The Birmingham-based Joseph S. Bruno Charitable Foundation has announced nine grants totaling $15.6 million from a trust affiliated with the foundation, the Associated Press reports.

Ranging in amount from $50,000 to $4.5 million, the awards include a $2.5 million gift to establish an endowment to support the work of the Oasis Women's Counseling Center, which was founded by Joseph Bruno's daughter, Anne Bruno LaRussa; $1 million to the McWane Science Center for renovation of the Joseph S. Bruno plaza and to create a space for outdoor events; $2.5 million to Auburn University for an overseas study abroad program; and $4.5 million to the Children's Hospital of Alabama for its Pediatric Diabetes Fellowship Program and an undisclosed program.

According to Bruno Foundation executive director Jera Stribling, the family was reluctant to publicize the gifts but did so hoping they would inspire others to act philanthropically. "If this could be a motivation or an incentive for someone else to think about planned giving," she said, "it would be a great thing."