Welcome to the 1890 Foundation |
Uniting Education, Innovation, and Community for a Sustainable Future for All
The Eighteen90 Monthly Newsletter
Celebrating 100 years of black history month
February 2026 marks the centennial of Black History Month, which began in 1926 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week. This year's theme, "A Century of Black History Commemorations," reflects on a hundred years of honoring the lives and contributions of Black Americans.
1890 Foundation and QEM Partner to Advance Research Capacity and Innovation Across HBCU Land-Grant Universities
WASHINGTON (November 17, 2025) - - The 1890 Universities Foundation and the Quality Education for Minorities (QEM) Network are proud to announce a strategic partnership aimed at catalyzing research and development ecosystem growth for the nation’s 19 historically Black Land-grant institutions.
Our Mission
Elevating Excellence
in Education, Research, and Community Engagement
At the 1890 Foundation, our story began with a simple, yet powerful idea: that education and innovation hold the keys to transforming communities. We set out on a journey to uplift historically black colleges and universities, not just by offering support, but by providing the tools to make a tangible difference in agriculture, food sciences, and beyond.
Over the years, we've forged meaningful partnerships and secured crucial grants, like those from the Forest Service, to tear down the barriers that stand in the way of progress. Each step we take honors the rich legacy of the 1890 universities, lighting a path for future generations to walk with confidence and purpose, armed with the knowledge and opportunities they need to thrive.
These Stories Of Leadership
And Vision Highlight The Impact
These Institutions Have:
Research Breakthroughs
With support from the 1890 Foundation, our students and researchers lead pioneering studies in sustainable agriculture. Their efforts are advancing in addressing food insecurity and nurturing the health of our planet.
Academic Brilliance
Our universities host exceptional programs that prepare future leaders in science and technology. The academic successes of our students are a testament to their hard work and talent.
Community Empowerment
From revitalizing local economies to enhancing ecosystems, the projects driven by our universities demonstrate the critical role historically Underserved students colleges and universities play in fostering community empowerment
Foundation Receives An Unprecedented $35 Million Award from USDA:
Elevating Urban
Forestry And
Reinforcing
Unity
Among Black Colleges
and Universities
While this may not be the first collaboration between the USDA Forest Service and the Foundation, it is undeniably the most sizable. The 1890 Universities Foundation has secured an unprecedented $35 million award for projects in Urban and Community Forestry. This award, unparalleled in its magnitude, reinforces the 1890 Foundation’s pivotal role as the central hub for the 19 Black Colleges and Universities.
Equipped with a remarkable $35 million, we are uniquely positioned to tackle pressing challenges in urban greening initiatives and address the environmental equity issues facing under-served communities. This joint endeavor with the USDA Forest Service underscores the potential of unified goals and mission-driven efforts. It reflects the transformative change we aim to bring to our communities.
At our core, the Foundation serves as a catalyst, embodying the role we were envisioned to play: a coordinator of ambitious projects that resonate throughout the entire 1890 ecosystem. Over the next five years, six of our esteemed 1890 universities will lead this initiative. As we navigate this journey, there will be abundant opportunities for many more universities to gain additional funding, amplifying the reach and impact.
Our alliance with the USDA Forest Service epitomizes the strength derived from cooperation and mutual vision. Together, we are ready to make positive, lasting impacts on our Universities and the communities they serve. In this journey, driven by innovation and unwavering commitment, our foremost priority remains to ensure the effective utilization of these funds to create a substantial difference within the 19 Strong.
