An Arizona charity that focuses on helping children in foster care has been given a financial boost.

Arizona Helping Hands (AHH) has been given a grant by the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust. The money will be used to help strengthen the organization’s governance and leadership, according to a media release. 

Last year, AHH was able to help 3,500 children by giving them beds or cribs, handing out 5,200 backpacks and school supplies and gave Christmas gifts to over 29,000 children.

The organization’s board chairman, Don Newman, said the organization was grateful for the help.

“This funding will enable us to take an intensive look at our board membership, to ensure that as a team we can provide the oversight and vision required to move the organization forward responsibly, and fulfill all of our fiduciary responsibilities to our clients, our donors and the community,” he said in the release. 

The trust helps support nonprofit groups that “enrich health, well-being and opportunity for the people of Maricopa County,” according to its website.  It has invested over $369 million in local programs and groups.