Twenty nonprofit organizations in California recently received a portion of $1.7 million in grants the Heart Foundations awarded. Philanthropic resources provided by the organization are usually allocated to groups and institutions that enhance people's ability to lead healthy and productive lives through their work in social service, culture, health and education.

The round of grantmaking targets organizations that span arts projects to programs that help youth get the education they need to succeed.

Seven nonprofits in San Francisco were awarded funds, including the Foundation for Students Rising Above, 826 National, the Bay Area Video Coalition for their work with Bay Area youth. The California Historical Society, the San Francisco Opera Association, That Man May See Inc. and Zen Hospice Project Inc. also received grants.

Grants were also dispersed to nonprofits across Southern California, such as The Children's Hospital of Orange County Foundation, the San Diego Museum of Art, The California State University Foundation in Long Beach, the Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys and the California Institute of Arts in Valencia.

College Track and the Oakland Military Institute College Preparatory Academy in Oakland also received grants from the foundations.

Foundations that support nonprofit programs year-round can use grant management software to help board members and accountants track funds and recipients as awards are allocated.