The Collectors Foundation, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable foundation funding education and training to support the future of the collector vehicle and classic boat hobbies, celebrates its anniversary marking five years of service with nearly $1.5 million in total contributions. Founded by Hagerty Insurance Agency, the world leader in collector car insurance, the Collectors Foundation is supported by a growing network of enthusiasts around the country who are eager to give back to the hobby and encourage the next generation of collectors.  

“The Collectors Foundation was created from Hagerty’s belief that the future of the collector car hobby depends on today’s youth,” said Bob Knechel, Executive Director of the Collectors Foundation. “The fifth anniversary of the organization is an exciting milestone, and a great opportunity to remind enthusiasts to continue to help young people discover their passio, and at the same time give back to the hobby that means so much to them, to ensure it remains intact.”

The Collectors Foundation actively seeks out and financially backs organizations providing youth education and hands-on training in collector cars and vessels. Since 2005, the Collectors Foundation has introduced approximately 200,000 school-age youth to the beauty, history and technology of historic vehicles and vessels through grants awarded for innovative educational programs at museums and schools includingthe Petersen Automobile Museum in Los Angeles, California,  Saratoga Automobile Museum in Saratoga, New York, The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan, and the Art Center College of Design’s Young Designers Program in Pasadena, California.

At least 2,200 high school-aged youth have been assisted in their studies of automotive technology and repair through equipment grants and other support from the Collectors Foundation. Their support extends from prep schools and career tech centers to homes for at-risk youth including Northwest House of Hope in Traverse City, Michigan, Klingberg Family Center in New Britain, Connecticut, and Safe Harbor Boys Home in Jacksonville, Florida.

Approximately 135 young adults pursuing further education and a career within the collector vehicle or classic boat fields have been awarded scholarships or funding for internships from the Foundation at institutions including McPherson College in McPherson, Kansas, the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan, Kettering University in Flint, Michigan, and The Landing School of Boatbuilding and Design in Kennebunkport, Maine. Forty-two have now graduated and found employment within the collector car and classic boat industries.

Also, the Collectors Foundation has provided grants to major national club libraries for the preservation of historical materials and documentation, including the Antique Automobile Club of America’s (AACA) Library and Research Center, the Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club’s Library and the Classic Car Club of America’s (CCCA) Library.

The Collectors Foundation is a public 501(c)(3) charitable organization governed by an independent Board of Directors designed to serve the long-term interests of collector vehicle and classic boat hobbyists. For more information, visit www.collectorsfoundation.org, or contact Bob Knechel at (231) 932-6835 (or e-mail bob@collectorsfoundation.org).


(Courtesy The Collectors Foundation/Hagerty Insurance)