The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation announced the distribution of over $4 million in grants, including over $2.1 million awarded to 194 nonprofit organizations in 29 states across the country to serve their local communities and $2.2 million in funding to 30 organizations for its Signature Grant Programs. The Signature Grants Programs include:

Dogs for Joy: Seven grants were awarded to increase the number of dogs who work full-time in children’s hospitals to bring joy to kids battling illness.

Teen Prom Program: Eleven grants were awarded to provide a teen prom experience to pediatric patients, ages 13-19, and are intended to fund the full experience – from venue, to decor, signage, food and beverage, and more. A focus of the program is to specifically provide the experience to teens who are not able to attend their own prom due to illness.

Dunkin’ Joyful Spaces: Eight grants were awarded to bring the joy of play and healing to kids battling illness and their families. Hospitals and community health centers will be able to create or revitalize playgrounds, healing gardens, teen rooms, and play spaces.

Dunkin’ Connecting Joy: Four grants were awarded to provide hospitals with funding to bring gaming experiences to their pediatric patients.

These grants solidify the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation’s commitment to bringing the simple joys of childhood to kids battling hunger or illness.

“We are thrilled to be able to provide grants to amazing nonprofits that share the same vision of the Joy in Childhood Foundation’s goal of bringing joy to kids where they need it most,” says Victor Carvalho, Dunkin’ Franchisee and Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation. “The Dunkin’ franchisees are committed to giving back to the communities we serve, and it is an honor to be able to support and provide children with these programs to make their days a little brighter.”

These grants will fuel a variety of programs for kids battling hunger including weekend backpack programs, mobile and school pantry programs, as well as after school meals so that kids have access to food outside of school. Funds will also support programming for kids battling illness including specialized camps, sensory rooms, and art and music therapy, among other initiatives. These programs provide joyful experiences and environments for pediatric patients and their families.

Since its inception in 2006, the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation has granted more than $49 million to national and local nonprofits.