Honda is putting $10 million behind the future of HBCUs. The Honda USA Foundation has launched the Drive the Legacy Fund, a $10 million initiative to strengthen HBCUs by supporting critical institutional needs.

The fund will invest in infrastructure, technology, and institutional capacity, giving HBCUs additional resources to strengthen their campuses and build for the future. The initiative marks the latest expansion of Honda’s decades-long commitment to the HBCU community.

According to AFRO, Honda created the Drive the Legacy Fund to address persistent challenges facing HBCUs. Through research and engagement with institutions, the Honda USA Foundation identified several recurring concerns, including chronic underfunding, capital investment gaps, aging infrastructure, technology deficits, and challenges with faculty recruitment and retention.

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To address those needs, funding will be divided into two categories: Infrastructure & Technology and Institutional Capacity. Infrastructure and technology funding will support projects such as facility repairs and modernization, digital systems and connectivity, cybersecurity improvements, and smart-campus technologies. Institutional capacity funding will focus on faculty recruitment and retention, administrative operations, professional development, and initiatives designed to strengthen institutional effectiveness.

Selected institutions are expected to receive between $100,000 and $250,000 annually, with awards potentially available for up to two years to support transformational projects.

The Drive the Legacy Fund is set to begin its application process in March 2027 with a competitive Letter of Intent process to determine institutions’ alignment with the fund’s priorities. The initial funding cycle will focus on accredited four-year HBCUs in states where Honda has major operations and a strong community presence. Following the review process, selected institutions will be invited to submit full grant applications for consideration.