7.08.2005 ET

(CSRwire) El Segundo, Calif. - The Mattel Children's Foundation announced today the recipients of its first round of domestic grants, representing the first time the Foundation awarded funds through its online, unsolicited grant application program. Thirty-eight nonprofit organizations directly serving children in need in 21 states will receive grants in the range of $3,000 to $25,000. Average grant amounts were $10,000 per organization. More than $400,000 is being awarded through the process.

"The Foundation is excited to be able to award such a diverse group of organizations that support our mission of making a meaningful difference, one child at a time. In partnership with these organizations, the Mattel Children's Foundation will improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of children in need throughout the United States," said Kevin Farr, chairman of the Mattel Children's Foundation and chief financial officer of Mattel, Inc.

The grants represent one of the Mattel Children's Foundation's new programs announced earlier this year as part of the Foundation's relaunch. Through these domestic grants, the Foundation expects to help improve the lives of children in need throughout the U.S. The organizations that are receiving grants were selected based on their direct impact on children in need and their focus on one of the Foundation's three priority areas: health and wellbeing; learning and literacy; and girls self-esteem and self-empowerment.

"This has been an exciting process for the Mattel Children's Foundation," said Deidre Lind, executive director and manager, Mattel Children's Foundation and Corporate Philanthropy. "We received more than 1,200 applications from organizations throughout the United States in this first round. While the decisions have been difficult, we look forward to partnering with these 38 organizations chosen to make a difference in the lives of children throughout the United States." The organizations represent a diverse group of nonprofits that manage programs with proven results. Some examples include:

Row New York: Using a unique blend of competitive rowing and academic programming, Row New York serves at-risk, underprivileged teenage girls in New York City.

Discovery Arts, California: Through the Arts Adventures Program, Discovery Arts supports the emotional wellbeing of children with cancer and other life threatening illnesses undergoing treatment in Southern California hospitals. Activities include music, dance, art and drama, providing a positive outlet for children coping with the devastation of an illness.

Carolina Canines for Service, North Carolina: Paws for Reading! will improve the literacy of children by developing their reading skills through reading aloud to registered therapy dogs without the pressure of reading aloud to peers.

Das Deutsch Center for Special Needs Children, Ohio: Providing access to health services for special needs children in this rural region, Das Deutsch provides culturally-appropriate medical care and support services to children and families in this predominantly Amish community.

For a full listing of grant recipients, please see attached page or visit: www.Mattel.com/About_Us/Philanthropy/.

The Mattel Children's Foundation will award a second round of grants in December 2005 using the same guidelines. Applications are available from July 1 to September 30 and can be accessed at www.Mattel.com/About_Us/Philanthropy/.

About the Mattel Children's Foundation

The Mattel Children's Foundation was established in 1978. With a vision of "making a meaningful difference, one child at a time," the Foundation provides cash grants through domestic and international grantmaking programs, as well as international scholarships to children of employees, matching gifts and volunteer grants for Mattel employees. In addition, the Foundation continues its tradition of partnering with exemplary nonprofit partners. In 2005, Mattel will partner 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). The Mattel Children's Foundation is funded exclusively by cash donations from Mattel, Inc.

2005 First Round Grant Recipients

Priority Area: Girls Self-Esteem and Self-Empowerment:

For more information please contact: