Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation

The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) is a nonprofit organization established in 1991, serving as the corporate foundation for Mitsubishi Electric Corporation and its subsidiary companies in the United States. The foundation is dedicated to empowering youth with disabilities to lead productive lives through innovative programs and grant-making initiatives. Based in the Washington D.C. area, MEAF has an endowment initially set at $15 million, and it has since invested over $14 million in various projects aimed at enhancing the leadership, employment, and awareness of abilities among individuals with disabilities.

Mission and Objectives

MEAF’s mission is to create societal change by investing in strategies that empower youth with disabilities. The foundation focuses on three primary areas:

• Leadership Development: Promoting skills such as self-advocacy, environmental stewardship, and community service.

• Employment Preparation: Providing resources for mentoring, internships, and workforce readiness, particularly in careers related to science and technology.

• Ability Awareness: Enhancing inclusion and equal access while focusing on the skills and achievements of youth with disabilities to shift societal attitudes.

Grant Programs

MEAF supports numerous national programs through its grant initiatives, which typically range from $10,000 to $100,000 per year. The funding is specifically aimed at nonprofit organizations that work on projects benefiting youth with disabilities. These projects often have national significance or provide models for broader replication.

Notable Grants and Programs

Over the years, MEAF has partnered with various organizations to implement successful programs, including:

• American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD): Providing grants for their Summer Internship Program, which places college students with disabilities in internships in Capitol Hill offices and other government agencies.

• Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital: Funding the Include All Girls Initiative, which works towards the inclusion of girls with disabilities in Girl Scouts, helping them develop leadership skills.

• Tarjan Center at UCLA and Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship (SAGE): Supporting projects that include youth with disabilities in entrepreneurial programs.

• Autistic Self Advocacy Network: Funding the Autistic Campus Leadership Academy, aimed at enhancing self-advocacy skills for autistic college students.

Awards and Recognition

MEAF has received several accolades for its contributions to the disability community, including:

• The Wilmer Shields Rich Award for Excellence in Communications from the Council on Foundations in 2010.
• The William Diaz Impact Award from the Disability Funders Network in 2006.
• The Helen Keller Achievement Award from the American Foundation for the Blind in 2000, awarded to Kiyoshi Kawakami, president of Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc.

Community Engagement and Volunteerism

In addition to its grant-making activities, MEAF actively encourages employee volunteerism. Through various matching and volunteer programs, the foundation motivates Mitsubishi Electric employees to contribute time and resources to community initiatives focused on improving the lives of youth with disabilities.

Conclusion

The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation continues to be a significant advocate for youth with disabilities, striving to empower them through leadership, employment opportunities, and awareness initiatives. Its comprehensive approach to philanthropy not only provides financial support but also fosters community engagement and promotes inclusive practices across the United States.

[1] https://www.washington.edu/doit/what-mitsubishi-electric-america-foundation-and-how-do-they-support-individuals-disabilities [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubishi_Electric_America_Foundation [3] https://us.mitsubishielectric.com/en/sustainability/greater-community/meaf-grant/guidelines/index.html [4] https://us.mitsubishielectric.com/en/sustainability/greater-community/meaf-grant/index.html [5] https://www.mitsubishielectric.com/en/sustainability/philanthropy/fndn/meaf/index.html