About us
Within the next 5 years ending 2029, Bernie L. Bates Foundation, Inc. will provide greater assistance to our community and enhance the general welfare of the citizens in Fairfax County and surrounding areas by increasing our assets to 1 million dollars.
OUR VISION
Our Motto
A community uplift through progressive community service.
OUR MISSION
The Bernie L. Bates Foundation, Inc. shall:
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Award scholarships to college students and college-bound high school students
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Provide support to less fortunate by assisting to feed, clothe, house, and educate them
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Support food banks and other helping facilities in the community
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Assist in community educational activities such as talent enrichment and college preparation programs
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Seek out opportunities to support and mentor our youth in our community
BLB INC.
The Bernie L. Bates Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides scholarships to college-bound students, high school seniors and provides funding for other critical social needs in the community. Bernie L. Bates Foundation, Inc. also participates in the annual Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) and our campaign number ID is 58697.
We invite you to peruse our website to see our involvement with social upward mobility, community service, scholarship opportunities and other community-related activities. If you need support in areas that we haven’t identified, wish to donate or have a general inquiry please complete the contact form.
The purpose of our Foundation is to give back to the community. Together our combined efforts can yield funding for scholarships to deserving students, facilitate support for senior citizen programs, and engender sharing with those in need of a helping hand. Your patronage, your support, your contributions—all makes it possible to gain and maintain effective community programs. We look forward to working with you—God Bless.
Additionally, the Foundation conducts direct and comprehensive engagements with the community that targets improvements in the quality of life. Psi Alpha Alpha Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity incorporation with the Foundation, awarded $77,000 to eighteen students over the last eight years. In addition, one-time grants valued from $330-$1,500 have also been awarded during this time totaling more than $6,750.
BERNIE L BATES
Bernie Leroy Bates was born April 8, 1944 in Ashville, N.C. to Ms. Ivy Bates. He was raised in High Point, N.C. by his maternal grandparents, Joe Parker and Idell Tussey.
Brother Bates credited his grandparents with instilling in him the value of academic excellence and to living a purposeful life. In 1971, he married Patricia Belton. From that marriage, two sons were born: Bernie, Jr. and Belton Parker. Bernie Bates was initiated into the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. on April 6, 1963 through Alpha Chapter, Howard University.
Brother Bates enlisted in the United States Army on May 18, 1965. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant upon completion of Infantry Officer Candidate School in 1967 and was immediately detailed to service in the Military Intelligence Branch. In 1972, he graduated from Howard University, Washington, D.C. with a degree in Political Science. While at Howard University and after graduation, he remained extremely active in the fraternity, participating in Scholarship fundraisers for needy kids and supporting other scholarly activities on their behalf. He received his Law degree from George Washington University, Washington, D.C. in 1975 and transferred to the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, United States Army in 1976. He was admitted to the Bar of the District of Columbia and also maintained membership in the National Bar Association and the American Bar Association.
As a career military officer, Brother Bates attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His military assignments included: The Defense Language Institute of Monterey, California where he studied Mandarin Chinese and combat in the Republic of South Vietnam. He also served at Fort Meade, Fort Holabird, Fort Bragg and in the Republic of Germany and the Military District of Washington. Lieutenant Colonel Bates earned military awards and decorations which included: The Bronze Star Medal, The Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, the Parachutist Badge, the Army Service Ribbon and the Overseas Ribbon. Bernie L. Bates, loving Husband, Father, Son, Brother and family member; as well as esteemed Brother of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. died suddenly on August 27, 1984 at Fort McNair, Washington, D.C.