About Us


America’s future will largely be determined by the talents of tomorrow’s leaders - GF​
Our mission for Gary Franks Philanthropy Inc (GFP), is to help identify, develop, and assist the next generation of American leaders.
ABOUT THE FOUNDER
Former U.S. Rep. Gary Franks, elected in 1990 from Connecticut, was a pioneer. He was a congressional first in many categories: first Black Republican congressman in nearly 60 years; first Black congressman from New England; first voting Republican member of the Congressional Black Caucus; first Black congressman from an Ivy League college. Franks, whose district was 92% white, served three-terms in Congress, preceded by his tenure as a Waterbury, Connecticut, alderman. He retired from politics at age 43.​
Franks comes from humble beginnings and was one of six children. Three now hold doctorate degrees, one is a retired Army colonel, and one is a schoolteacher. His family was at one point threatened by the Ku Klux Klan. Franks attended Yale and was a two-time captain of the Yale basketball team. He worked for three Fortune 500 companies and presided over a real estate management firm.​
As a congressman, Franks was a member of the House Armed Services Committee and brought a record number of defense contracts to Connecticut. He chaired task forces on welfare reform and civil rights legislation. He also fought to end racial gerrymandering, leading to election of a host of Black congressmen from majority-white districts.​
After leaving politics, Franks established a public affairs firm. He was also a visiting professor at Georgetown University, the University of Virginia and Hampton University, and he wrote three books: “Searching for the Promised Land,” “With God, for God and for Country,” and “The Political Aberrations.”
"Scholarships have helped me advance in life. After a flawless freshman year at Sacred Heart H.S. I was awarded a full scholarship for my remaining years. At Yale I also depended on scholarships.
When just an early teenager my Principal, Father Blanchfield, identified me as a young man who could become Mayor some day. I did become Class President but never Mayor. I did sit across the desks of U.S. Presidents, however." - GF

South Africa's President Nelson Mandela with GF

U.S. Secretary of State Condelezza Rice with GF
"While in Grade School I was given the opportunity to lead others. And these opportunities continued through my years in high school and college." - GF


GFP seeks to find youngsters through Sports who can also be future leaders." - GF