1954 Project - Luminary Award Grant

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.

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? 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? 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.

Eligibility

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.