Mazda Foundation Inc. Awards Funding to Programs in Huntsville Area

The Board of Trustees of the Mazda Foundation (USA) Inc. has awarded funding for four new programs as it continues to build partnerships with organizations across the United States to help address issues including food insecurity, equitable access to education, and job opportunities. The Mazda Foundation awarded a total of $495,000 to 11 organizations through its yearly grant giving process.

The addition of these programs means that the Mazda Foundation’s partnerships now serve populations across several major metro areas throughout the United States, with funding concentrated in Southern California and the greater Huntsville area. 

This year’s awards target the extension of STEM education and workforce opportunities to underserved young adults in high school and beyond. One of these awards will fund a factory automation competition for high school and community college students developed by the Robotics Competition and Education Foundation, which is bringing their program to the city. A second fund was awarded to the Food Bank of North Alabama.

“The awards we’re announcing today aim right at the heart of the cycle of poverty,” said Tamara Mlynarczyk, manager of public affairs for Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) and president of the Mazda Foundation (USA), Inc. “Too many Americans lack access to education and resources that will help them secure employment in our rapidly evolving economy. We hope that we can play a small role in helping people across the country reach their full potential and find financial security.”

As the corporate foundation of MNAO, the Mazda Foundation has donated over $14.8 million to children’s organizations, educational scholarships, food banks, disaster relief efforts, and environmental programs since 1992. 

To learn more about the Mazda Foundation, please visit www.mazdafoundation.org.