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Fred Rogers Productions Secures ‘Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood’ Grant

The award-winning production company receives funding from the Bezos Family Foundation to develop resources surrounding the show for caregivers, organizations, and professionals in partnership with foundation program Vroom.

Award-winning Fred Rogers Productions has once again secured a grant from the Bezos Family Foundation in support of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, the popular animated preschool series now celebrating its 10th anniversary on PBS KIDS. In addition, the production company, which has partnered with the foundation since 2016, continues to work with Vroom – a foundation program supporting adults with science-based tips and tools for successful parenting. This latest grant covers two years running through 2023. 

“We have a terrific partner in Vroom, which like Fred Rogers Productions, is dedicated to supporting families and to helping ensure a bright future for young children,” said Paul Siefken, President & CEO of Fred Rogers Productions. “We’re so pleased to extend our collaboration and continue this important work together.” 

In partnership with Vroom, Fred Rogers Productions will use the funds to develop resources for caregivers, organizations, and professionals, including childcare, healthcare, and family services organizations. The production company will also create a collection of 15-second promotional videos, underwritten by Vroom, bookending broadcast episodes of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and precede streaming episodes. The videos aim to empower parents and caregivers by modeling nurturing interactions with children during everyday routines. The spots show ways to make shared activities like mealtime, bath time, and bedtime more meaningful, fun, and conducive to helping children learn and thrive.

The videos will also raise awareness of Vroom and the tools and resources the program provides to parents and caregivers via tips and activities highlighting the science behind early brain development. Age-based content is delivered through the Vroom app available on the Apple and Google Play stores and any web browser, via Vroom by Text, and through downloadable materials on Vroom.org.

“Vroom works best when introduced by a trusted messenger and parents appreciate Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” said Heather Martin, statewide Vroom coordinator with the Mississippi Thrive! Child Health Development Project. “When families hear about Vroom again from their teacher, doctor, social worker, or other community members, they know that it’s something they can trust.”

Each episode of the Emmy-winning Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood showcases two stories starring 4-year-old Daniel Tiger, his family, and friends. It also features musical strategies that reinforce each episode’s theme, with preschoolers and parents encouraged to sing along and incorporate the strategy into their daily lives. Executive producers are Angela C. Santomero, Chief Creative Officer at 9 Story Media Group; Ellen Doherty, Chief Creative Officer of Fred Rogers Productions; and Vince Commisso, President & CEO, 9 Story Media Group.

The series has garnered a host of prestigious awards, including a 2019 daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Preschool Children’s Animated Series; 2020 Parents’ Choice Gold Award for Television; 2018 Common Sense Media Seal of Approval; and the Outstanding Achievement in Youth Programming by the Television Critics Association in 2016. 

PBS KIDS reports that Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood consistently ranks in the top five most-watched series for kids ages 2-8 on their linear and streaming platforms. Additionally, the network reports that its series-based movie Daniel Visits a New Neighborhood, released in June 2022, was the highest-rated tentpole among Kids 2–8 since March 2020.

Source: Fred Rogers Productions

Debbie Diamond Sarto's picture

Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.