About CBCF

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy, research and educational institute that aims to help improve the socioeconomic circumstances of African Americans and other underserved communities.

It is the policy of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation NOT to advocate or support either directly or indirectly, the election or defeat of any candidate for public or political office. The CBCF does not donate or contribute to any candidate's campaign, nor does it participate or engage in political fundraising events nor otherwise solicit contributions, nor endorse or oppose a candidate.

Founded in 1976 and based in Washington, D.C., CBCF envisions a world in which the black community is free of all disparities and able to contribute fully to advancing the common good. Its mission is to advance the global black community by developing leaders, informing policy and educating the public. It is achieving that mission by:

• Facilitating the exchange of ideas and information to address critical issues affecting our communities.
• Developing strategic research and historical resources for the public.
• Providing leadership development and scholarship opportunities.
• Developing effective programs and research to address social, economic and health disparities.

Each year, CBCF undertakes significant public health, economic empowerment and scholarship programs that benefit thousands of people across the country. Its stellar fellowship and internship programs are among the largest of their kind and, while enabling young African Americans to pursue careers in public policy and public service, have helped to diversify the ranks of officeholders and staff on Capitol Hill and through the federal and state governments.

CBCF's influence extends to African-American intellectuals and others focused on policy and legislative issues. Each September, thousands of elected officials and industry leaders, celebrities, media, emerging leaders and everyday Americans come to Washington, D.C., for the organization's Annual Legislative Conference (ALC). The conference features participation by the Congressional Black Caucus and includes dozens of policy forums, general sessions, exhibits, a job fair, book signings and vast networking opportunities.

In addition, CBCF produces district-level forums throughout the country to explore public policy concerns, promote public health and financial empowerment and to solicit opinions and recommendations of citizens at the local community level. CBCF and our volunteers through the Congressional Black Caucus Spouses also sponsor an annual scholarship  classic that raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for educational and training opportunities for  college students.

CBCF programs are supported by fundraising events and the generous support of our corporate partners. To better expand and sustain its research efforts, and to enhance its leadership education programs, CBCF is establishing a multi-million-dollar endowment to provide support for its efforts not just for one year, or even one generation, but also in perpetuity.