Black Futures Policy Institute
Black Futures Policy Institute (the Institute) is a policy advocacy and leadership training fellowship that provides community leaders the tools needed to transform Black communities into constituencies that wield independent, Black political power.
We are launching the sixth year of the Institute. Over 120 alumni across 21 states and Washington, D.C have completed the program to date and are making significant strides to advance local and state policies that center Black communities. Fellows in our network are fighting for housing reform and voting rights for all incarcerated persons, changing sentencing guidelines for human trafficking and domestic violence survivors, and redefining public safety by uplifting the leadership of the most impacted.
2026-27 Black Futures Policy
Institute Program Overview
The Black Futures Policy Institute is specifically for members of Black communities who are already involved in organized efforts to improve the lives of Black people. Applicants must apply as part of a team. Teams must be composed of 3 to 5 members. Team members must be working in the same state and must be sponsored by the same Sponsoring Organization. Applicants from CA, GA, IL, LA, NC, and WI are highly encouraged to apply. Other states will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Application portal opens June 8, 2026.
ALUMNI SUCCESS AND IMPACT
Hudson Catskill Housing Coalition (New York) – In 2023, Governor Hochul signed the Clean Slate Act (S.7551A/A.1029C), which seals certain criminal records and allows individuals to seek employment, housing, and educational opportunities so they can improve their lives.
The Hood Incubator (New York) – In 2023, Governor Hochul signed Bill SB51 into law, which allows for social equity operators to use what’s called a provisional license and is a license type that reduces barriers to entry as a business can earn money while they work toward a full license.
Young Womenʼs Freedom Center (California) – In October 2024, Governor Newsom signed AB2740 into law, which provides incarcerated pregnant persons access social workers to discuss parenting guidance, additional meals for prenatal care, extended medical stay and pumping and storage stations.
The One Albuquerque Fund (New Mexico) – In April 2025, Governor Lujan Grisham signed HB281 into law, which exempts hair braiders and locticians from requiring a cosmetology license and prohibits disciplinary action for hair braiding due to being unlicensed.
INSTITUTE GOALS
- Transform Black communities into constituencies that wield independent political power.
- Create a network of Black policy makers across the United States.
- Improve the lives of Black people.
INSTITUTE POLICY AREAS
The Institute focuses on the following policy areas that directly impact Black communities:
- Democracy/Voting Rights: confronting those who conspire to steal our votes, protecting and building the democracy that is promised to us all.
- Families/Public Health and Healthcare: challenging the policies and practices that leave us living sick and dying younger, protecting and delivering the care that we need to live long and live well.
- Economy/Economic Security: removing policies that lock us out of good jobs and investing in the health and wealth of our communities.
- Structural Barriers: procedural fixes that if achieved could increase Black political or policy power.
- Criminal/Legal: transforming our current criminal legal and policing system.
KEY DATES
- June 8, 2026: Application Portal Opens
- July 13, 2026: Online Application Deadline at 8:00pm ET/5:00pm PT
- August 3-4, 2026: Candidate Interviews (with the team and Sponsoring Organizations)
- September 15, 2026: The Institute begins. Weekly webinars (Tuesdays 1:00pm-2:45pm ET/10:00am-11:45am PT)
- April 6, 2027: The Institute concludes.
For more information about the Institute, please contact: blackpolicyinstitute@civitaspublicaffairs.com
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the cost of the Institute?
The Institute is free of charge. Sponsoring Organizations will be given a monthly stipend of $500/month for eight months for the individual they are sponsoring to cover a portion of their paid staff time. Stipends will be disbursed directly to the Sponsoring Organization, without exception. Sponsoring Organizations must use the stipend to support the fellow’s participation in the Institute. Black Futures Lab is not responsible for how organizations decide to use funds.
Participants will be required to participate in the program using a computer and internet access. The Institute has a “loaner” program for wifi hotspots to support fellows who need stable internet access.
Increased organizational support may be offered for participants creating and engaging in policy campaigns expected to commence in 2027.
When are the program dates?
Institute trainings occur online over an eight month period, every Tuesday, from 1:00-2:45pm ET (10:00-11:45am PT), starting on September 15, 2026 and ending on April 6, 2027.
INTERESTED IN FUTURE COHORT OPPORTUNITIES?
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