Nissan Foundation Awards $383,000 to 23 Nonprofit Organizations

GARDENA, Calif.--Aug. 3, 20051, 2005--The Nissan Foundation, a nonprofit charitable giving arm of Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA), has recently awarded a total of $383,000 in grants to 23 nonprofit organizations in Southern California, Northeast Texas, Middle Tennessee, South Central Mississippi and beginning this year, Eastern Michigan. A grantee recognition awards ceremony honoring the Southern California grant recipients will be held today from 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Nissan's headquarters in Gardena.

Established in 1992, the Nissan Foundation awards grants annually to nonprofit organizations with projects that align with the Foundation's mission: (1) to support educational programs that celebrate and foster an appreciation and understanding for diversity cultural heritage and (2) to maximize investments in the community by enhancing career potential for young adults in the automotive industry.

This year's Southern California grantees are: Art Center College of Design, Autry National Center, Bayside Community Center, Chinese American Museum, Ford Theatre Foundation, Japanese American National Museum, La Jolla Playhouse, Los Angeles Music & Art School, Pasadena City College, Pierce College, Public Corporation for the Arts, Self-Help Graphics, The Accelerated School and The New City School.

"The Nissan Foundation is committed to enriching people's lives and adding value to the communities we serve," said Jim Morton, president of the Nissan Foundation. "Nissan has a long history of supporting organizations like this year's grantee recipients because of the exceptional achievements and positive impact they have on the community."

Additional 2005 grant recipients include the Mississippi School for Math & Science (MS), 100 Black Men of Jackson, Inc. (MS), Discovery Center (TN), Boys & Girls Club of Middle Tennessee (TN), International Museum of Cultures (TX), Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas (TX), Automotive Women's Network (TX), University of Michigan, College of Engineering (MI) and The New Detroit Science Center (MI).

Since its inception, the Nissan Foundation has awarded more than $2,000,000 in grants.

About the Nissan Foundation

Established in 1992, the Nissan Foundation awards grants annually to selected nonprofit organizations with projects that align with the Foundation's mission to celebrate and foster an appreciation and understanding for diverse cultural heritage and to enhance career potential for young adults in the automotive industry. The Nissan Foundation supports Nissan's global commitment to "Enriching People's Lives" through charitable contributions, in-kind donations and other philanthropic investments.

About Nissan North America

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. More information on Nissan North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissanusa.com and www.infiniti.com.