1954 Project - Luminary Award Grant

1954 Project - Luminary Award Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Cleveland Avenue Foundation for Education Group
Amount: US $1,000,000
Last Updated: February 12, 2026

Summary

The 1954 Project - Luminary Award seeks visionary nonprofit leaders dedicated to advancing educational equity for Black students. Awardees receive $1 million in funding, leadership development, and networking opportunities. The selection prioritizes leaders demonstrating strategic vision, community commitment, adaptability, and collaborative spirit. Applicants must align with one of three impact areas: Innovation in Teaching and Learning, Diversity in Education, or Pathways to Economic Mobility, ensuring their initiatives foster systemic change and uplift marginalized communities.

Overview

NOTE: All potential applicants must register to complete the Eligibility Form to be invited to submit a full application. See Pre-proposal deadline above. Background The 1954 Project invests in visionary nonprofit leaders advancing educational equity for Black students and communities. We select Luminaries, to whom we award $1 million in catalytic funding along with leadership development and membership in a powerful network driving systemic change. Through their bold innovations and community-rooted solutions, these leaders create transformational impacts that benefit all. Our Impact Areas Luminaries see the potential for transformation and are willing to lead the charge. These established nonprofit leaders’ organizations operate in one of our impact areas: Innovation in Teaching and Learning Create more effective, equitable, and culturally affirming education models that center Black students and ultimately serve all students.Diversity in EducationIncrease the number of Black educators and leaders through innovative initiatives and programs. Pathways to Economic MobilityStrengthen pathways from education to career to increase Black students' and families' economic mobility. Selection Criteria LeaderAre you a visionary who leads with love, hope, and boundless possibility? Does your personal influence extend beyond your organization's boundaries, contributing to the collective well-being and advancement of the Black community? We're seeking leaders who:
Are Visionary: You demonstrate a strategic and pragmatic mindset, articulating a transformative vision for significant, positive change. Show Demonstrated Commitment: You embody steadfast dedication to your cause, inspiring and influencing others, and galvanizing community involvement. Are Adaptive: You assertively tackle challenges, turning setbacks into opportunities for innovation, while maintaining humility and thoughtfulness in problem solving. OrganizationsDoes your organization drive significant, lasting change, anchored in a deep love for people and driven by the genius within communities of color? We're looking for organizations that: Have a Defined Problem: You clearly identify the issue you're addressing and explain in detail how your organization tackles root causes. Take a Strategic Approach: You have clear, measurable, and achievable organizational goals with a well-defined strategy informed by thorough analysis. Show Demonstrated Impact: You have a tested model that has produced positive results, incorporating continuous learning and iteration. Have a Transformation Plan: You present a clear plan for using the $1M award to advance your organization's mission, vision, and long-term goals. Embrace Collaboration: You use collaboration as a strategic tool, building partnerships based on trust, love, and common goals. Radical ImaginationAre you a pragmatic idealist who wields radical imagination to transform visions into tangible change? Do you challenge and redesign societal norms to craft a just and equitable future? We're seeking leaders who demonstrate: Community-Rooted Leadership: You maintain and cultivate genuine community ties, integrating professional expertise and personal commitment to drive visionary, impactful strategies. Long-Term Commitment: You're in it for the long haul, committing to sustained impact across generations and prioritizing long-lasting solutions over short term gains. Collectivism: You embody the philosophy of "I am because we are," actively engaging in collaborative networks and fostering community-reflective solutions.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Who Should Apply?We seek visionary nonprofit leaders with a proven track record in driving education outcomes in Black communities, who demonstrate proximity, lived expertise, and a deep commitment to equity for Black students and communities impacted by systemic inequities. Applicants must align with one of our three impact areas.Pathways to Economic MobilityDiversity in EducationInnovation in Teaching and LearningThe 1954 Project will fund leaders at the regional office level of national organizations or the national office level of international organizations. However, The 1954 Project will not fund leaders who manage specific programs or divisions within these organizations.