In October 1985, the Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation (BPACF) was formed exclusively to support and advance educational and charitable activities as well as to oversee the distribution of scholarship funds.

The Foundation was formed as a result of the vision and commitment of its three original incorporators, Tanya M. Allmond, Arthur Baker, Jr. and Nancella Harris. Other significant advisors were Ed Blunt, Henry Freeman who subsequently assumed the role as legal counsel, and Steven Sims who became the organization’s first Treasurer. In 1985, after the Gala revenues reached $25,000, the BPA leadership determined that there was a need to create a separate tax-exempt organization. The focus was to raise scholarship funds to assure that high school graduates had an opportunity to advance to higher education. This goal was realized through the continuation of a major activity, the Gala dinner dance that started in 1981 prior to the formation of the BPACF.

It all began in 1977 when the Black Professionals Association (BPA) was formed. In 1981, BPA held its first dinner dance to raise scholarship funds. The tradition continues each year with the Scholarship and Awards Gala raising money and honoring a Black Professional of the Year. BPACF recognizes men and women in Greater Cleveland who are achievers in their professions and role models for our African American youth.

BPACF scholarship recipients were, and still are, selected by Northeastern Ohio colleges and universities. Eligible students must be African American, demonstrate financial need, be preferably from the Cleveland and surrounding areas, and maintain at least a 2.8 grade point average.

In 1993, the Foundation developed a strategic plan to reassess its mission and purpose. As a result of the strategic plan, it was determined that an endowment fund be established as the main thrust. This fund would provide BPACF with financial support into perpetuity for the establishment of activities and programs for the promotion and development of educational scholarship funds and other charitable activities. In 1996, an endowment fund was established and continues to be managed by the Cleveland Foundation.

During the 1990’s the commitment to higher education remained a high priority, however, a need was identified to support and assist younger students. An example of this type of program occurred during the 1998-1999 school year. The BPACF partnered with the Ameritech Foundation and the Cleveland Municipal School District and sponsored a project called “It’s Cool To Read” at the Alfred A Benesh Elementary School. Recognizing the importance of a solid education with good reading skills to one’s career and life success, the project focused on elementary school-aged children. Success was evidenced by a fourteen percent improvement in their reading scores.

In 2007, BPACF hired its first part-time Executive Director to lead the fund development efforts while enhancing programming focused on improving the lives of African Americans in the Greater Cleveland community. One of the more significant programs under this initiative included the launching of the Legacy Leadership Luncheon Series featuring past Black Professionals as the keynote speakers. The Verbatim Magazine was also launched as another vehicle to tell the BPACF story to the community

The 2007 Scholarship and Awards Gala was a record breaking event! It holds the record of raising the most funds, in BPACF history, and positioned the Foundation to significantly impact the lives of more youth by assisting them with the rising cost of a college education.

As the Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation celebrates its 27th year of raising more than $2.5 million dollars towards scholarships and grants. BPACF is continuing to follow its strategic plan that is guided by its mission.