Fred Rogers Productions Secures $600,000 Grant

April 7, 2023 Jamie Stalcup

Fred Rogers Productions has secured a two-year $600,000 renewal grant from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations (AVDF) for its newest series, Alma’s Way and Donkey Hodie.

Both shows focus on core messages and learning goals that support children as they develop problem-solving skills, resilience, empathy and more. They were each nominated for Emmy Awards for their first seasons, and their second seasons are set to premiere later this year on PBS KIDS.

The animated Alma’s Way follows Alma, a Bronx-born Puerto Rican 6-year-old who lives in the Bronx with her family among a diverse group of friends and community members. In each episode, Alma models self-awareness, responsible decision-making and empathy. It is created by Sonia Manzano (Maria on Sesame Street) and produced by Fred Rogers Productions in association with Pipeline Studios (Elinor Wonders Why).

ADVERTISEMENT

More info on Banijay Kids & Family here.

The puppet series Donkey Hodie is inspired by characters from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and follows the adventures of an enthusiastic go-getter who takes on each day with curiosity and resilience, empowering preschoolers to dream big and overcome obstacles, work hard and persevere in the face of failure. It is produced by Fred Rogers Productions and Spiffy Pictures.

“The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations is one of the nation’s foremost patrons of public media for viewers of all ages and a valued supporter of Fred Rogers Productions,” said Paul Siefken, president and CEO of Fred Rogers Productions. “Their funding enables us to provide a range of innovative and enriching programming to children and families every day.”

Michael Murray, president and CEO of AVDF, added, “By working with Fred Rogers Productions, we are supporting the very best in children’s media. The company continues to lead the way with quality content that fills the gap and raises the bar in educational and prosocial children’s programming, and we’re delighted to help ensure that Alma’s Way and Donkey Hodie remain sources of learning and growth for young viewers.”