The 1954 Project Luminary Award

The 1954 Project Luminary Award

Funder: The CAFE Group

Award Amount: $1,000,000 unrestricted catalytic funding

Geographic Scope: United States

Program Description:
The 1954 Project is The CAFE Group's flagship initiative dedicated to fulfilling the promise of equitable education in the United States. Named for the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision, the program provides $1 million in unrestricted funding, organizational development, and a powerful community of support to leaders reshaping education in Black communities.

Focus Areas:
Organizations must align with one of three grantmaking areas:

Innovation in Teaching and Learning: Create education models that center Black students through culturally affirming approaches that challenge traditional structures and transform how learning happens

Diversity in Education: Build pathways that increase and sustain Black educators and education leaders

Pathways to Economic Mobility: Build pathways to wealth, ownership, and economic power for Black students, families, and communities through innovative educational programming

Eligibility:

Nonprofit education leaders

Dedicated to serving Black students and communities

Primary work must align with one of the three grantmaking areas

Leaders must demonstrate:

- Vision and proximity to the work
- Deep and established commitment to advancing equity for Black students and communities
- Demonstrated commitment to their cause
- Adaptive problem-solving abilities
- Community-rooted leadership
- Long-term commitment
- Collaborative approach

What Recipients Receive:

$1 million unrestricted catalytic funding

Leadership coaching and capacity support

Membership in national network of innovators and change-makers

Tailored support over three-year journey

Platform and visibility

Selection Criteria:
Applicants are evaluated across three categories:
1. Leader: Visionary, demonstrates steadfast dedication, adaptive problem-solving
2. Organization: Defined problem, strategic approach, demonstrated impact, transformation plan, embraces collaboration
3. Radical Imagination: Community-rooted leadership, long-term commitment, collectivism

Contact:

Email: info@thecafegroup.org

Phone: 312-383-6681

Address: 222 N Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606

Website: 1954project.org