NORTHVILLE, Mich., August 10, 2004 - In less than a year, the Allegra Network FootPRINT FundSM for nonprofit friends has awarded more than $400,000 in free printing services to a wide variety of associations, charities and institutions. Allegra Network LLC, one of the world's largest printing franchises, launched the FootPRINT FundSM through franchise locations nationwide in November 2003. At a time when many nonprofit organizations are facing increasing competition for attention and support, the FootPRINT FundSM is intended to help such organizations more effectively "leave a footprint" in local communities. Participating Allegra Network franchise locations in the United States and Canada each contribute up to $20,000 annually in print services - including graphic design, printing, copying and bindery - that can be used for brochures, newsletters, forms, flyers, posters and other print materials. Nonprofit organizations must complete a written application explaining their goals and how the printing services will be used. Eligible nonprofit organizations - such as schools, libraries, professional groups, health organizations, religious groups, trade and business associations and community groups - can receive awards of typically $1,000 per organization in printing services. "Today, nonprofit organizations must work harder to attract volunteers and generate funding and other sources of support," said newly-appointed Allegra Network President Carl Gerhardt. "Allegra Network is proud to offer the FootPRINT FundSM as a way to help organizations extend their resources and increase their exposure." The FootPRINT FundSM was inspired by Pete Ostlund, an Allegra Network member and Insty-Prints owner in Owatonna, Minn., who started a local grant program to help nonprofits in his community. He received such an overwhelming response that Allegra Network used his program as a national model. Today, the FootPRINT FundSM is offered through Allegra Network locations across the United States and Canada operating under brand names including Allegra Print & Imaging, American Speedy Printing and Insty-Prints. "The FootPRINT FundSM is an exciting new idea and one that offers a truly important service that will aid the vital work done by nonprofit organizations around the country," said International Franchise Association President Don DeBolt. "We applaud Allegra Network franchise members for building stronger communities. This wonderful program is a prime example of how franchisees can work together for a common goal and have a dramatic impact in our local communities." To date, the FootPRINT FundSM has helped hundreds of service organizations and groups benefiting children, community development, the visual and performing arts, the underprivileged and physically and mentally challenged, as well as religious groups, healthcare organizations and professional associations. Recent recipients include local chapters or branches of the Alzheimer's Association, the American Diabetes Association, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Ronald McDonald House, the Salvation Army and Special Olympics. "Through the FootPRINT Fund SM, we can help make a difference in our local communities, one step at a time," Gerhardt said. "Most of our franchise members already play an active role in their communities. The FootPRINT Fund SM goes beyond this by leveraging our members' printing resources in a way that can have an even greater impact." The FootPRINT Fund is one of several community programs sponsored by Allegra Network as part of the company's nationwide Community Care Campaign to help unite and strengthen local communities. Other programs include Posters with Purpose SM, offering no-cost posters to nonprofit organizations, and Adventures in Safety, which educates children about strangers they may meet in person or on the Internet.