Before Columbus Foundation is a nonprofit educational and service organization based in Oakland, CA, that has been dedicated to promoting and disseminating contemporary American multicultural literature since 1976. One of the prominent events hosted by the foundation is the annual American Book Awards. These awards were specifically created to recognize outstanding literary achievement from America's diverse literary community without limitations or restrictions.

The foundation believes that American culture is inclusive and views the term multicultural as the definition of all of American literature. The award winners range from established writers to under-recognized authors and first-time works, reflecting the natural diversity of American literature. The Before Columbus Foundation seeks to provide recognition to literary excellence through a writers' award given by other writers, rather than an industry organization