The Heinz Endowments in Pittsburgh has announced grants totaling nearly $11.1 million in support of programs that strengthen children and families and focused on food insecurity, education, housing, and environmental health.

Grants were awarded to 62 organizations in Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania, including Center of Life ($600,000), which will provide outreach and education programs for children and adults; University of Pittsburgh ($500,000) in support of the Just Discipline model of restorative practices and parent engagement in schools; Clean Air Council ($480,000), which will bolster its education, outreach, and advocacy programs to improve air quality in the region; and City of Bridges Community Land Trust ($400,000), which will expand programs to assist first-time homebuyers and increase the supply of affordable housing in Allegheny County.

“It is important to meet families where they are, to understand their dreams and aspirations as well as the barriers in all aspects of their lives that impede their progress,” said Heinz Endowments vice president of equity and research Carmen Anderson. “These grants are intended to help create pathways for success, invest in youth to help them realize their potential, and address structural barriers that include housing and health needs that obstruct advancement.”

For a complete list of recipients, see the Heinz Endowments website.

(Photo credit: Gettyimages/ Shunyu Fan)