The Amado and JB Peña Art Has Heart Foundation wasestablished in 1995 and began its operations as a 501(c)3 charitable organization in the fall of 1996. In its 13 years ofoperation, it has awarded and funded over 300 college scholarships and made financial contributions to art programs in schools and museums, supported special fundraising efforts for organizations such as the Texas Migrant Education Program and helped promote arts to children and young adults.

For the 2007-2008 school year, the Art Has Heart Foundation awarded over $20,000 in scholarships for students studying incolleges and universities from coast-to-coast. The Foundation supports scholarships to students in New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, Colorado and Oklahoma. While the Foundation seeks students majoring in the arts, its scholarship awards are given to students in all fields of study.