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Come reimagine how
change is resourced.

We bring people, resources, and imagination together to transform philanthropy and the future it fuels.

Liz and Don Thompson embrace in front of a library.

Started with love and family.

Founded by Liz and Don Thompson as a bold act of family philanthropy, The CAFE Group invests early, leads with love, and trusts the genius already at work. Today, we're an independent nonprofit backed by a national network of partners, funders, and supporters — reimagining how change gets resourced.

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The 1954 Project

$1M unrestricted grants to education leaders reimagining what's possible for students and communities.

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LEAD

A leadership and network-building program that opens doors into Chicago’s philanthropy and social impact community.

Our Impact is Collective & Deeply Rooted

Together, we are forging a future where education innovators receive the vital support they need, young leaders embark on their journeys with intention, and philanthropy thrives on the strength of love, courage, and a united community for generations to come.

21M+

unrestricted catalytic capital invested through The 1954 Project

30+

U.S. nonprofit education leaders supported nationwide

250+

college students placed in LEAD internships

"The CAFE Group demonstrates that philanthropy is more than a word. It is an action executed with 'love' at its core."

— Alexandra Bernadotte, 1954 Project Luminary

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