Thurgood Marshall College Fund Raises Funds with High-Profile Gala and CEO Awards
Event summary
- The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) will host its 39th Anniversary Gala on September 12, 2026, at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C.
- The event features high-profile entertainment, including Grammy-winning vocalist Ledisi, and aims to raise significant funds for scholarships and programs.
- Individual tickets for the gala are priced at $2,500, with sponsorship opportunities available.
- The DC CEO Impact NOW Awards will take place on September 10, 2026, at the National Museum of African American History & Culture, honoring industry leaders and changemakers.
- Tickets for the CEO Impact Awards are $500, with proceeds supporting scholarships and career development for HBCU students.
The big picture
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund's high-profile events underscore the growing recognition of HBCUs as critical institutions in higher education. With increasing corporate and philanthropic interest in diversity and inclusion, TMCF's ability to leverage these events for sustained funding and partnerships will be key to its long-term impact. The organization's role in connecting top employers with HBCU talent also positions it as a vital bridge between education and industry.
What we're watching
- Fundraising Momentum
- Whether TMCF can sustain the $5 million fundraising level from last year's gala, given the current economic climate and corporate sponsorship trends.
- Corporate Engagement
- How the involvement of high-profile corporate executives and entertainers will translate into long-term partnerships and financial support for TMCF.
- Impact Measurement
- The pace at which TMCF can demonstrate the tangible outcomes of its fundraising efforts on student success and HBCU development.