AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund (2024)

AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund

Funder: National ACE in partnership with Grubhub (Grubhub Community Fund)

Status: 2024 program completed; 170 total grants distributed worth over $1 million

Geographic Scope: United States (nationwide)

Focus Areas: Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI)-owned independent restaurants

Award Amount: $5,000 - $25,000 per restaurant; three grand prize winners receive $25,000 each

Program Overview:
Fourth year of the AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund supporting independent AAPI-owned restaurants. Grants enable restaurants to:

Upgrade technology

Increase outreach and marketing

Expand offerings

Provide employee support

Repair and expand dining spaces

Replace kitchen equipment

Purchase buildings for business expansion

Use of funds focuses on growth and expansion of the business.

Eligibility Criteria:

Restaurant must be Asian American/Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian majority-owned (at least 51%)

Based in the United States

Currently operational

For-profit business

Proof of primary licensed activity as "the preparation and serving of food"

Operates in a single location

Cannot be a franchise

Must demonstrate financial need

Must demonstrate community impact (culture/community, hiring, charitable/philanthropic efforts)

Priority given to first-time grant applicants

Grand prize finalists must be able to attend National ACE's Annual Conference in Santa Clara, CA on September 4, 2024 (travel and accommodations provided)

Partnership Impact:
Since launch of AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund three years prior to 2024, National ACE distributed over $5 million to 351 AAPI restaurant owners nationwide. 2024 program marked the fourth year of partnership.

Contact Information:

Email: efuder@nationalace.org

Website: www.AAPISTRONG.com and www.nationalace.org