Khadijah Butler, founder and president of the Craig D. Butler Scholarship Foundation, has announced the upcoming release of her book, Laying the Foundation Brick by Brick – 2nd Edition, set for launch on May 6, 2025. The book serves not only as a powerful testament to Butler’s personal journey of grief and healing following the tragic loss of her father, but also as a comprehensive guide for others seeking to establish their own nonprofit organizations and scholarship foundations. This book is the only one of its kind on the market and aims to inspire others to create lasting change in their communities, particularly for inner-city youth.
The Craig D. Butler Scholarship Foundation was founded in 2020 in honor of Khadijah’s father, Craig Butler, who was tragically murdered in 1999 by a 14-year-old. Since its inception, the foundation has provided 10 scholarships to college-bound high school seniors, particularly those from minority backgrounds who are affected by gun violence. The foundation’s mission is clear: to ensure that underserved students have access to quality education and are not hindered by financial obstacles, while also offering an alternative to the violent environments that many of these youth face. Butler’s commitment to the cause has been recognized through various media outlets, including podcasts, talk shows, and TV interviews, and the foundation was even honored with the Joint Legislative Resolution from the State of New Jersey for its efforts in "Transforming Tragedy into Triumph."
In addition to her philanthropic work, Butler has authored multiple books, including The CDB Scholarship Monthly Planner and The CDB Scholarship Monthly Planner – College Edition. Her experience as both a professional in the pharmaceutical industry and a passionate advocate for education equality has positioned her as a leading voice in the movement to support underserved communities. Her work has also led to her being added to the City of Philadelphia’s Black Male Resource Finder by the Mayor’s Office of Black Male Engagement.
Laying the Foundation Brick by Brick is more than just a step-by-step guide on creating a nonprofit organization—it is a tool for healing. Butler’s personal experience of grief and loss led her to develop the book as a therapeutic means of coping with her father’s murder, a process that ultimately grew into something much greater. In her words, “This book started as a healing tool to grieve my father’s murder, but it has turned into a guide that can lead to someone else’s survival. It shows others how to start a nonprofit and scholarship foundation to serve the inner-city youth in their community.”
The 2nd edition of Laying the Foundation Brick by Brick includes updated content, additional insights, and practical tips for those interested in starting their own 501c3 scholarship foundation. Butler believes that the book’s dual purpose—as both a guide and a healing tool—will resonate deeply with readers who may have faced similar tragedies or who are passionate about making a difference in their communities.
Pre-orders for the book are currently available on major platforms, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Butler’s work continues to be a beacon of hope and change for underserved communities. Her vision for the Craig D. Butler Scholarship Foundation is clear—by redirecting the focus of youth away from gun violence and towards education, we can help build a safer, more equitable future. Through her book, her foundation, and her relentless advocacy, Butler is showing that out of tragedy can come triumph.
For more information about the Craig D. Butler Scholarship Foundation or to pre-order Laying the Foundation Brick by Brick - 2nd Edition, visit www.craigdbutlerscholarship.com.
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Website: www.craigdbutlerscholarship.com