Cleveland Avenue Foundation for Education Group

The Cleveland Avenue Foundation for Education Group (CAFE Group)  supports educational innovators and helps to build a diverse pipeline for the non-profit and philanthropic sectors.  CAFE Group's 1954 project provides unrestricted funding to innovative organizations focused on achieving equitable educational outcomes for students.  Their LEAD internship program introduces diverse college students to career pathways at not-for-profits and philanthropic institutions.  These programs seek to achieve equity in education and inspire the next generation to be champions of change.

Founded by Don and Liz Thompson in 2014, the Cleveland Avenue Foundation for Education (CAFÉ) Group provides support and mentorship to students and professionals of color as they progress through their lives and careers. The CAFÉ Group offers annual internships for college sophomores, operates an engineering scholarship program, and hosts a series of conversations focused on taking action on critical education issues. In 2020, The CAFÉ Group launched The 1954 Project to fund diverse Black leaders in the education sector, known as Luminaries. Each year, following a highly selective and competitive process, The 1954 Project selects its Luminaries, who receive a multi-year financial investment and entry into a community of Black peer nonprofit leaders and philanthropists. This award enables The CAFÉ Group to identify, support, and financially invest in Black nonprofit leaders as part of The 1954 Project.