The 1954 Project Luminary Award

The 1954 Project Luminary Award is sponsored by Grantable. Major award recognizing Black women leaders.

Apply to Become a 1954 Project Luminary | The CAFE Group $1 Million to Transform the Future of Education The 1954 Project Luminary Award The 1954 Project Luminary Award celebrates transformational education nonprofit leaders dedicated to serving Black students and communities through powerful investments in their organizations' ability to create lasting change.

The open call for Pre-Application submissions for the 2026 cycle is now closed. The 2027 cycle will open in fall 2026. Each Luminary organization gets more than funding.

Through The 1954 Project, leaders gain a community, a platform, and space to grow with tailored support over the course of the three year journey. ​ Catalytic funding to expand what’s working. Leadership Coaching + Capacity Support Guidance from peers and experts who are committed to helping you build a lasting, impactful organization.

Luminaries join a powerful community of innovators, change-makers, and visionaries driving systemic progress to support students and communities across the U.S. We look for leaders who can demonstrate vision, proximity to the work, and a deep and established commitment to advancing equity for Black students and communities.

While we know much of your impact likely intersects with other issues, your organization's primary work should align with one of our three grantmaking areas, which you can indicate when you apply: 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, ultimately serving all students.

Build pathways that increase and sustain Black educators and education leaders who transform where and how students learn. Pathways to Economic Mobility Build pathways to wealth, ownership, and economic power for Black students, families, and communities through innovative educational programming. Complete this form to be considered for the 2026 application cycle.

Eligible applicants submit your story and your vision. Applicants who advance to this round share more details on their strategies for change and their leadership journey. Finalists participate in panel interviews and nominate a board member to participate in a conversation with the selection committee.

Notifications for the 2026 Cohort will take place in summer 2026. The public announcement will occur in fall 2026. The CAFE Group & The 1954 Project The Luminary Award Eligibility Overall Application Selection and Evaluation Get Help The CAFE Group is a nonprofit organization reimagining the architecture of philanthropy to support the people and institutions claiming a just future.

We invest in leaders and organizations that are building a more equitable society, backing visionary talent through The 1954 Project and early-career changemakers through the LEAD Internship Program. Across generations and roles, we build networks that move with trust and shared purpose, fueled by our core belief that love is a strategy for lasting change.

We achieve this by aligning capital, fostering social connection, and convening people across sectors to practice philanthropy differently. Our proximity to people, institutions, and networks gives us clarity on where philanthropy must go next: move capital more boldly, invest in leadership with intention, and reshape systems at their roots.

When these elements join together, they become the foundation for a future where next generations can thrive. What is “The 1954 Project”? Named for the year of the Brown v.

Board of Education decision, The 1954 Project is The CAFE Group’s flagship initiative dedicated to fulfilling the promise of equitable education in the United States. We provide $1 million in unrestricted funding, organizational development, and a powerful community of support to leaders reshaping the present and future of education in Black communities.

The 1954 Project Network is a community of educators, entrepreneurs, and cross-sector champions building toward a more equitable and imaginative education ecosystem. Through strategic investment, visibility, and convening, we advance the ideas and infrastructure that uplift Black learners and communities. Our belief is simple: when Black communities thrive, everyone benefits.

Why is it called "The 1954 Project"? The name honors the landmark 1954 Supreme Court decision Brown v. Board of Education , which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional and highlighted the inherent inequality it perpetuated.

Our initiative is named to recognize this pivotal moment in history, and we aim to continue advancing the promise of equity in education—a mission that remains unfulfilled more than half a century later. What are The 1954 Project’s impact areas?

We focus on three interconnected areas critical to advancing equity: 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, ultimately serving all students.

Diversity in Education : Build pathways that increase and sustain Black educators and education leaders who transform where and how students learn. Pathways to Economic Mobility : Build pathways to wealth, ownership, and economic power for Black students, families, and communities through innovative educational programming.

We seek out extraordinary applicants who embody our values and vision across three categories: We look for leaders whose influence and vision contribute to the collective well-being and advancement of the Black community. These leaders: Are Visionary: They demonstrate a strategic and pragmatic mindset, articulating a transformative vision for significant, positive change.

Show Demonstrated Commitment: They embody steadfast dedication to your cause, inspiring and influencing others, and galvanizing community involvement. Are Adaptive: They assertively tackle challenges, turning setbacks into opportunities for innovation, while maintaining humility and thoughtfulness in problem-solving.

We look for organizations that drive significant change, anchored by a deep love for people and driven by the genius within communities of color. These organizations: Have a Defined Problem: They clearly identify the issue they are addressing and explain in detail how your organization tackles root causes.

Take a Strategic Approach: They have clear, measurable, and achievable organizational goals with a well-defined strategy informed by thorough analysis. Show Demonstrated Impact: They have a tested model that has produced positive results, incorporating continuous learning and iteration. Have a Transformation Plan: They present a clear plan for using the $1M award to advance your organization's mission, vision, and long-term goals.

Embrace Collaboration: They use collaborate to build partnerships based on trust, love, and common goals. We seek leaders who challenge and redesign societal norms to build a just and equitable future. They demonstrate: Community-Rooted Leadership: They maintain and cultivate genuine community ties, integrating professional expertise and personal commitment to drive visionary, impactful strategies.

Long-Term Commitment: They are in it for the long haul, committing to sustained impact across generations and prioritizing long-lasting solutions over short-term gains. Collectivism: They embody the philosophy of "I am because we are," actively engaging in collaborative networks and fostering community-reflective solutions.

The CAFE Group is a nonprofit organization reimagining the architecture of philanthropy to support the people and institutions building a more just future. In September, we celebrated five new Luminaries whose work reframes what's possible in education. Meet the newest class to join The 1954 Project!

Stay informed about the 1954 Project application milestones, community news, and The CAFE Group events. ​​