Group of happy children jumping on grasses

Community Involvement

"Enriching people's lives" is the global vision of Nissan and all its operating companies across the world. Nissan supports this vision by improving the quality of life in the communities where it operates.

Woman and children in colorful traditional outfits, honoring America's cultural diversity.

Nissan Neighbours Grant, showing community and philantrhropy involvements

COMMUNITY AND PHILANTHROPY

Two impactful programs for our communities

Since 1992, the Nissan Foundation has awarded millions of dollars to 150+ organizations promoting respect and understanding of America's rich cultural heritage.

Learn about the Nissan Foundation

Nissan Neighbors provides charitable giving and employee volunteer support for initiatives in education, environmental sustainability, and humanitarian services.

Learn about Nissan Neighbors

Learn more:

Meet Nissan Engineer Derek Logan, AWIM volunteer Making a Difference as an AWIM STEM Classroom Volunteer - SAE Foundation
Nissan honored with Gordon Millar Award Gordon Millar Award - Participate - SAE International

Nissan Neighbor Spotlight:

SAE Foundation

For over two decades, Nissan has worked together with SAE Foundation to inspire the next generation of leaders in STEM. Through SAE International’s A World In Motion® (AWIM®) program, teachers and students experience engaging, hands-on learning that brings STEM concepts to life and ignites a path to lifelong learning and discovery. From building flying toys to exploring alternative power technologies, AWIM builds 21st century workforce skills and increases excitement for STEM learning with students all over the world.

In 2024, Nissan was honored with the Gordon Millar Award for continuous philanthropic support of the SAE Foundation. In addition to financial support, Nissan employees bolster the AWIM classroom experience through volunteer and mentoring support.

Partnership impact highlights:

20 years of collaboration
$2.8M donated
500K students engaged
60+ schools, universities and organizations served 2022-2024

Nissan Neighbors

Nissan Neighbors supports Nissan’s vision of a cleaner, safer, more inclusive world by dedicating resources to enriching communities where our employees live and work. Our priorities are education, humanitarian services, and environmental sustainability.

Students participate in 'Be a Pro, Be Proud' event at Antioch High School.

Education

Education priorities include youth education specific to STEM/STEAM; literacy; career and technical education (CTE); experiential learning; and safe driving initiatives.

Nissan volunteers planting trees to support Detroit's greening initiative.

Environmental Sustainability

Environmental Sustainability priorities include preservation and enhancement of natural resources and green spaces; waste reduction; and sustainability education.

Nissan Canton employees serving food at Stewpot Community Services.

Humanitarian Services

Humanitarian services priorities include fighting food insecurity; housing solutions (ex. new home development and affordability); military veteran support programs; and disaster prevention, relief, and recovery.

Nissan Neighbors - How to apply

Nissan Neighbors is dedicated to improving communities where our employees live and work.

Submit an Inquiry

Who can Apply

Nissan Neighbors provides funding opportunities, volunteer support and in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations in Nissan’s main areas of operations across the United States. These areas include:

Michigan: Farmington Hills
Mississippi: Canton, Jackson
Tennessee: Decherd, Franklin, Nashville, Smyrna
Texas: Irving

Our charitable giving focus areas are:

Education
Humanitarian Services
Environmental Sustainability

We encourage Nissan Neighbors projects that include opportunities for Nissan employee involvement, opportunities for vehicle displays, giveaways, tent presentations, etc. (brand activations). Our employees can support projects through volunteering at various levels, from a one-time activity to ongoing opportunities.

Nissan Neighbors is a highly competitive grant program. Projects are funded on a first come, first serve basis pending resource availability. Priority is given to current Nissan Neighbor grantees in good standing. All funded projects adhere to Nissan Neighbors eligibility requirements and align with priorities.

Understanding the Nissan Neighbors’ Grant Cycle

Nissan Neighbors is a two-stage grant program for new inquiries. 

Stage One: Letter of Inquiry
The first stage is to submit a letter of inquiry via the Nissan Neighbors grant portal. This stage provides an opportunity to share a brief overview of the project as it relates to Nissan Neighbors’ funding priorities. Letters of inquiry are welcome year-round but must be submitted a minimum of 90 days before the project start date. Nissan reviews letters of inquiry on a quarterly basis. A response will be provided at the conclusion of the quarterly review process.

