Invest | Educate | Impact

About Williams-Franklin Foundation

The mission of the Williams-Franklin Foundation (WFF) is to provide academic scholarships, business/career networking, and mentoring opportunities to HBCU students with extreme financial need. The  WFF was born out of true love and personal affiliation with Historically, Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Co-founders, Dwight, and LaShelle (Williams) Franklin were both raised to know the importance of “being of service to others”.  However, this concept was crystallized in the educational and service-driven community at Howard University (HU), their alma mater. Since HU, the Franklins have integrated what they’ve learned through volunteer work and supporting many charitable organizations.

In recent years, the Franklins began to devote more of their philanthropic efforts to the financial needs of HU students. And, in 2014, they formed the Williams-Franklin Foundation to invite others to align their dollars with their passion for HBCU students. They believe that through collective effort, shared responsibility, and meaningful networking, “we can change the trajectory of a student’s life”. The Franklins used their own seed money to launch the foundation and in a very short time, raised thousands of dollars that have touched the lives of many HBCU students.

The Williams-Franklin Foundation is a fully incorporated non-profit, with 501(c)3 tax exemption status, located in the District of Columbia.

Upcoming Events

The 2024-Williams-Franklin Foundation Golf Tournament Fundraiser
We are excited to host our 4th Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser! Golfers, dust off your clubs and gather your foursome. Non-golfers, come dressed in your finest country club attire (or business casual) and be prepared to enjoy an afternoon of great food and fun in the breathtaking scenery. This year’s tournament date is June 17th, at the beautiful Lakewood Country Club in Rockville, MD.

The 2024-2025 Williams-Franklin Foundation Scholarship Application is Now Open!
The Williams-Franklin Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications from HBCU students. In addition to the scholarship, awarded students will have a chance to participate in a year-long program that includes webinars, professional development, networking, and mentorship. Click Here to access the application

 Board of Directors

our results...and we keep growing yearly!

124

Awardees

984

Applicants

18

HBCUs

24

States

3

Countries

2023 - 2024 Awardees

Zachary Gunn, expected class of 2025, is from Alexandria, Virginia. He is studying Psychology on a Pre-Med track at Morehouse College
Returning Awardee Déja Daniel, class of 2024, is from Atlanta, Georgia. She is studying Criminology and Spanish at Howard University.
Sydnee Haynes, expected class of 2024, is from Brandywine, Maryland. She is studying Bioengineering at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University.
Returning awardee Jordan Alexander, expected class of 2024, is from Detroit, Michigan. Jordan is studying Nutritional Science at Howard University.

HBCUs Attended by Awardees

  1. Albany State University
  2. Central State University
  3. Dillard University
  4.  Edward Waters College
  5. Florida A&M University
  6. Fort Valley State University
  7. Hampton University
  8. Howard University
  9. Lincoln University (Pennsylvania)
  10. Morehouse College
  11. Morgan State University
  12. North Carolina A&T State University
  13. Philander Smith College
  14. Spelman College
  15. Tennessee State University
  16. Tuskegee University
  17. University if the District of Columbia
  18. Xavier University