press release/[[March 3, 2004]]

First Data Creates $10 Million Empowerment Fund

WASHINGTON, March 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Charlie Fote, chairman and CEO of First Data Corp. (NYSE: FDC), a global leader in electronic commerce and payment services, today announced the company's strong support for comprehensive action on immigration reform and the formation of a $10 million empowerment fund dedicated to assisting communities within the United States and abroad.

At the National Press Club forum, "Immigration: What Reform Will Bring to our Nation," Fote called for action: "First Data Corp. and its subsidiary, Western Union, step forward to join a national call for a more enlightened debate. We seek and support ways to allow the voices of those most affected to be heard. This is a critical issue for our country and our consumers."

The forum panelists included leaders from the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), the Tomas Rivera Policy Institute (TRPI), North American Integration and Development Center/University of California at Los Angeles.

In the spirit of the forum's discussion, Fote said, "First Data proudly announces our $10 million commitment to the communities we serve here and abroad. By creating the First Data Empowerment Fund, we are announcing our intention to act as a long-term and active participant in the dialogue relating to critical issues such as immigration reform and economic empowerment."

...Emmy Award-winning journalist and former CNN Washington Bureau Chief, Frank Sesno, moderated the panel discussion regarding immigration reform. Fote called for timely reform that reflects America's democratic values and recognizes the interdependence of the U.S. and foreign economies andsocieties...