Stage Two: Full Proposal
Selected organizations will be invited to submit a full proposal for consideration. Applicants will be notified via email. The proposal stage may include an organizational interview or site visit. Once the project is fully considered, a final determination will be shared via email.  

Additional helpful information: Nissan Neighbors does not accept letters of inquiry by email or USPS. All inquiries must be submitted via the Nissan Neighbors grant portal. Nissan Neighbors schedules meetings with organizations by invitation. We are unable to accommodate meeting requests. 

When to Apply

Letters of inquiry are welcome year-round but must be submitted a minimum of 90 days before the project start date. Nissan reviews letters of intent on a quarterly basis. It is recommended to submit letters of inquiry a minimum of 90 days in advance of the project start date.

What is not funded?

Nissan Neighbors supports initiatives in education, humanitarian services and environmental sustainability. Activities that are not eligible for Nissan Neighbors support include:

Projects that serve communities outside of Nissan’s primary operational areas
Donations to individuals
Athletic initiatives, including youth and adult sports teams as well as marching bands
Healthcare-related projects, treatments, research, publications, etc.
Endowment contributions
Capital requests and campaigns
Emergency funding, loans, or support for an operational deficit
Travel experiences
Advertisements in programs or yearbooks
Projects that have religious objectives or endorse a particular religion or spiritual practice
Vehicle donations to organizations that do not have a funding history with Nissan
Regranting programs
Wildlife rehabilitation or animal support programs

In addition, Nissan does not make philanthropic contributions to:

Organizations with less than three years of operational history
For-profit entities
Organizations that serve only their own memberships and do not provide a service for the community at large
Organizations that rely on public funding for more than half of their operating budget or where the donation constitutes more than 25% of the organization’s total budget
Organizations that discriminate on the basis of age, disability, race, ethnicity, national origin, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender-expression/identity, marital or veteran status or additional characteristics protected by applicable state, provincial or federal law
Organizations that conduct illegal or unethical activities
Political parties or candidates for public office, groups whose purpose is to lobby for law changes, labor unions, fraternal organizations, clubs or civic leagues.

Information for Current Grantees

Currently funded grantees must apply annually for Nissan Neighbors support. Grantees in good standing are invited to submit a proposal after submitting the final impact report for the currently funded project. This report must be reviewed by Nissan North America before a new request can be considered. Funding is not guaranteed, and the funding determination may vary year to year depending upon Nissan’s priorities. Funding cycles for current grantees are specific to the nature of the funded project.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often are submitted letters of inquiry reviewed?

LOIs are reviewed quarterly. The project start date for the request must be more than 90 days from the application submission. Also see "When to Apply" for more information.

How will I be notified of the decision?

Applicants are notified of determination via email following quarterly review process. Due to the volume of inquiries, we are unable to provide status updates. Organizations invited to submit a full grant proposal will be provided with a grant link to finalize their application for funding determination.

Can I submit a request directly to an employee of Nissan North America?

No, all requests must be submitted via the letter of intent application in the Nissan Neighbors grant portal. Direct inquiries are not accepted.

If my organization is a current Nissan Neighbors grantee, do I need to reapply?

Yes, currently funded grantees must apply annually for Nissan Neighbors support. See “Information for Current Grantees” to learn more.

What is the process for requesting a vehicle donation or an equipment donation?

Nissan considers vehicle donations to existing Nissan Neighbors in good standing. Donations are based on partner need and resource availability.

Does Nissan provide in-kind donations?

Nissan provides in-kind donations to current Nissan Neighbors grantees on a case-by-case basis.

Does Nissan Neighbors provide event sponsorships?

Yes, Nissan supports events that align with the Nissan Neighbors pillars, among other considerations.

If my company has a volunteer opportunity that’s a fit for Nissan employees, how can I notify you?

Organizations with volunteer opportunities for Nissan’s consideration should submit a Nissan Neighbors letter of inquiry.

Woman in Native American dress posing outdoors.

The mission of the Nissan Foundation – to build community by valuing cultural diversity - is as relevant today as it was when it was founded in 1992.

Since its creation the Nissan Foundation has awarded over $17 million to more than 150 nonprofits.

