The 1954 Project Luminary Award

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

Application Process

2026 Application Timeline:

1. Pre-Application Form (October 23 - December 15, 2025)
   • Complete pre-application form to be considered for 2026 cycle
   • Note: As of April 3, 2026, this deadline has passed for the 2026 cycle
2. Round One Application (January 2026)
   • Eligible applicants submit their story and vision
   • Note: This deadline has passed as of April 3, 2026
3. Round Two Application (March 2026)
   • Applicants who advance share more details on strategies for change and leadership journey
   • Note: This deadline has passed as of April 3, 2026
4. Round Three Interviews (May - June 2026)
   • Finalists participate in panel interviews
   • Board member nomination required to participate in selection committee conversation
5. Notifications
   • 2026 cohort notifications in summer 2026
   • Public announcement in fall 2026

2027 Cycle:

• Application cycle will open in fall 2026

Application Materials Required:

• Pre-application form (initial round)
• Organization story and vision statement
• Details on strategies for change
• Leadership journey narrative
• Alignment with one of three grantmaking areas
• Demonstration of organization's impact and transformation plan