The 1890 Universities Foundation
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2016
- HeadquartersWashington, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What The 1890 Universities Foundation does
The 1890 Universities Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded in 2016 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., that operates as the central coordinating hub for the 19 historically Black land-grant universities (HBCUs) in the United States. The Foundation functions as a connector, facilitator, and advocate, channeling federal grants, corporate partnerships, and private donations to advance the core land-grant missions of teaching, research, and community extension at member institutions. Its leadership was refreshed in October 2025 with the appointment of Dr. Felecia M. Nave, a former NSF Division Director, as President and CEO.
The Foundation's core programmatic products are: (1) the Center of Excellence for Land, Water, and Resource Management (COE-LWRM), hosted at Tennessee State University and coordinating applied research across nine 1890 institutions with focus areas including precision agriculture and artificial intelligence, ecosystem health, natural resource management, and workforce training; (2) the 1890-DVMC Veterinary Medicine Scholarship program, offering up to $80,000 per student with 10 scholarships available in the 2026 cycle; and (3) large-scale federal grant coordination, most notably the unprecedented $35 million USDA Forest Service award for urban and community forestry across six 1890 universities over five years.
Revenue mechanics rely entirely on non-commercial sources — federal grants (USDA, Forest Service, NIFA, NRCS, USAID), corporate partnerships (Microsoft, Walmart, Cargill, Land O'Lakes), private donations via PayPal, and a strategic partnership with the QEM Network. Pricing is grant-based rather than product-based: the COE-LWRM RFA distributes $50,000-$100,000 per proposal and the DVMC program provides $10,000-$15,000 annual scholarships. The Foundation operates a sales-led partnership model through its Senior Vice President for External Relations and Director of Development, and uses multi-channel communications (website, monthly newsletter, social media on Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, and LinkedIn, events, and earned media) to engage university stakeholders and prospective partners.
The 1890 Universities Foundation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The 1890 Universities Foundation
- Legal name
- 1890 Universities Foundation
- Website
- https://1890foundation.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2016
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The 1890 Universities Foundation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Nonprofit Education Grant Coordination
- NAICS
- Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- College Access, Scholarships & Student Success Nonprofits (BPAGADAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Education Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAK), Research & Science Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAI), Land-Grant Public Research Universities (EDAHAAAB), Scholarship & Fellowship Foundations and Trusts (EDADAHAC)
Keywords
Where The 1890 Universities Foundation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Washington
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
The 1890 Universities Foundation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Federal Grants and Awards: The Foundation secures large federal grants including a $35 million award from USDA Forest Service for urban and community forestry projects. The Foundation serves as a catalyst and coordinator of ambitious projects across the 1890 ecosystem, with funding distributed to member universities over multi-year periods.
- Corporate and Private Partnerships: Partnerships with corporations including Microsoft, Walmart, Cargill, Land O'Lakes, and others who invest in the mission of the 1890 Foundation and the 1890 land-grant universities.
- Donations: The Foundation accepts donations through PayPal to support education and innovation at historically Black colleges and universities.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | COE-LWRM Research Grants: $50,000-$100,000 per proposal for land, water, and resource management research |
| Other | Annual | 1890-DVMC Veterinary Medicine Scholarship: Up to $80,000 per student over the program duration |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
The 1890 Universities Foundation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The 1890 Universities Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that coordinates funding, partnerships, and programs for 19 historically Black land-grant universities. It secures and channels federal grants (notably a $35 million USDA Forest Service award for Urban and Community Forestry), administers scholarship programs such as the 1890-DVMC Veterinary Medicine Scholarship, and manages the Center of Excellence for Land, Water, and Resource Management (COE-LWRM) research network across 9 institutions.
Product overview
The 1890 Universities Foundation operates as a connector, facilitator, and advocate organization supporting 19 historically Black land-grant universities. The Foundation's core offerings include grant coordination and management (such as the $35 million USDA Forest Service award and the $1 million COE-LWRM research funding), scholarship programs like the 1890-DVMC Veterinary Medicine Scholarship (up to $80,000 per student), and partnership facilitation with federal agencies and private sector partners. The Foundation amplifies the collective voice and impact of 1890 institutions through high-impact programming, federal partnership management, and advocacy efforts including support for the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act. A newsletter subscription service provides monthly updates on activities and events.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Center of Excellence for Land, Water, and Resource Management (COE-LWRM)
Quantifiable outcome
- HBCUs contribute nearly $15 billion annually to their communities
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use The 1890 Universities Foundation
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
The 1890 Universities Foundation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
The 1890 Universities Foundation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- Quality Education for Minorities (QEM) NetworkcoreStrategic partnership to catalyze research and development ecosystem growth for the nation's 19 historically Black land-grant institutions. The partnership advances research excellence, increases competitiveness for federal and philanthropic funding, and positions 1890 institutions as national leaders in innovation, sustainability, and community impact. QEM brings three decades of experience in capacity building, faculty training, and grantsmanship support. Key focus areas include expanding access to funding, building sustainable research infrastructure, empowering faculty excellence, and fostering collaborative research.
- USDA Forest ServiceflagshipThe Foundation secured an unprecedented $35 million award from the USDA Forest Service for urban and community forestry projects. This joint endeavor is unparalleled in its magnitude and reinforces the Foundation's pivotal role as the central hub for 19 Black Colleges and Universities. The funding addresses pressing challenges in urban greening initiatives and environmental equity issues facing under-served communities.
- USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)coreThe USDA and the Council of 1890 University Presidents have signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to sustain and expand the federal partnership with the nation's 19 historically Black Land-Grant universities. The Foundation coordinates with USDA agencies including NIFA (National Institute of Food and Agriculture) and NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service).