Nissan Foundation

Nissan formed the Nissan Foundation in 1992 in response to the civil unrest that occurred near its then U.S. sales operations following the Rodney King trial verdict. Since its founding, the Nissan Foundation has annually awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars to nonprofit organizations that support the Foundation’s mission.

32

Years

150+

Non-profits supported

7

Communities

$17+

million in donations

Crowd enjoying a Juneteenth event outdoors.

Atlanta History Center

Members of the Southern Komfort Brass Band take part in the Juneteenth Community Day event.

Child in Native American dress standing in Tennessee.

Native American Indian Association

Founded in 1980, NAIA supports the quality of life for Native American people in Tennessee.

Performers with a vibrant dragon puppet at a Chinese cultural arts event.

Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville

This group was established to promote the awareness and enjoyment of the Chinese visual arts and performing arts.

Woman applying henna for Eid at Arab American Museum.

Arab American National Museum

The museum of its kind in the U.S. devoted to recording the Arab American experience it connects communities to Arab American culture.

Brooklyn Children's Museum

A dragon interacts with a child at one of the museum's cultural festivals in Brookyln, New York.

The Nissan Foundation

Every year the Nissan Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations whose programs explore and celebrate cultural diversity and heritage. Examples of the work of the Nissan Foundation and its philanthropy can be found on the Nissan Official U.S. Newsroom.

The Nissan Foundation grant cycle

The Nissan Foundation follows an annual cycle that begins in October and culminates in June. Nonprofit organizations that serve Nissan operating communities may participate. The first step in the Nissan Foundation grant process is to submit a letter of intent when the application window opens in October. All considered projects must align to the primary mission of Nissan Foundation: “build community by valuing cultural diversity.” Organizations that are invited to submit a full grant proposal are notified in January. Nissan Foundation grantees are announced every June.

For further details, please see “When to Apply.”

When to apply

The Nissan Foundation begins its grant cycle every October, welcoming letters of intent from qualifying nonprofit organizations with projects that align with Nissan Foundation’s mission of “building community by valuing cultural diversity.”

2025 Grant Cycle Key Dates:

October 1, 2024: Letter of intent window opens
November 4, 2024: Letter of intent window closes
Mid-January 2025: Full proposal notification
Mid-June 2025: Grantee announcement

Prospective grantees must support Nissan's primary operational communities and align with the Nissan Foundation’s mission. Non-profits who received funding from the Nissan Foundation in 2024 will be automatically invited to submit a full proposal in January and do not need to submit a letter of intent.

The Nissan Foundation has a specific letter of intent form for prospective grantees. Letters drafted by organizations are not accepted.

Nissan Foundation criteria

To be considered for funding by the Nissan Foundation, organizations must meet the following requirements:

Have 501(c)(3) nonprofit status;
Have been in operations for a minimum of three years;
Demonstrate history of engagement with populations served; and
Reflect an understanding of the mission of Nissan Foundation.
Serve audiences where Nissan has a significant operational presence, specifically:
- Southern California
- Middle Tennessee
- Central Mississippi
- Dallas/Ft. Worth
- Detroit
- New York City
- North Central New Jersey
- Atlanta

The 2025 Nissan Foundation grant cycle supports projects that will occur between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026. Please review additional criteria to ensure project goal and design are eligible funding consideration from Nissan Foundation.

See all Nissan Foundation criteria

What is not funded

Nissan Foundation awards grants in support of projects that align with the Foundation’s mission of “building community by valuing cultural diversity.” Funded projects must serve communities where Nissan has a strong operational presence. Activities not supported by Nissan Foundation include:

Disease advocacy;
Research;
Political activities or advocacy;
Endorsement of a particular religion and/or spirituality practice;
Fundraising;
Event sponsorships;
Capital investments and campaigns;
Endowments;
Scholarships;
Travel-based experiences
Social and humanitarian services, including healthcare; and
Workplace DEI program implementation, among other activities.

Additional details regarding Nissan Foundation eligibility and project design criteria can be found here.

Communities where Nissan has a significant operational presence are:

Southern California
Middle Tennessee
Central Mississippi
Dallas/Ft. Worth
Detroit
New York City
North Central New Jersey
Atlanta

Areas beyond these locations are not be eligible for Nissan Foundation support.

