Second Round for James Beard Foundation Food and Beverage Investment Fund for Black and Indigenous Americans 

The application window for the James Beard Foundation Food and Beverage Investment Fund for Black and Indigenous Americans will be open on Monday, March 15 at 12:00 p.m. EST to 6 p.m. EST. The Foundation’s new investment fund will provide $15,000 grants to food and beverage businesses that are majority-owned by Black or Indigenous individuals across six regions nationally. These grants are part of the foundation’s Open for Good campaign, launched in April 2020, which works to rebuild an independent restaurant industry that is stronger, more equitable, more sustainable, and more resilient.

During this second round, the JBF Investment Fund will provide $15,000 grants to 18 food and beverage businesses that are majority-owned by Black or Indigenous individuals across six regions nationally. These 18 grants will be given on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s vital that we let eligible business owners know to get their applications in as early as possible.  Visit the James Beard Foundation’s website for additional information, including the criteria and frequently-asked questions. 

Furthermore, the James Beard Foundation is actively seeking new funding to provide as much support to the community as possible. Black and Indigenous contributions are integral to America’s food culture and need our support now more than ever. Donations can be made by visiting jbffund.org.  

In September of 2020, the James Beard Foundation announced the James Beard Foundation Food and Beverage Investment Fund for Black and Indigenous Americans, a new grant initiative to provide financial resources for food or beverage businesses that are majority-owned by Black or Indigenous individuals. The initiative is a component of the organization’s Open For Good campaign launched in April to rebuild an independent restaurant industry that is stronger, more equitable, more sustainable, and more resilient post-pandemic. 

“The new Fund is part of the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to continually lift up the Black and Indigenous business owners in its industry, not just in light of the pandemic, but for good,” said James Beard Foundation vice president of community Colleen Vincent. “Financial resource is that much more impactful when coupled with support from organizations and experts who make themselves available to provide guidance on professional skills like marketing, structuring business plans, and negotiating contracts. The Foundation is creating new partnerships to deliver this value to its grant recipients in an effort to see these businesses thrive for the long term.”