Honda USA Foundation Launches Drive the Legacy Fund to Evolve Support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities

• The $10 million Drive the Legacy Fund creates sustainable, long-term investment in HBCU success 
• Grants will focus on infrastructure, technology and core institutional needs 
• Honda has supported HBCU schools for nearly 40 years

TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Honda USA Foundation today announced the creation of the Drive the Legacy Fund, a new endowment fund building on the longstanding commitment of Honda to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) by providing a long-term source of sustainable support. The $10 million Fund will support core institutional needs at HBCUs through investments in infrastructure, technology, and institutional capacity. 

"The Drive the Legacy Fund enhances the nearly 40-year commitment of Honda to creating lasting impact and ensuring educational opportunities for HBCU students," said Marcos Frommer, executive director of the Honda USA Foundation. "By investing in the foundational needs of HBCUs, we can help these institutions strengthen their operations, modernize critical infrastructure and position themselves for sustained success for generations to come."   

About the New Drive the Legacy Fund

The Drive the Legacy Fund was created to address persistent challenges facing many HBCUs. The Honda USA Foundation combined stakeholder engagement, research, and institutional needs assessments to identify common themes across HBCU campuses, including: 

• Chronic underfunding and capital investment gaps 
• Aging physical infrastructure 
• Digital and technology infrastructure deficits 
• Faculty recruitment and retention challenges 

To address these priorities, the Drive the Legacy Fund will focus on two primary award categories: 

• Infrastructure & Technology, including facilities repair and modernization, digital systems and connectivity, cybersecurity improvements, and smart-campus technologies.
• Institutional Capacity, including faculty recruitment and retention, administrative and operational capacity, professional development opportunities, and initiatives that strengthen institutional effectiveness. 

Institutional grants are expected to range from $100,000 to $250,000 annually, with awards available for up to two years to support transformational projects that strengthen institutional operations. The Fund will begin with a focus on accredited four-year HBCU institutions located within states where Honda has major operations and a strong community presence.  

The Drive the Legacy Fund will launch in March 2027 with a competitive Letter of Intent process to assess alignment with the Fund's priorities. Following review, selected institutions will be invited to submit full grant applications for competitive funding consideration. 

Honda Commitment to Historically Black Colleges and Universities 

Honda has supported the success and dreams of HBCU students for nearly 40 years, through programs such as the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge, Drive the Legacy Initiative, and Honda Battle of the Bands. These initiatives have impacted the lives of more than 350,000 students and provided over $16 million in grants toward HBCU education programs and facilities improvements. 

The Honda USA Foundation's Drive the Legacy Fund complements the Honda "Drive the Legacy" initiative that partners Honda with HBCUs and organizations such as the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the National Urban League, and local UNCF chapters, to offer development opportunities to HBCU students and recruit top talent for its future workforce. Honda also supports initiatives of the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus to bring together government, industry and HBCUs to create strategic, more sustainable HBCU partnerships. 

For more information, visit https://csr.honda.com/inclusion.

About the Honda USA Foundation 

The Honda USA Foundation supports programs and organizations that strengthen communities and expand opportunities through strategic charitable investments. Through its education and mobility-focused giving initiatives, the Foundation works to create lasting, positive impact in communities across the United States. 

Notice: Although the information included in this press release is accurate as of the date of publication, this information is subject to change at any time without notice. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. assumes no responsibility for updating this information.

SOURCE Honda