The Nissan Foundation Grant Program supports nonprofit organizations that promote cultural understanding and diversity within communities where Nissan has a significant operational presence in the United States. Established to build community by valuing cultural diversity, the Foundation provides annual grants to initiatives that align with its core mission. This includes funding for educational programs, cultural events, and heritage projects that serve diverse audiences.
The grant cycle begins each October with a Letter of Intent (LOI) phase. For the 2026 cycle, new applicants may submit their LOIs starting October 6, 2025, through November 14, 2025. Organizations selected to proceed are notified in mid-January 2026 and must then submit a full proposal. Final grant recipients are announced by mid-July 2026. Only the official LOI form provided by the Foundation will be accepted; custom letters are not permitted.
Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits in operation for at least three years. They must serve audiences in one or more of the designated Nissan operational communities: Atlanta, Central Mississippi, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Los Angeles, Middle Tennessee, New York City, North Central New Jersey, Southeast Michigan, and Southern California. New applicants for the 2026 cycle are specifically welcomed from Southeast Michigan, Dallas/Ft. Worth, and Mississippi.
The grant funds projects to be conducted between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027. However, Nissan Foundation does not fund political activities, research, religion-based initiatives, scholarships, capital campaigns, DEI workplace programs, healthcare services, or travel-based experiences. The grants are awarded through a competitive review process and aim to foster stronger, more inclusive communities.
Examples of past recipients include educational and cultural institutions such as the Autry Museum of the American West and the Japanese American National Museum. All project proposals must clearly demonstrate alignment with the Foundation’s values and show measurable impact in advancing cross-cultural understanding.
Align projects with diversity and inclusion themes; only use the official LOI form; do not include ineligible activities
