New York, NY, September 16, 2025: We are honored to share that the Nissan Foundation named Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding a 2025-26 grant recipient, supporting our collaborative work with educators to expand access to resources that teach empathy and respect in K-12 classrooms.
Through this grant, Tanenbaum will train over 500 students in skills of respectful curiosity, communication about different religious identities, and conflict transformation. Tanenbaum will partner with 9 in-service educators in NYC and elsewhere to form the first cohort of its Network of Inclusive Educators (NIE).
Rev. Mark Fowler, Tanenbaum’s CEO said, “At a time when the lines of inclusive education are blurred for schools across the country, Tanenbaum’s work to create educational moments where students can respectfully explore and engage with the diversity among them is critical. We’re helping young people understand that differences are a constant part of our world—and learning how to navigate those differences with empathy is essential. We’re deeply grateful to the Nissan Foundation for supporting this work and our Network of Inclusive Educators.”
“Since the Nissan Foundation was founded, we’ve seen and supported the power, importance and impact of cultural understanding and inclusivity,” said Ali Tonn, executive director of the Nissan Foundation. “This year’s grantees reflect the innovative thinking, compassionate empathy and deep community roots that are forging real progress in our country. We’re incredibly proud to play a role in fueling their important work.”