thousands in underserved communities.