MUMBAI: As part of its commitment to children and families around the world, the Mattel Children's Foundation has awarded 42 grants in 38 countries totaling more than $1 million under its International Grants Program, including 21 grants totaling $525,000 in Europe in 2006.

The Mattel Children's Foundation International Grants Program awards grants to charitable organizations that directly assist children in need and support Mattel's philanthropic priorities of building literacy and educational opportunities, supporting children's well being and building girls' self-esteem and empowerment, informs an official release.

"The Mattel Children's Foundation is pleased that we can bring joy to children in need throughout Europe and around the world," said Mattel Children's Foundation and Mattel philanthropy programs Executive Director Deidre Lind.

"It is our philanthropic mission to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children in need and we believe it is especially important to support organizations that directly serve children through our grant funding."

The Foundation also partners with nonprofit organizations. Mattel has partnered with Special Olympics, Save the Children, the Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA, the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI) and the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation (CAAF), adds the release.

The Mattel Children's Foundation is funded exclusively by cash donations from Mattel, Inc.