The Brooklyn, N.Y.-based Jewish Children's Museum was awarded a grant from the Nissan automotive company's philanthropic foundation.

The Nissan Foundation award follows a competitive process that sees approximately 10 organizations each year receive grants. Established in 1992, the foundation concentrates its disbursements on educational initiatives, environmental endeavors and humanitarian aid. According to its Web site, the foundation makes a point of supporting educational programs that foster awareness between diverse cultures.

The museum's grant will benefit its "Creative Kids" after-school program, which offers children of all backgrounds a positive and informative encounter with Jewish culture and tradition. Last year, the program treated 500 kids ages nine to 15 to workshops in dance, arts and crafts, nutrition, computers and homework tutoring.

Nissan regional vice president Al Castignetti recently toured the museum, which opened in April 2005 and teaches children about Judaism through hands-on exhibits and special activities.

"I was expecting something much smaller," said Castignetti. "This is great."

Said Rabbi Yerachmiel Benjaminson, executive director of Tzivos Hashem, the Chabad-Lubavitch children's organization that runs the museum: "Our partnership with Nissan is a great testimony to the notion that learning about the traditions of other cultures is an essential aspect of education."