Fred Rogers Co. Gets $3 Million Heinz Endowments Grant

PITTSBURGH, PA - Fred Rogers died in 2003, but the legacy of the iconic “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” host continues to live on. The Heinz Endowments on Monday announced the Fred Rogers Company is being awarded a $3 million grant over the next three years.

The Heinz Endowments money will help support new programming continuing the educational, social, and creative themes of Rogers and his landmark PBS series, including educational technology and expanded staffing, fundraising, marketing and community outreach.

“We are delighted to support the capacity to continue the legacy of Fred Rogers with new programming and the use of technology that preserves and promotes his messages of inclusion and kindness,” said Heinz Endowments president Grant Oliphant. “The unique work of the Fred Rogers Company has a special place in the hearts and minds of children in Pittsburgh and beyond.”

Specifically, the grant will support:

• Production of “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” – PBS KIDS’ top rated series for preschoolers that helps children learn key social skills necessary for school and life.
• Creative development, acquisition, and production of new programming for educational television - including digital content - produced by the Rogers company.
• Five new positions and professional development to assist in expanded programming, educational, fundraising, and community outreach initiatives.
• Educational technology, including increased digital content and interactive programming components for children, parents and educators, archiving The Fred Rogers Company’s growing library of content featuring 900 episodes of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” and production facility improvements.

Photo of Fred Rogers statue via Associated Press.