The Prudential Foundation in the US has awarded US$2.9m (£1.2m) to five organisations dedicated to improving communities nationwide.

“The Foundation is pleased to continue its strategic support of innovative programs that focus on supporting education leadership, youth development initiatives and the arts as an economic engine and quality of life issue,” said its president, Gabriella Morris.

A US$1m (£684,500) grant over three years will help the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC, to reach completion in 2015. The national museum will be devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, art, history and culture and will be located on a five-acre site across from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

The Liberty Science Center in New Jersey will use its US$200,000 (£136,900) award to help pay towards general operating costs so that it can continue to provide transformative experiences that connect schools and society with science and technology.

US$350,000 (£239,500) over two years will help The Center for Nonprofit and Philanthropic Leadership at Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey, to provide leadership development programmes for nonprofit executives and board members.

Other grants included a US$350,000 (£239,600) award to enable New Leaders for New Schools to train and support educators and a US$1m (£684,500) funding package to allow The Boys and Girls Club of Newark in New Jersey to build the West Side Park Club House.

The Prudential Foundation provided 302 grants totalling US$22m (£15m) in 2008.