For the 15th year, The Home Depot has awarded grants for campus improvements to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as part of its Retool Your School program. This year’s nearly $3 million donation will be divided among 42 HBCUs, with Albany State University, South Carolina State University and Paine College each receiving $150,000 as the top vote-getters in their respective categories (based on the size of their student populations).
Since the program’s inception in 2009, the retailer has invested more than $12 million to provide HBCUs with needs-based grants for campus renovations. “The Home Depot has a proud legacy of supporting and uplifting HBCUs,” said Molly Battin, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer at The Home Depot in a statement. “We’ve reached more than 82 universities over the last 15 years, with many multi-year relationships with the same schools.”
The winning schools were chosen from among 67 institutions applying for grants. More than 7 million votes were cast online by students, staff and supporters to decide the top 10 schools per cluster, which will receive grants ranging from $40,000 to $150,000. Another 12 schools will get Innovation Lounge funding to enhance existing campus spaces where students can gather, ideate and collaborate.
“These grants go beyond just improving physical spaces,” said Battin. “They foster positive outcomes for students and communities across the U.S.”
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This is just one of many charitable, community-based efforts the Home Depot has implemented. In 2023 alone, the retailer invested $10 million toward community service projects.
