The National Endowment for the Arts this week awarded $72,000 in challenge grants to five Western Pennsylvania organizations.

Pittsburgh Filmmakers received a $32,000 grant to support its artist services program, which offers workshops and classes.

The Aliquippa Alliance for Unity and Development received $10,000 for a year-round, multidisciplinary arts program for youngsters and their families.

Chatham Baroque received $10,000 to support performances of a 50-minute educational program, Music All Over the Place, that was designed for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The program was created in collaboration with the Unseam'd Shakespeare Company.

Pittsburgh Opera received a $10,000 grant in conjunction with the Appalachian College Association to provide multiday residencies and opera performances on college campuses in Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

UMOJA African Arts Company received $10,000 to support the African Heritage Child Initiative. At 10 community libraries, students from kindergarten through 12th grade will receive instruction in African cultural traditions, including African drumming, dance, stories, instrument making and visual arts.

The grants were announced Thursday.