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The 1954 Project Luminary Award

The CAFE Group’s 1954 Project is advancing education equity by investing in bold, imagination-fueled, and high-impact leaders committed to addressing systemic barriers and creating sustainable change for Black students and in Black communities.

The Luminary Program

The initiative is designed for leaders with a proven track record of success in education and the vision to create even greater impact.

Luminaries join a powerful community of innovators, change-makers, and visionaries driving systemic progress to support students and communities across the U.S.

1954 Project Network Benefits

Catalytic Capital

Each Luminary receives a transformational unrestricted $1 million grant to deepen their organization's work.

National Visibility

Access to a vast network of philanthropists, funders, and thought leaders in education and other sectors.

Ongoing Support

A three-year cohort journey that includes mentorship, leadership development, and strategic advisory to invest in their long-term success. 

How To Apply

The open application eligibility period for the 2025 1954 Project Luminary Award is now closed. Watch this space for 2026 application cycle updates.

 

Applicants are visionary leaders with a proven ability to disrupt the status quo in education who can demonstrate proximity, lived expertise, and a deep commitment to advancing equity for Black students and communities most impacted by systemic inequities in education.

Luminaries:

  • Have a proven track record in the education sector.

  • Are committed to building sustainable solutions in our impact areas.

  • Are ready to scale their impact and engage with a community of like-minded leaders.

Become a 1954 Project Luminary

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 Education

Increase the number of Black educators and leaders through innovative initiatives and programs. 

Pathways to Economic Mobility

Strengthen pathways from education to career to increase Black students' and families' economic mobility. 

The Application Cycle Process:

Step One

Eligibility Form

Important: All potential applicants complete the Eligibility Form to be invited to submit a full application. 

Step Two

Eligible Applicants Submit Round One

Applicants who receive eligibility approval will be invited to submit a full application. 

Please note: The 2025 Application is Now Closed.

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Honoring Legacy, Redefining Philanthropy 

With humility and gratitude, The 1954 Project honors the legacy of our ancestors, the strides we've made, and the progress yet to come. Our work builds on the foundation of the past while radically redesigning how philanthropy connects with Black leaders in education. By connecting the deep reservoir of talent in the Black community with transformational resources, we aim to create a future where all students thrive. 

