Variety — the Children’s Charity announced that it had a more than $3.5 million impact in 2023 through grant funding and programming combined.

Variety, which aims to improve the lives of children who are at risk, underprivileged, critically ill or living with special needs, awarded over $2 million in grant funding to 77 Iowa nonprofits in 2023, according to a news release. Recipients include Balance Autism, Children and Family Urban Movement, Easterseals Iowa and Orchard Place. The full list of awardees is available here.

Funding is provided on an annual basis to programs and initiatives that directly affect the well-being of Iowa children. Variety grants provide funding for capital projects, essential medical equipment, shelters, inclusive playgrounds, Variety vans and more.

The grant-making process is advised by a panel of community board members and
volunteers who review applications from each organization, the release said.

Other support Variety has provided over the last year includes:

• Awarding over 100 pieces of specialized mobility equipment to children living with special needs.
• Providing financial assistance from the Variety Compassion Fund to children and families experiencing long hospital stays.
• Distributing Variety sleepsacks, designed to reduce SIDS, to all babies born at Blank Children’s Hospital, Broadlawns Medical Center and Mercy Medical Center.
• Providing inclusive play areas at Variety’s three inclusive playgrounds, with a new inclusive playground being built in Clive.