2024 Grant Recipients

California

Autry Museum of the American West, “Autry Education Program and the American Indian Arts Festival” ($20,000)

Connecting Cultures Mobile Museum, “Connecting Cultures Mobile Museum Program” ($20,000)

Japanese American National Museum, “Family Festivals and School Visits Program” ($40,000)

San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum, “Stories of Us Gatherings and Access for All Admissions” ($10,000)

San Diego Museum of Art, “Wonders of Creation: Art, Science, and Innovation in the Islamic World Community Engagement Programming” ($13,400)

The Fowler Museum at UCLA, “Building Community through Intergenerational Conversations about Indigenous Ecological Knowledge” ($30,000)

The Museum of Us, “A Place for all of Us in San Diego” ($15,000)

USC Asia Pacific Museum, “Arts Education for Youth in Southern California and Beyond” ($15,000)

Georgia

Atlanta History Center, “Harmony of Liberation: Juneteenth Through Rhythm” ($50,000)

Catholic Charities of Atlanta, “Refugee Education and Engagement Project” ($10,000)

Fernbank, “Winter Wonderland” ($25,000)

National Center for Civil and Human Rights, “Hispanic Heritage Celebration” ($25,000)

Michigan

Arab American National Museum, “2024-25 Public and Educational Programming Series” ($30,000)

Detroit Educational Television Foundation, “One Detroit and American Black Journal” ($50,000)

The Interfaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit, “Religious Diversity Journeys” ($30,000)

Zekelman Holocaust Center, “Voices of the Holocaust: Exploring History, Literature, and Social Justice in the Classroom” ($25,000)

Mississippi

Foundation for Mississippi History, “Two Mississippi Museums School Visits Programs” ($50,000)

GRAMMY Museum Mississippi, “Soul of the Movement Education Program” ($50,000)

New Jersey

Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers the State University of New Jersey, “Indigenous Identities: Here, Now, and Always Exhibition Programming” ($21,800)

New York

Brooklyn Children’s Museum, “Cultural Festivals” ($25,000)

Brooklyn Public Library, “Culture Pass Branch Programming Hubs” ($10,000)

Children’s Museum of Manhattan, “Gateway to World Cultures” ($25,000)

Dreamyard Project, “Racial Equity Arts Liaison Project” ($30,000)

Educational Video Center, “Celebrating Cultures through Youth Filmmaking” ($25,000)

Facing History and Ourselves, “Professional Development and Classroom Resources for New York Educators” ($25,000)

Jewish Children’s Museum, “Public School Initiative (Bridging Diversity through Respect)” ($30,000)

The Jewish Museum, “Movies That Matter” ($30,000)

Midori Foundation, Inc., “Celebrate! Music” ($25,000)

One to World Inc., “Cultural Understanding Programs” ($30,000)

Staten Island Children’s Museum, “Kidz Cook” ($15,000)

Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding, “Celebrating Our Traditions: Foundations for Building Communities that Value Religious Diversity” ($35,000)

Tennessee

Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville, “Celebrate Chinese New Year in Nashville” ($10,000)

Discovery Center, “Kids First” ($70,000)

Frist Art Museum, “MARIA MAGDALENA CAMPOS-PONS: BEHOLD Exhibition Programming” ($30,000)

Global Education Center, “Passport to Understanding” ($25,000)

Nashville Public Library Foundation, “Conversations @NPL” ($50,000)

Nashville Public Television, “Next Door Neighbors: 2024-2025” ($75,000)

Native American Indian Association of Tennessee, “43rd Annual Tennessee Indian Education Pow Wow” ($25,000)

Oasis Center, “International Teen Outreach Program (ITOP)” ($25,000)

STARS Nashville, “Promoting Respect & Understanding to Support a Diverse & Inclusive Society” ($25,000)

Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, “InterNASHional Night Market: Celebrating Nashville’s Diverse Immigrant and Refugee Communities” ($25,000)

YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee, “Stand Against Injustice: YWCA Nashville’s Lunch & Learn Series & Anti-Racism Challenges” ($25,000)

Texas

Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, “Upstanding Speaker Series” ($30,000)

National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum, “Cultural Heritage Youth Workshops” ($5,000)