Nissan Foundation grant to fund journalism aimed at promoting a greater appreciation and understanding of diverse cultural heritage

The $50,000 in funding will support a three-prong approach: the “American Black Journal” weekly program; Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community engagement and video production; and the amplification of stories from diverse communities and perspectives on “One Detroit,” the station’s weekly news and public affairs program. 

 

Detroit, MI – The Nissan Foundation has named Detroit PBS as a 2024 grant recipient. The Nissan Foundation grant will help fund Detroit PBS’ diversity and journalism efforts through its “American Black Journal” weekly program; AAPI community engagement and videos; and highlighting stories and perspectives from the diverse communities Detroit PBS serves across Southeast Michigan. This funding will also help amplify stories focused on cultural diversity, experiences and perspectives that air on the station’s weekly news and public affairs show “One Detroit.”  

“Support from the Nissan Foundation helps Detroit PBS journalists produce compelling, in-depth stories that reflect our diverse community,” said Elisha Anderson, the station’s managing editor of journalism. “It also enables us to share stories that strengthen understanding of regional issues, facilitate thought-provoking discussions that resonate with viewers and deepen our community engagement efforts.” 

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 Detroit PBS,” 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 the journalism and diversity efforts from Detroit PBS 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.  

Detroit PBS has partnered with Nissan over the past four years. Some notable accomplishments during the 2023-2024 fiscal year include:  

• One Detroit, American Black Journal, and media partner BridgeDetroit received the Sojourner Truth Award in Topical Reporting, which honors excellence in journalism that addresses racial justice. The team won for its coverage of the “Walk to Freedom. The entry was a montage of stories that honored the 60th anniversary of the 1963 Detroit Walk to Freedom, a significant milestone in the civil rights movement.  
• “One Detroit” and “American Black Journal” have had extensive engagement and viewership on broadcast and digital platforms with 474,000 broadcast viewers and an additional 131,000 views digitally. Social media impressions over the last year reached over 1.45 million with 66,000 engagements. Followers continue to grow across social media platforms.
• Extensive local engagement around PBS’ GOSPEL programming, including on “American Black Journal,” and community engagement both in-person and virtually. Projects in the past year that showcased partnerships include the 2024 Collaborative Journalism Summit, the American Muslim Pathways project, the ongoing engagement with the Black Church in Detroit Advisory Group and with the station’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Advisory Panel, which is in its third year. 

“We are committed to showcasing the diversity of our region through impactful storytelling and look forward to sharing more stories that highlight the people and places that define our community,” Anderson said.  

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. 

 

Contact 
 

Andrea Ewin Turner 

Corporate Communications, Nissan U.S. 

629.543.2537 

Andrea.Turner@nissan-usa.com