FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Answers about the PMAF, the Awards, and our Programs

Hi, WHAT CAN WE HELP YOU FIND?

Welcome to the Pauli Murray Awards Foundation FAQ page. Here you’ll find answers to common questions about the Pauli Murray Awards: 40 Under 40 Black LGBTQ+ Honors, the nomination and application process, eligibility requirements, the gala, and how to get involved with the Foundation.

Our goal is to make sure applicants, honorees, partners, and supporters have clear information as we celebrate and invest in Black LGBTQ+ brilliance nationwide. If you don’t see your question answered here, email info@paulimurrayawards.com.

About the Foundation

What is the Pauli Murray Awards Foundation (PMAF)?: The PMAF is a nonprofit celebrating and investing in the brilliance of Black LGBTQ+ individuals through national awards, grants, mentorship, and community programs that advance Legacy, Liberation, Visibility, and Community.
Who was Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray, Esq.?: Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray was a trailblazing lawyer, civil rights strategist, priest, poet, and scholar. We honor Pauli using nonbinary language and by elevating Black LGBTQ+ brilliance nationwide.
When was the Foundation established?: The Foundation was incorporated in New York in 2025. The inaugural Pauli Murray Awards ceremony takes place on October 11, 2026 (National Coming Out Day).
What is the mission of the Foundation?: The mission of the Pauli Murray Awards Foundation is to facilitate the Pauli Murray Awards and other programs that highlight and support Black LGBTQ+ individuals doing impactful work across the country. The Foundation seeks to recognize and uplift Black LGBTQ+ individuals while they are actively making contributions to their fields and communities. Through its work, the Foundation aims to combat the historical erasure of Black queer individuals and ensure that their stories, achievements, and full humanity are acknowledged and celebrated.

Leadership & Advisory Opportunities

Does PMAF have a Board of Directors?: Yes. The Board of Directors provides governance, fiduciary oversight, and strategic guidance aligned to PMAF’s mission and values.
How can I be considered for the Board?: PMAF periodically conducts open calls and targeted searches for new Directors. Interested candidates may email a resume/CV and a brief statement of interest to info@paulimurrayawards.com. When a formal application is open, eligible candidates will be invited to complete it.
What is the expected time commitment for Board service?: The Board typically meets 4–6 times per year, with committee work between meetings (approximately 4–6 hours/month on average, varying by role and season).
Are Board positions compensated?: No. Board service is volunteer. Reasonable, pre-approved expenses for official duties may be reimbursed per policy.
What qualifications do you seek in Board candidates?: Demonstrated commitment to PMAF’s mission; lived or professional experience within Black and/or LGBTQ+ communities; expertise in areas such as finance, law, fundraising, governance, communications, programs, or events; and a commitment to equity, inclusion, and ethical conduct.
Does PMAF have advisory committees or councils?: Yes. PMAF convenes advisory bodies (e.g., Programs Advisory Committee, Gala Host Committee, Selection Committee, and periodic working groups) to offer expertise and expand community input.
How do I join an advisory committee?: Opportunities are announced on our website and social channels. You can also email info@paulimurrayawards.com with your interests and relevant experience to be notified of the next cycle.
Is there an opportunity for early-career or emerging leaders to serve?: Yes. PMAF welcomes emerging leaders on advisory bodies and working groups.
What about conflicts of interest for Board/advisors?: All Directors and advisors must follow PMAF’s Conflict of Interest and Ethics policies, disclose potential conflicts annually and as they arise, and recuse themselves from related decisions.
Is there a minimum give/get expectation for Board members?: PMAF encourages 100% Board participation in annual giving. A specific give/get target or alternative contributions (e.g., fundraising leadership, sponsorship outreach) may be set each year and communicated during recruitment.
How long are Board or advisory terms?: Board terms are typically two years, renewable based on performance and organizational needs. Advisory roles may be seasonal (e.g., 6–9 months) or annual, depending on the committee.

Donations & Volunteering

How can I make a donation to PMAF?: Donations can be made online at PauliMurrayAwards.com/donate. You can choose to make a one-time gift or set up recurring monthly support at the same link.

Donations are the lifeblood of the Pauli Murray Awards Foundation. They sustain our entire operation—from the annual awards and honoree grants to the PMA Cohort, community engagement events, and the day-to-day work of building an enduring institution that uplifts Black LGBTQ+ brilliance.
Are donations tax-deductible?: Yes. The Pauli Murray Awards Foundation is a registered nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. You will receive a receipt for your records.
How can I volunteer with PMAF?: Volunteers can help with event support, outreach, fundraising campaigns, and community engagement. Opportunities are posted on our website, or you can email info@paulimurrayawards.com to express interest.
Can organizations partner through in-kind donations?: Yes. We welcome in-kind donations such as event space, products for honoree gift sets, or professional services. For partnership inquiries, contact info@paulimurrayawards.com.

