YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee awarded Nissan Foundation grant in support of Social Justice Programming
Nissan Foundation grant to fund Stand Against Injustice Lunch & Learn Series and Racial Justice Challenges, aimed at promoting awareness of racial and social justice matters, and building a diverse community
Monthly lunch and learn series begins in September and Racial Justice Challenge kicks off in April 2025
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Nissan Foundation this week named YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee as a 2024 grant recipient. The Nissan Foundation grant will help fund YWCA’s monthly virtual lunch and learn series – Stand Against Injustice and the annual Racial Justice Challenge.
“This generous $25,000 grant from the Nissan Foundation allows us to continue our vital work through our webinar series and the Racial Justice Challenge initiative,” said Sharon K. Roberson, President and CEO of YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee. “In a time when divisive rhetoric and systemic inequities persist, these programs are essential to fostering understanding, empathy, and action within our community. We are profoundly grateful for Nissan's support in helping us build a more just and equitable society."
The Nissan Foundation is awarding a total of $1.2 million in grants to 44 nonprofit organizations for its 2024 grant cycle. The nonprofit recipients are in Atlanta, Central Mississippi, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Middle Tennessee, New York City/New Jersey, Southeast Michigan, and Southern California – all locations where Nissan has an operational presence.
“We’re honored to support the work of YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee,” said Chandra Vasser President of the Nissan Foundation and Nissan’s first Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. “The Nissan Foundation is about building community by valuing diversity, and this programming from YWCA Nashville brings that mission to life.”
In the 32 years since, the Nissan Foundation has awarded nearly $17 million to more than 150 nonprofit organizations to support innovative programs that break down societal barriers and build inclusive communities through education and outreach. Grant recipients promote cultural diversity across a variety of arts, education, social and public programs in seven U.S. communities where Nissan operates.
The Stand Against Injustice lunch and learn series began in 2019 to increase conversations on the complex racial and social injustices facing individuals and groups in Nashville and middle Tennessee. The educational forums moved online during the COVID-19 pandemic and have continued to be held virtually. The Racial Justice Challenge began in 2020 and is designed to create dedicated time to build more effective social justice habits.
The Nissan Foundation was created in 1992 as a thoughtful response to civil unrest that occurred near Nissan North America’s then U.S. sales and marketing operations in Southern California following the Rodney King trial verdict. Nissan established a $5 million endowment to promote cultural diversity.
Nissan Foundation grants are awarded annually. Nonprofit organizations working to bring diverse cultural perspectives, experiences and voices to communities across the country may be eligible to apply for a Nissan Foundation grant. Learn more about all the 2024 Nissan Foundation grantees at www.NissanFoundation.com. For more information about the Nissan Foundation and its application process, visit the Nissan Foundation page.
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Contact
Michelle Mowery Johnson
VP Strategic Communications & Advocacy, YWCA Nashville & Middle TN
615-983-5125
michelle.moweryjohnson@ywcanashville.com
or
Andrea Ewin Turner
Corporate Communications, Nissan U.S.
629.543.2537
Andrea.Turner@nissan-usa.com
