  Overview of the Nissan Foundation
Founded in 1992 in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, the Nissan Foundation emerged in response to growing social tensions and civil unrest. With a significant corporate footprint in California, Nissan aimed to strengthen nearby communities through charitable giving and civic involvement. Over the years, the company has supported schools, media outlets, libraries, and cultural organizations throughout the United States. Its grantmaking focuses on promoting diversity, inclusion, and cultural understanding, particularly in underserved communities. By 2025, the foundation had distributed nearly $18 million in grants nationwide, aiding more than 150 non-profit organizations. As a global brand, Nissan remains committed to advancing diversity well beyond the automotive world.
2026 Nissan Foundation Plans
As the 2026 grant cycle approaches, several major metropolitan regions are expected to meet eligibility criteria. Qualified organizations within these areas can begin the application process by submitting a Letter of Intent. Non-profit groups in Detroit, Michigan, and Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas, are among those eligible, along with organizations located in Mississippi. Recently, the foundation backed two important cultural programs in Mississippi, offering students the chance to visit the Museum of Mississippi History and explore significant social issues at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. The next grant cycle officially runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Applicants must satisfy several criteria, including a minimum of three consecutive years in operation and holding a current 501(c)(3) designation under the latest U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
If you’d like to learn more about Nissan’s broader philanthropic initiatives, reach out to our Nissan dealership to see how the brand continues to make a positive impact in communities nationwide.