Funding Skilled-Trade Education for Students & Technicians Who Want to Pursue a Career in the Collector Car Industry
OUR CAUSE
The collector car hobby is threatened. Not by climate change, electric engines, or autonomous vehicles. It’s threatened by the lack of students and technicians pursuing skilled-trade careers in collector vehicle service and restoration. Together, we can change that.
OUR MISSION
The Piston Foundation’s mission is to provide scholarships and apprenticeships that reduce financial barriers and make it easier for more people to choose careers in collector car services and restoration.
Join our community of car enthusiasts and get the latest Piston Foundation news.
MAKING AN IMPACT
We are car enthusiasts, just like you, and together we are 25 million strong. We have created an innovative fundraising model to harness the collective strength of all of us, and the passion we share.
We are working to raise $50 million over the next five years to provide skilled trade education and collector car career opportunities. Join us by donating today.
LEGACY SCHOLARSHIPS
Frank Buonanno Scholarship Fund
Teaching the next generation of restoration mechanics
The scholarship was created to honor Frank Buonanno, founder of Black Horse Garage. The fund will provide scholarships and apprenticeships to students pursuing careers in collector car restoration.
CHARTER DONORS
Kent Bain
Roger Werner
Harvey Siegel
Richard Kresch
Philip Richter
Alois Rupp
Robert Minnick
Chris Mason
Thomas Brown
Joel Lueb
Linda Zukauskas
Fernando J Alva Mirás
Karl Maruyama
Jeff Mason
FAQs
What is The Piston Foundation?
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to preserve car culture. The Piston Foundation will unite the more than 25M+ U.S. car enthusiasts on one platform and direct those resources to:
- Provide grants and scholarships to automotive students.
- Fund craft apprenticeship programs.
- Help car enthusiast clubs, events, and museums.
What makes The Piston Foundation unique?
We are unique because of our social media based fundraising approach, low management overhead, rapid growth and deployment of funds.
Where do donations come from?
Our donations come from three sources:
- Millions of U.S. car enthusiasts.
- Six Piston Challenge donors who get five friends to match their donation.
- Corporate sponsors and industry partners.
What is the Automotive Restoration Academy?
The Academy is an apprenticeship program which will standardize a quality curriculum in shops across the country, allowing students to earn as they learn the skills that will provide desperately needed restoration and maintenance services.
Will my donation make a difference?
YES! Your donation will fund grants, scholarships, and apprenticeship opportunities for students pursuing careers in the automotive industry and classic car restoration.
How do I become a Piston Brand Ambassador?
- Spread the word to your car crew and encourage them to join you in support of The Piston Foundation.
- Share The Piston Foundation through your social media channels. Repost and tag us!
- Email us for more information.
CONTACT
Phone
(475) 619-2395
info@pistonfoundation.org
Piston Foundation
P.O. Box 4611
Greenwich, CT 06830
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