Honda USA Foundation Launches “Drive the Legacy Fund” to Expand Support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities
September 17, 2026
The Honda USA Foundation has established 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.
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
Based on these themes, 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.
Additional details about eligibility criteria and the application process will be available in early 2027. For questions, please contact the Honda USA Foundation at hondausafdn@na.honda.com.