  • What is “The 1954 Project”?
    The 1954 Project, a program of The CAFE Group, transforms education equity through love-fueled philanthropy. We invest in bold leaders with lived expertise to disrupt the status quo, providing catalytic funding, leadership development, visibility, and a deeply connected network built on trust and shared purpose. Through our focus on diversifying the teacher pipeline, advancing culturally responsive education, and driving economic mobility, we drive transformative change in Black communities—creating equitable systems that benefit everyone.
  • 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: Creating more effective, equitable, and culturally affirming education models that center Black students and ultimately serve all students. Diversity in Education: Increasing the number of Black educators and leaders through innovative initiatives and programs. Pathways to Economic Mobility: Strengthening pathways from education to career to improve economic outcomes for Black students and families.
  • What makes The CAFE Group unique?
    Our approach is informed by the lived and professional experiences of our founders, Liz and Don Thompson. From their roots in Chicago to leading multimillion-dollar enterprises, Liz and Don exemplify the power of investing in leaders often overlooked. Their active and immersive philanthropy drives our mission to create transformative community impact.
  • How much are The 1954 Project grants?
    Each Luminary organization receives a $1 million unrestricted grant over three years, along with mentorship, community-building, and leadership support to scale their impact. Finalists for the 2025 Award will each receive $25K to their organization.
  • What are the benefits of being a Luminary?
    Being a 1954 Project Luminary offers a range of benefits: Catalytic Capital: Luminaries receive a $1 million grant that provides significant financial resources to deepen and expand their organizational efforts. National Visibility: Access to a vast network of philanthropists, funders, and thought leaders enhances opportunities for collaboration and increases the exposure of their initiatives nationally. This visibility is further amplified by public speaking opportunities that raise awareness and attract additional support. Ongoing Support: Over three years, Luminaries engage in a comprehensive journey of mentorship, leadership development, and strategic advisory. This experience includes curated professional training sessions, access to advanced technology tools, and tailored guidance on managing and scaling operations effectively. Luminaries also receive targeted support in developing sustainable strategies for their initiatives. This includes resources and insights on fundraising, donor engagement, and diverse financial models to ensure the longevity and resilience of their impact Community: The 1954 Project Network fosters deep, authentic relationships grounded in trust, care, and shared purpose. This vibrant community of like-minded leaders provides a space to exchange best practices, access resources, and grow together, promoting both personal and organizational development in an environment of mutual support and collaboration. Together, these offerings provide Luminaries with the essential tools, networks, and resources necessary to effect substantial and lasting change in the field of educational equity.
  • How does The 1954 Project address leadership changes?
    Leadership continuity is a critical part of our selection process. If leadership changes occur, we work closely with the organization to determine the best path forward in alignment with the mission of The CAFE Group’s 1954 Project. Why We Care When leaders remain actively engaged over the long term, they not only ensure the stability and growth of their organizations, but also significantly enhance the impact on their communities.
  • What is the expected time commitment for Luminaries?
    Luminaries must personally participate in all program activities throughout their three-year term. This includes approximately two in-person events annually, monthly virtual coaching sessions, quarterly professional development programs, and optional opportunities to engage with The 1954 Project community. While staff members may occasionally be invited to specific events, the selected leader must attend all core programming.
  • How long is the application cycle?
    The 2025 application process for The 1954 Project Luminary Award spans from February 2025 to August 2025. It consists of three distinct rounds: Round 1 and Round 2: These initial stages involve submitting narrative responses, financial details, and relevant supporting documents. Round 3: Finalists will participate in a one-hour interview with The CAFE Group team. Additionally, there is a Board Member Interview to provide further insight into each finalist's qualifications and potential impact. The process will conclude with the selection of award recipients in August 2025.
  • What should I do if I'm experiencing technical difficulties with my application?
    We know technical issues can be frustrating, and we’re here to help! Before contacting our team, please try these troubleshooting steps: Clear your browser cache and cookies. Try using a different web browser (we recommend Chrome, Firefox, or Safari). Ensure your internet connection is stable. Check that all required fields are completed. Confirm that you are using the correct username. Note: Your username is not the same as your email address. It can be found at the top of your portal (when logged in) and in your initial account registration email. Add the1954project@thecafegroup.org to your email contacts to ensure you receive our communications. If you continue to experience technical issues after trying these steps, please email the1954project@thecafegroup.org with: A brief description of the issue. Any error messages you’re receiving. Screenshots of the problem (if possible). Our team will respond as soon as possible to help resolve your technical difficulties.
  • Can I get feedback on my application if I’m not selected?
    While we strive to support all applicants, our ability to provide individual feedback is currently limited by the high volume of submissions. We encourage applicants to reapply in future cycles and recommend reviewing our published selection criteria.
  • What is a Board Member Interview?
    The interview with the Board Member at the finalist stage allows us to gain an additional perspective on a potential Luminary by speaking to someone familiar with the leader and the organization, but who is not part of the staff. Applicants who reach this stage will receive detailed guidance on this part of the process
  • What rubric is used to assess applications?
    The 1954 Project’s evaluation rubric is based on three categories that reflect the program’s values and goals: Leader: Applicants are evaluated on their ability to lead with vision, resilience, and a deep commitment to advancing equity. Organization: We assess the organization’s ability to create significant, lasting change through a clear understanding of the challenges they address and a strategy rooted in measurable goals. Radical Imagination: This category focuses on the candidate’s ability to transform bold visions into tangible outcomes, challenge societal norms, and advance innovative solutions for a just and equitable future. Each category has a set of associated criteria on which the application is scored holistically, ensuring that no single factor outweighs the overall alignment with our mission.
  • How much time will the application process require?
    Round 1 and Round 2 Applications: Each application round will take approximately 3–5 hours to complete. Round 3 Interview: The interview process, including the Board Member Interview, requires about 1 hour.
  • Why does the application process include multiple phases?
    Our multi-phase application process is designed to ensure a comprehensive and equitable evaluation of each applicant's potential. By extending our review across several stages, we can go beyond initial written submissions to gain a deeper insight into the finalists' work, leadership qualities, and vision. This structured approach helps us to accurately assess the potential for significant impact.
  • Will I be updated on my application status?
    The CAFE Group is committed to clear and timely communication throughout the selection process. We will send email updates from the1954project@thecafegroup.org at each stage to keep you informed about your application status. To ensure you receive these important notifications: Add the1954project@thecafegroup.org to your email contacts or address book. Check your spam or junk folder regularly. If applicable, inform your IT department to allowlist our domain (thecafegroup.org) to prevent emails from being blocked.
  • Can I have a copy of the application questions?
    Round One Applicants can access a downloadable copy of the application question on the portal Application page. All final responses must be submitted through the online application portal. Emailed submissions will not be accepted
  • What should I do if I'm experiencing technical difficulties with my application?
    Before contacting our team, please try these troubleshooting steps: Clear your browser cache and cookies Try using a different web browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Safari) Ensure your internet connection is stable Check that all required fields are completed Confirm that you are using the correct username. Your username is not the same as your email address. Your username can be found at the top of your portal (when logged in) and in the initial account registration email. Add the1954project@thecafegroup.org to your email contacts to ensure you receive our communications. If you continue to experience technical issues after trying these steps, please email the1954project@thecafegroup.org with: A brief description of the issue Any error messages you're receiving Screenshots of the problem (if possible) Our team will respond as soon as possible to help resolve your technical difficulties.
  • 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.
  • How do I apply?
    The eligibility form for the 2025 Luminary Award Application is now closed.
  • Does The 1954 Project fund regional offices or specific programmatic initiatives?
    The 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.
  • You ask about “gift history” in the eligibility form. How is “gift” defined?
    In the eligibility form, “gift” refers specifically to monetary contributions your organization has received, including: Foundation grants Government funding Corporate grants Individual monetary donations Other charitable monetary contributions In-kind donations, pro-bono services, and non-monetary support are not included in this calculation.
  • Why do you have budget and gift history eligibility requirements?
    We celebrate the vital work happening at all stages of organizational growth. Our eligibility criteria are designed to ensure that organizations are at a stage where they can fully absorb the Luminary Award and benefit from our programmatic offerings. This opportunity is intended for organizations where the funding and support can be most catalytic—accelerating transformation, sustaining long-term impact, and aligning with a leader’s vision for scale. By sharing these guidelines upfront, we aim to respect applicants’ time and help them determine whether this opportunity is the right fit before committing to a full application.
  • If my organization serves multiple communities beyond Black students, are we eligible to apply?
    While organizations may serve multiple communities, what is essential is alignment with our impact areas: Innovation in Teaching and Learning: Creating more effective, equitable, and culturally affirming education models that center Black students and ultimately serve all students. Diversity in Education: Increasing the number of Black educators and leaders through innovative initiatives and programs. Pathways to Economic Mobility: Strengthening pathways from education to career to improve economic outcomes for Black students and families. We encourage you to review these along with our applicant criteria to help determine if you should apply.

Our Selection Criteria

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. 

Join Us in Shaping the Future 

The journey to becoming a 1954 Luminary is one of collaboration, growth, and lasting change. If you want to learn more or apply in a future cycle, join us to reshape the future of education.

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