Community Grants Program
Heinz provides community grants to a variety of organizations, with preference given to those based in areas where we operate or with a dedication to our key causes. Below we highlight a few recent recipients of H.J. Heinz Company Foundation grants:
Tomatosphere
Tomatosphere is a project that uses the excitement of space exploration as a medium for teaching students about science, space and agriculture.
Canadian and U.S. classrooms in grades 2–10 conduct experiments to investigate the effects of the space environment on the growth of food (specifically, Heinz tomato seed). These results may be used to support a long-term human mission.
In 2009, 10,500 Canadian and U.S. classrooms were enrolled in the program. A recent teacher evaluation revealed 98% of educators believed the project increased student interest in science and 92% indicated that the project met their classroom needs.
Operation Warm
Operation Warm is a national non-profit organization that provides new winter coats to children in need. In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Operation Warm provided more than 6,500 children with new winter coats in 2008. Funding from the H.J. Heinz Company Foundation enabled Operation Warm to provide new winter coats to children served by the Extra Mile Education Foundation.
Pittsburgh Public Theater
Pittsburgh Public Theater is nationally renowned for the quality of its stage productions and the tremendous range and diversity of its programming. Each season, the Theater welcomes approximately 100,000 adults and young people. With the help of the H.J. Heinz Company Foundation and other community partners, Pittsburgh Public Theater ended its last five seasons on budget.
Sandusky County Food Pantry, Ohio
The Sandusky County Food Pantry works in cooperation with area churches and public agencies to provide emergency food supplies to needy families in the area. The food pantry has helped families in need each month with the funding from Heinz.
Stockton Homeless Shelter, California
A Heinz grant to the Stockton Homeless Shelter provided additional sleeping areas for families and women who could not be accommodated in the family shelter.
Muscatine Charities, Iowa
Muscatine Charities, working with the Muscatine Community School District, established an after-school program that targeted children who had difficulty completing their homework and were falling behind in class. With Heinz’s support, 502 participants showed marked improvements in attendance rates and their pass rates were consistently at 95–98%.
Ronald McDonald House of Jacksonville, Florida
Our Community Grants Program was able to assist the Ronald McDonald House of Jacksonville with the Direct Family Care Project. The program provides reliable van transportation to and from the hospital for the families utilizing the House while their children are being treated.