The Warner Family Foundation Scholarship and Legacy
Where originality, voice, and vision are valued more than conformity or technical perfection. Art is not about fitting into lines but about expressing the truth of who we are.
The Malcolm-Jamal Warner Creative Legacy Fund exists to honor his truth by nurturing the next generation of poets, painters, musicians, performers, and interdisciplinary creators whose work carries courage, freedom, and authenticity.
Vision Statement
We believe artistry isn’t about technical perfection, but about giving voice to the unseen, the unspoken, and the deeply personal. This fund honors interdisciplinary creativity — poetry, music, visual art, theater, and beyond — with a special focus on originality and vision.
Mission
We envision a world where young artists are free to create without boundaries —
The Malcolm-Jamal Warner Creative Legacy Fund supports young artists who create from a place of freedom, truth, and originality.
Freedom: Art should be unboxed, authentic, and true to self.
Originality: We honor the spark of vision, not just polished skill.
Interdisciplinary: Creativity knows no single form — we support poets who paint, musicians who write, actors who cook.
Legacy: Every award given is a continuation of his life work — and a gift to future generations, including his daughter.
Guiding Principles
The Malcolm-Jamal Warner Creative Legacy Scholarship is open to young artists ages 14–22 whose work reflects an interdisciplinary spirit. Just as Malcolm was an actor, poet, and musician, we believe art often lives in more than one form. We welcome creators who cross boundaries — poets who paint, musicians who write, actors who cook — and all those who seek the freedom to explore their artistry without limits.
Applicants may be at any stage of their journey, as long as they are skilled in two or more areas of creative expression. This is a chance to share the story of your creativity — how it has unfolded in your life, in whatever forms it has chosen to take.
Who We Support
Scholarship Details
Recipients will be chosen for their:
Criteria for Selection
Originality and Vision
Art that reflects an authentic voice rather than polished technique.
Creative Freedom
A willingness to explore, experiment, and stay true to self.
Personal Meaning
Work that carries the artist’s story, perspective, or truth.
Art supplies and creative materials
Musical instruments or equipment
Enrollment in classes, workshops, or training programs
Tuition for creative education
Residencies, performances, or exhibitions
How Awards May Be Used
Scholarship funds can be applied to any purpose that supports the recipient’s artistry, including:
Walk with us as we carry this flame forward — through the Warner Family Foundation and River & Ember.
This scholarship is a living tribute —
Your gift helps carry Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s legacy into the lives of future creators and families.
The Warner Family Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
All donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Drawn by our daughter.
The same thread that runs through River & Ember runs through this foundation.
Even the title Imagine That — dreamed up by my daughter — reminds us of what this work stands for: the courage to name boldly, to create freely, to stay outside the lines.
Her artwork, unapologetically childlike, is not just part of the toolkit and app but a symbol of the fund itself. Each award affirms what Imagine That teaches: your originality matters more than perfection. Creative freedom isn’t just encouraged — it is the legacy.
Imagine That: Original Art, Outside the Lines
Drawn by our daughter.
Every River & Ember story tends more than one flame.
A portion of proceeds will help light the way for young artists through The Malcolm-Jamal Warner Creative Legacy Fund.
