Hyundai Hope on Wheels Announces 2025 Grant Award Winners

• Hyundai Hope on Wheels marks 27 years of driving hope and innovation
• $27 million in 2025 grants to advance pediatric cancer research nationwide 
• Hyundai Hope on Wheels reaches $277 million in lifetime giving

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Hope on Wheels, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by Hyundai Motor America and its 850 U.S. dealers, recently announced the 2025 recipients of its annual research and programmatic grants. This year, Hyundai Hope on Wheels is donating $27 million to support the fight against pediatric cancer, bringing the organization's lifetime total of giving to $277 million since its inception in 1998. A total of 106 grants will be awarded to medical institutions nationwide, aimed at improving outcomes and treatments for children with cancer, including 31 Hyundai Scholar Hope Grants at $400,000 each, 16 Hyundai Young Investigator Grants at $300,000 each, 57 Hyundai Impact Grants at $100,000 each, and two Hyundai Bridge2K Grants at $150,000 each.

"Hyundai Hope on Wheels is at the heart of who we are at Hyundai," said Randy Parker, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America. "Childhood cancer, unfortunately, affects too many families. This is why Hyundai Hope on Wheels was created – to help put an end to this disease. We're proud to announce the 2025 grant winners who will undoubtedly continue to work tirelessly to support all those affected by pediatric cancer."

In 1998, a group of New England dealers founded Hyundai Hope on Wheels to raise funds for the fight against pediatric cancer. Over the past 27 years, Hyundai Hope on Wheels has become a nationwide movement, with over 1,400 grants given to 175 institutions. Hyundai Hope on Wheels is also one of the leading pediatric cancer charities in the country.

"We are proud of the impact being made on people's lives through Hyundai Hope on Wheels," said John Guastaferro, executive director, Hyundai Hope on Wheels. "Through our partnerships with researchers, doctors, and hospitals all over the country, we are advancing hope through life-saving research, treatments, and survivorship programs."

Four categories of grants are awarded to eligible Children's Oncology Group (COG) member institutions. The Hyundai Scholar Hope Grant and the Hyundai Young Investigator Grant are two-year awards competitively selected for innovative research. Applications were reviewed by a Medical Advisory Committee comprised of leading pediatric oncologists from around the country. The Hyundai Impact Grant is an annual award that funds innovative research or programmatic support for the selected institution's pediatric oncology department. The Hyundai Bridge2K grant is a one-year award that provides bridge funding for pediatric cancer researchers resubmitting high-scoring national grants. 

Hyundai Hope on Wheels is presenting these grants during Handprint Ceremonies, the organization's signature event. During the ceremony, children affected by cancer, doctors, researchers, partners, and Hyundai representatives place their handprints on a Hyundai vehicle, symbolizing the collective fight against pediatric cancer and the united hope for a cure.

During National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, Hyundai Hope on Wheels honored its 27^th anniversary in Washington, D.C. At its annual gala, Hyundai executives, members of Congress, doctors and researchers, and families convened to spotlight the remarkable progress the organization has made over the years and its 2026 expansion to new markets in Europe and India. Hyundai Hope on Wheels also held a congressional reception on Capitol Hill at the Rayburn House Office Building featuring an exhibit and a survivorship summit focused on the long-term support of pediatric cancer survivors.

Hyundai Scholar Hope Grant Winners ($400,000)

Hyundai Young Investigator Grant Winners ($300,000)

Hyundai Impact Grant Winners ($100,000)

Hyundai Bridge2K Grant Winners ($150,000)

Hyundai Hope on Wheels
Hyundai Hope on Wheels® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is committed to finding a cure for childhood cancer. Launched in 1998, Hyundai Hope on Wheels provides grants to eligible institutions nationwide that are pursuing critical research aimed at improving treatments and saving lives. Hyundai Hope on Wheels is one of the largest nonprofit funders of pediatric cancer research in the country. Primary funding for Hyundai Hope on Wheels comes from Hyundai Motor America and its more than 850 U.S. dealers. In 2025, Hyundai Hope on Wheels will reach a lifetime donation total of $277 million in support of more than 1,400 childhood cancer research grants to over 175 hospitals and research institutions.

Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai's 850 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a published economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.

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SOURCE Hyundai Hope On Wheels