2025 Black Kitchen Initiative Grant Application

2025 Black Kitchen Initiative Grant Application
If you need technical assistance please email janey@leeinitiative.org.

Eligibility Requirements

Before applying, please ensure:

● You are an operating restaurant, bakery, food truck, caterer, pop up, or other food service business advancing and preserving the legacy of Black food.

● You have at least 1 year of sales records.

● You have a valid EIN and state sales tax number.

● You have not received a Black Kitchen Initiative grant in the past.

Who does NOT qualify:

● Packaged food product lines

● Alcohol and spirits companies

● Grocery or food markets (unless it has a restaurant or cafe inside)

Grant Amount: $20,000

Applicants will be contacted by phone if selected, and via email regardless of the outcome. You can expect to be notified by December 1, 2025. Please do not email to check the status of your application, unless you have not been notified by this date.

Completing this grant application does not create any legal obligations for you or The LEE Initiative. The application is used solely to administer the grant, and responses are not used to promote or otherwise benefit The LEE Initiative. Grant recipients are not required to confer any benefit on The LEE Initiative or assume any obligation to it.
Business Information
Legal Name of Business*
DBA/Trade Name*
Type of Business*
If Other, please specify (required):
Name of Owner*

First NameLast Name
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Email Address*
example@example.com
Mailing/Shipping Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Business Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Business Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Business Website*
Instagram Url
Facebook Url
Tax Identification Number (EIN)*
State Sales Tax Number *
Number of Locations*
Current Number of Employees*
What percentage of the business do you own?*
Narrative Questions

(maximum 300 words for each question)
Business Description: Please describe your current business, including your concept, offerings, target audience, and any unique aspects that set you apart. Share your story—how and why you started, what motivates you, and any significant milestones you’ve achieved. Additionally, outline your vision for the future, including your plans for growth, financial sustainability, expansion, or innovation. How do you plan to adapt to changing market demands or challenges?*
Use of Grant Funds: How would you use the grant funds if awarded? Please detail the areas where the money would make the most impact—such as equipment purchases, staffing, marketing, facility improvements, product development, or operating expenses. Explain how these investments would support your business goals, improve long-term sustainability, or help you reach the next stage of growth.*
Community Engagement: Describe your business’s past, current, or planned involvement in your community. This could include partnerships with local organizations, hosting events, providing food access, mentorship, hiring practices, or educational outreach. How does your business show up for your community, and how do you plan to continue or expand that engagement in the future?*
Legacy Statement: Reflect on how your business contributes to the historic legacy of Black food. What cultural or historical influences shape your work? Discuss the impact you hope to have on the culinary world and how you see your role in preserving, innovating, or elevating Black culinary traditions.*
Financial Documentation
What were your total sales for FY 2024?*
Please upload proof of sales for 2024 (this should be a 1-2 page document - for example, the 1st page of your tax return, a Quickbooks summary report, etc.)

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Reference Letters

Please upload two (2) letters of reference. Letters may not be from family members or business partners, and must include the person's name, contact information, and relationship to you or the business. You may upload screenshots of emails as long as the sender's name is visible.
Letter of Reference 1

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Letter of Reference 2

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Should be Empty:

2025 Black Kitchen Initiative Grant Application

Business Information

Narrative Questions

Financial Documentation

Reference Letters