Congressional Black Caucus Foundation facts for kids
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| Formation | 1976 |
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| Type | Nonprofit foundation |
| Headquarters | Washington, D.C., United States |
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Chairperson
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Cedric Richmond |
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Key people
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| Affiliations | Congressional Black Caucus |
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Revenue (2016)
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$7,016,234 |
| Expenses (2016) | $7,312,526 |
| Website | [1] |
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) is an American group that helps people learn and grow. It is a nonprofit organization, which means it uses its money to support its goals, not to make a profit. The CBCF studies important topics that affect African Americans. It also publishes reports, holds special events, and offers scholarships to students.
Even though it works closely with the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), the CBCF is a separate group. It runs programs focused on education, health, and helping communities grow economically. The CBCF was started in 1976 by members of the CBC. It began as a research group that did not support any single political party.
Contents
History of the CBCF
How the Foundation Started
African American members of Congress created the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971. A few years later, in 1976, they also helped start the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. The goal was to encourage African Americans to get involved in the country's political process.
The CBCF was designed to be a non-partisan research group. This means it studies issues fairly, without favoring one political party over another. The first official meeting for the CBCF was held on September 30, 1976. Yvonne Brathwaite Burke, who later became a member of Congress, was chosen as the temporary leader.
The first Annual Congressional Black Caucus Dinner happened in 1971. This was before the CBCF itself was created.
The CBCF Today
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation is an important organization today. It works as a nonprofit group that focuses on public policy, research, and education. Its main office is in Washington, D.C., near Dupont Circle.
The Foundation has a Board of Directors and two Advisory Councils that help guide its work. As of 2025, Cedric Richmond is the Chairperson of the CBCF. Elsie L. Scott is its president and Chief Executive Officer. The CBCF continues to work towards its mission of helping African Americans participate in the political process and improve their communities.
Programs and Activities
The CBCF supports its many programs through fundraising events and help from partner organizations. One of its biggest events is the Annual Legislative Conference. This conference is held every September and helps raise money for the Foundation's activities.
The CBCF offers special programs like the Defense & Aerospace Policy Fellowships. These fellowships are supported by companies like Raytheon Technologies. They help young people learn about important policy issues.
The Foundation often works with the Congressional Black Caucus Spouses. This group is made up of the wives and husbands of the African American members of the United States Congress. Together, they help support the CBCF's goals.
Phoenix Award
The Phoenix Award is the highest honor given by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. It recognizes people who have made great contributions to society. One notable person who has received this award is Cynthia Hurd.
