FRANKLIN, TN – The Nissan Foundation is making waves in communities across the United States by celebrating the power of identity, inclusion, and belonging. This year, the Foundation has awarded grants to 37 nonprofits, reinforcing its commitment to fostering community and cultural connections. These contributions reflect the Foundation’s enduring mission: to honor both the unique aspects of our identities and the common threads that unite us.
With this year’s funding, the Nissan Foundation has reached a remarkable milestone of $17.7 million in grants since its inception in 1992. This extensive program has positively impacted millions nationwide, helping to create spaces of acceptance and support through initiatives rooted in education, representation, and shared humanity.
“Since the genesis of the Nissan Foundation, we’ve seen how powerful it can be to invest in organizations that prioritize cultural understanding,” stated Andrew Tavi, senior vice president of corporate and external affairs for Nissan Americas and president of the Nissan Foundation. “This year’s grantees embody innovative thinking, compassionate empathy, and deep community roots that are driving real progress in our country. We’re incredibly proud to support their vital work.”
The 2025 grant recipients represent a vibrant mix of nonprofits dedicated to multicultural education, inclusive arts programming, and more. Each organization is rooted in one of Nissan’s eight operational communities: Atlanta, Central Mississippi, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Middle Tennessee, New York City, Southeast Michigan, and Southern California.
“The most meaningful change often starts at the local level—with people listening, learning, and lifting one another up,” remarked Ali Tonn, senior manager of philanthropy at Nissan North America and executive director of the Nissan Foundation. “Our 2025 grantees create spaces where cultural curiosity thrives, and community bonds are strengthened. It’s a privilege to support organizations that are not only educating and inspiring but also helping to unite communities.”
One notable recipient, the Queens Public Library Foundation, received funding to expand cultural events at the Flushing Library and the Langston Hughes Community Library. This grant will support a variety of diverse festivals, performances, and programs that celebrate Southeast Asian, Black, European, and Hispanic cultures. Enhancements to Flushing’s Culture Bridge series and the Langston Hughes Library’s regular offerings, such as the Sankofa Series and a virtual cooking show, are also on the agenda. Key celebrations like Black Music Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Juneteenth will continue, fostering community and providing free cultural experiences for residents of Queens.
Full List of 2025 Grant Recipients
CALIFORNIA
Details of the California recipients will be highlighted here, showcasing the impactful work being done in the state.
GEORGIA
Organizations in Georgia that received grants will be listed, emphasizing their contributions to cultural understanding and community engagement.
MICHIGAN
The Michigan recipients will be discussed, focusing on their innovative programs aimed at fostering inclusivity.
MISSISSIPPI
Mississippi’s grant recipients will be featured, highlighting their efforts in promoting multicultural education.
NEW YORK
- Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 2025-2026 Cultural Festivals
- Children’s Museum of Manhattan, Gateway to World Cultures
- DreamYard Project, Racial Equity Arts Liaison Project
- Educational Video Center, Youth Media Arts
- Facing History & Ourselves, Professional Development and Classroom Resources for New York Educators
- Jewish Children’s Museum, JCM Public School Initiative: Bridging Communities Through Cultural Understanding
- Midori & Friends, Celebrate! Music
- One To World, Global Classroom
- Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding, The Network of Inclusive Educators: Building Communities that Value Diversity
- The Jewish Museum, Movies That Matter: Film Screenings for Schools
TENNESSEE
The Tennessee grant recipients will be elaborated upon, showcasing their community-focused initiatives.
TEXAS
Texas organizations that received grants will be highlighted, emphasizing their role in promoting cultural diversity.
How to Apply for a 2026 Grant
The 2026 Nissan Foundation grant cycle will commence in October 2025. Nonprofits aiming to amplify diverse cultural perspectives, experiences, and voices in communities where Nissan operates may be eligible to apply for a Foundation grant.
Eligible applicants can submit a Letter of Intent starting October 1, 2025. All Letters of Intent must be received by 5 p.m. EST/4 p.m. CST on November 7, 2025.
The Nissan Foundation will announce the 2026 grantees in July 2026. For more information about the Nissan Foundation and its application process, visit the Nissan Foundation page.
For additional details about Nissan’s products, services, and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit nissanusa.com. You can also follow Nissan on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn, and catch all the latest videos on YouTube.
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