The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust recently announced its May through June 2012 grants for arts and culture, children, healthcare and medical research, older adults, education and religious organizations in the Maricopa, Arizona, community. In total, the trust awarded more than $2.8 million in grants during this cycle, bringing total paid grants for fiscal 2012 up to $21.9 million.

This round of grants focuses on organizations that are developing new, collaborative approaches to nonprofit business models. Grants were awarded to programs that strengthen the nonprofit sector, enhance arts and culture within the community, address healthcare and offer services to disadvantaged children.

Some of the recipients include Childsplay, a theater program for children and their families, which received a two-year $290,000 grant to grow its facilities and expand its services. Circle the City was awarded a $250,000 grant over the next two years to establish healthcare programs for the homeless. The John and Doris Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona received $1,065,379 over the next five years to build upon its youth programs and after-school offerings.

Recipient of these grants can ensure funds are distributed correctly by using a non profit accounting program.