Mazda Toyota Manufacturing Grant

Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) is a company that places a strong emphasis on community engagement, supporting inclusive programs that enhance the quality of life for local residents. Through its grant program, MTM aims to contribute to the community in the same manner it cares for its team members—through a concept known as "Mendomi," which means treating each other like family. MTM supports programs in three key areas: Education, Economic Impact, and Quality of Life, with a particular focus on initiatives that positively affect the community in North Alabama. The goal of this grant is to fund projects that align with these values and create long-term, measurable benefits for the region. The grant process is structured in two stages. In the first stage, organizations are required to submit applications via the online grant portal. The applications will be reviewed and evaluated by the MTM Grants Subcommittee. A select number of organizations will then be invited to present their programs through a two-minute live pitch to the MTM Grants Committee. It is important for applicants to focus on a specific program or project within their organization, ensuring that the program is not only impactful but also aligns with the core values of MTM and one of the identified focus areas. MTM's focus areas for funding are as follows: Education, with a preference for programs supporting PreK-12 STEM initiatives for low-to-moderate income students; Economic Impact, which targets workforce development programs including education, training, and services designed to support the community's growth; and Quality of Life, which supports programs that improve the overall living conditions of people in North Alabama. The grant is designed to impact the three-county area of Limestone, Madison, and Morgan Counties in Alabama. Organizations that receive funding will be awarded up to $20,000, with funds to be used for program costs associated with new and existing initiatives. These expenses can include reasonable staff and volunteer time or training needed for the program’s implementation. However, there are restrictions on how the funds can be used. Ineligible expenses include grants to individuals, debt reduction, capital or endowment campaigns, political activities, and costs associated with events, galas, membership drives, or conferences. Eligible recipients for this grant must be organizations that are described as 501(c)(3) public charities under the IRS code. This includes schools, religious institutions, and government agencies, provided the funds are used for public purposes. One key eligibility note is that if an organization receives grant funding for a program in one cycle, it cannot receive funding for the same program in the next cycle. However, an organization can apply for funding for a different program in subsequent cycles. Successful grantees are required to sign a Grant Agreement and report back on the use of funds and the measurable outcomes achieved. Applications for this grant must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. CT on Monday, March 31, 2025. For further details, the contact person is Ann Kvach, who can be reached via phone at 256.489.3525 or via email at ann@GiveHSV.org.