Hyundai Hope on Wheels Announces 2026 Grant Award Winners

• Hyundai Hope on Wheels marks 28 years of progress in the fight against childhood cancer
• 98 grants awarded to support pioneering research and care across the U.S.
• Lifetime giving exceeds $303 million, advancing hope for children and families nationwide

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Hope on Wheels®, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by Hyundai Motor America and more than 855 U.S. dealers, today announced the recipients of 98 pediatric cancer research and program grants in 2026. With this year's funding, the organization has surpassed $303 million in lifetime giving and has supported more than 1,600 grants at over 175 hospitals and research institutions since its founding in 1998. As one of the nation's leading nonprofit funders of pediatric cancer research, Hyundai Hope on Wheels continues to invest in innovative research, treatment advancements, and survivorship programs that improve outcomes for children with cancer.

"Every child deserves the chance to grow up cancer-free, and every breakthrough brings us one step closer to that future," said John Guastaferro, executive director, Hyundai Hope on Wheels. "Together with Hyundai dealers, researchers, physicians, and supporters, we are accelerating discoveries, strengthening support for families, and turning hope into progress for children facing cancer."

For 28 years, Hyundai Hope on Wheels has helped advance pediatric cancer research and care, positively impacting more than 40,000 children and their families. This year's 98 grants will support innovative research, emerging investigators, clinical programs, and patient and family services at eligible Children's Oncology Group (COG) member institutions. Grant categories include:

• Hyundai Scholar Hope Grant ($400,000): A two-year grant that supports translational research with the potential to improve treatments and outcomes for children with cancer.
• Hyundai Young Investigator Grant ($300,000): A two-year grant that is awarded to promising early-career researchers advancing the understanding of childhood cancer.
• Hyundai Impact Grant ($100,000): An annual grant that supports innovative research, clinical programs, and patient and family support initiatives in pediatric oncology.

Grant recipients are selected from eligible COG member institutions through a rigorous review process led by an independent Medical Advisory Committee of pediatric oncology experts. Awardees are recognized through Hyundai Hope on Wheels' signature Handprint Ceremonies, where children affected by cancer, survivors, families, researchers, physicians, and Hyundai representatives place colorful handprints on a Hyundai vehicle. The handprints symbolize hope, resilience and a collective commitment to ending childhood cancer.

During National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Hyundai Hope on Wheels commemorated 28 years of impact in Washington, D.C., bringing together Hyundai executives, dealers, members of Congress, researchers, physicians, survivors and families to recognize continued progress in the fight against childhood cancer.

During the annual gala, Hyundai Motor America unveiled The Mark of a Warrior, a new national campaign inspired by the handprints that have become synonymous with Hyundai Hope on Wheels. The campaign shines a light on the determination of children facing cancer and the families who stand beside them every step of the way. Inspired by the organization's iconic handprints, the campaign elevates a longstanding symbol of hope into a powerful call to action, encouraging supporters nationwide to help bring every warrior home. The week also included a Congressional Reception on Capitol Hill and a Survivorship Summit dedicated to supporting the long-term health and well-being of childhood cancer survivors, alongside opportunities to showcase the organization's growing global impact.

2026 Scholar Hope Grant Winners ($400,000)

2026 Young Investigator Grant Winners ($300,000)

2026 Impact Grant Winners ($100,000)

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 855 U.S. dealers. In 2026, Hyundai Hope on Wheels will reach a lifetime donation total of $303 million in support of more than 1,600 childhood cancer research grants to over 175 hospitals and research institutions.

SOURCE Hyundai Hope On Wheels