Awards & Eligibility

What are the 'Pauli Murray Awards: 40 Under 40 Black LGBTQ+ Honors' (PMAs)?: The Pauli Murray Awards: 40 Under 40 Honors recognize 40 outstanding Black LGBTQ+ individuals under the age of 40 across eight categories, including Arts & Entertainment, Business & Entrepreneurship, Culture & Media, Education & Scholarship, Public Service & Government, Science, Technology & Medicine, Social Justice & Advocacy, and Spirituality, Wellness & Mental Health. These awards celebrate their brilliance, amplify their visibility, and invest in their leadership.
Who is eligible for the Pauli Murray Awards?: Black LGBTQ+ individuals aged 18–39 (as of the application deadline), residing in the U.S. or its territories, with demonstrated excellence and impact in one of eight categories.
What are the eight categories?: Arts & Entertainment; Business & Entrepreneurship; Culture & Media; Education & Scholarship; Public Service & Government; Science, Technology, & Medicine; Social Justice, Advocacy, & Community Leadership; Spirituality, Wellness, Philanthropy, & Mental Health.

Nominations & Applications

When do nominations open and close?: Nominations open March 1, 2026 and close April 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.
How do I submit a nomination or apply?: Submit via the official website at PauliMurrayAwards.com. Self-nominations are welcome.
How are honorees selected?: A diverse Selection Committee evaluates applications using a transparent rubric (excellence, community impact, legacy & long-term influence, and commitment to equity & inclusion). The top five per category are named honorees.
Can I nominate myself?: Yes. Complete and submit the full application as a self-nomination.
Can I nominate more than one person?: Yes. Submit a separate nomination for each person you wish to nominate.
What if multiple people from the same organization are nominated?: That is allowed, but it is likely that only one individual per organization will be selected (exceptions for very large organizations).
Can someone apply in more than one category?: No. Applicants must choose the single category that best represents their primary contributions.
What is required in the application?: A complete application includes: basic information, a resume/CV, a personal statement or video, two letters of support, and up to three supporting materials (e.g., articles, project links, media coverage).
How many applications do you expect?: We expect between 200 and 300 applications in this first cycle.

Honoree Benefits & Cohort

Do honorees receive anything beyond recognition?: Yes. Honorees receive a commemorative award, media features, access to a national network of peers and mentors, a $1,000 grant (contingent on fundraising), and a year in the PMA Cohort with mentorship and professional development opportunities.
What is the PMA Cohort?: A structured, yearlong experience for honorees featuring mentorship matches, skill-building workshops, and cross-sector networking to translate recognition into sustained impact.

Gala & Logistics

Where and when is the Awards Gala? Is it public?: The Gala will be held in New York City on October 11, 2026 (National Coming Out Day). It is open to the public; honorees receive a complimentary ticket. Additional tickets and tables are available for purchase.
Are there affordable ticket options for the Gala?: Yes. PMAF is committed to making the Gala accessible and welcoming. A limited number of tickets will be made available at a reduced rate for Black and Black LGBTQ+ community members who need financial assistance. Details on how to request discounted tickets will be announced when ticket sales open.
What’s the dress code?: Formal / Black-tie, Afrocentric formal, or other celebratory attire.
Do honorees need to attend the awards ceremony?: Attendance is strongly encouraged but not required. Honorees who cannot attend will still be celebrated online and in media.

Policy, Accessibility & Support

Is application information kept confidential?: Yes. Applications are reviewed only by the Review Committee. Non-private details of honorees may be used for public profiles; contact information remains private. Information for non-selected nominees is not shared.
What is the disqualification policy?: Nominees may be disqualified for dishonorable conduct such as violent crimes or abuse, professional misconduct, fraud (falsifying information), or other actions contradicting PMAF’s values. Past convictions are not automatically disqualifying unless they involve violence, abuse, or serious misconduct.
How does PMAF ensure accessibility?: PMAF strives to make all programs and events accessible. For accommodations related to disability, travel, or caregiving needs, please email info@paulimurrayawards.com. The Gala venue and program materials will meet ADA and language access standards whenever possible.
How can I or my organization get involved?: Support PMAF by becoming a sponsor, making a donation, volunteering, or co-hosting a community engagement event. Email info@paulimurrayawards.com for details.