- MicrosoftcoreCorporate partner investing in the mission of the 1890 Foundation and the 1890 land-grant universities. Microsoft supports technology and innovation initiatives at HBCUs.
- WalmartcoreCorporate partner committed to racial equity and HBCU advancement. Walmart and the Walmart.org Center for Racial Equity partner with the Foundation to support the 1890 land-grant universities.
- CargillcoreCorporate partner in the agriculture sector investing in HBCU land-grant universities. Cargill supports the Foundation's agricultural research and community programs.
- Land O'LakescoreAgricultural cooperative and corporate partner supporting the Foundation's mission. Land O'Lakes invests in the talent and expertise of 1890 universities.
- USAIDcoreU.S. Agency for International Development partners with the Foundation to support international training and development initiatives at 1890 universities.
- Tufts UniversityminorAcademic partner collaborating with the Foundation on research and educational initiatives at HBCU land-grant universities.
- APLU (Association of Public and Land-grant Universities)minorAssociation of Public and Land-grant Universities partners with the Foundation to advance the interests of 1890 land-grant institutions within the broader land-grant university ecosystem.
- DiversifyVetMedminorInitiative partner supporting the 1890-DVMC Veterinary Medicine Scholarship program to diversify the veterinary medicine profession.
- UIDP (University Industry Demonstration Partnership)minorPartnership focused on university-industry collaboration that supports the Foundation's work in connecting 1890 universities with industry partners.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
The 1890 Universities Foundation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture: NAFEO's specific federal advocacy role on HBCU funding, infrastructure, and capacity-building mirrors parts of the 1890 Foundation's mission, though NAFEO serves a broader HBCU base. Comparable in advocacy scope and target stakeholders.
- NACME (National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering): NACME provides scholarships and supports pathways for underrepresented minorities in engineering, with overlapping STEM-equity focus and HBCU student support. It is comparable in mission around STEM diversity and minority talent development, though smaller and more narrowly focused on engineering.
Direct peers
- United Negro College Fund (UNCF): UNCF is the largest private fundraising organization for HBCUs, providing scholarships and operating support to member institutions including several 1890 universities. Both organizations function as collective fundraising and advocacy vehicles for HBCU networks, making UNCF the closest direct comparable.
- Quality Education for Minorities (QEM) Network: QEM Network focuses on capacity building, faculty training, and grantsmanship for minority-serving institutions — including a formal strategic partnership with the 1890 Foundation announced November 2025. It is directly comparable in mission and programming.
- Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF): TMCF represents public HBCUs and provides scholarships, capacity-building, and corporate/federal partnership support. It is comparable to the 1890 Foundation in serving as a network-level convener and resource mobilizer for HBCU students and institutions.
- National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO): NAFEO advocates on behalf of all HBCUs and HSIs with federal agencies and Congress. It overlaps with the 1890 Foundation on federal partnership development, policy advocacy (e.g., IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act), and representing HBCU institutional interests in Washington, D.C.
Broad incumbents
- Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU): APLU is a research, policy, and advocacy organization for public universities and land-grant institutions, including 1890 institutions as members. It is comparable as a higher-level convening and federal engagement partner, though APLU serves the full land-grant ecosystem rather than focusing specifically on HBCUs.
- American Indian College Fund: The American Indian College Fund supports TCUs (Tribal Colleges and Universities) — the land-grant equivalent for Native American communities. Comparable as a nonprofit fundraising and capacity-building vehicle for a specific category of minority-serving, land-grant institutions.
- Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU): HACU represents Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and advocates for federal funding and corporate partnerships. Comparable as a broad minority-serving higher-education advocacy and resource-mobilization organization, though it is much larger and HSI-focused rather than land-grant.
Others
- National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE): NCTE provides educator professional development and grants in education, paralleling parts of the 1890 Foundation's grantsmanship and faculty development offerings. Comparable in professional society / capacity-building mission but with a different beneficiary base.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The 1890 Universities Foundation social profiles
Digital presenceThe 1890 Universities Foundation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The 1890 Universities Foundation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
The 1890 Universities Foundation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
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The 1890 Universities Foundation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
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Frequently asked questions about The 1890 Universities Foundation
What does The 1890 Universities Foundation do?
The 1890 Universities Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that coordinates funding, partnerships, and programs for 19 historically Black land-grant universities. It secures and channels federal grants (notably a $35 million USDA Forest Service award for Urban and Community Forestry), administers scholarship programs such as the 1890-DVMC Veterinary Medicine Scholarship, and manages the Center of Excellence for Land, Water, and Resource Management (COE-LWRM) research network across 9 institutions.
Is The 1890 Universities Foundation a public or private company?
The 1890 Universities Foundation is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The 1890 Universities Foundation founded?
The 1890 Universities Foundation was founded in 2016. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is The 1890 Universities Foundation based?
The 1890 Universities Foundation is headquartered in Washington, United States, in the North America region.
How does The 1890 Universities Foundation make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Federal Grants and Awards are the primary driver. The others are corporate and Private Partnerships and donations.
Who are The 1890 Universities Foundation's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and NACME (National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering). Direct peers are United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Quality Education for Minorities (QEM) Network, Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO). Broad incumbents are Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), American Indian College Fund and Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) is listed as an others.
Does The 1890 Universities Foundation have an API?
No public API is recorded for The 1890 Universities Foundation.
What industry is The 1890 Universities Foundation in?
The 1890 Universities Foundation's product category is Nonprofit Education Grant Coordination. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGADAE, College Access, Scholarships & Student Success Nonprofits, with a secondary code of BPAGAKAK, Education Grantmaking Foundations. Its NAICS code is 813211 and its SIC code is 8200.