AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund (2024)

AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund

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

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

Application Process

2024 Program Timeline:

• Application Period Opens: May 1, 2024
• Application Period Closes: May 31, 2024 (or when 5,000 applications received, whichever comes first)
• Pitch Competition Date: August 8, 2024
• Grant Distribution: By December 2024

Application Submission:

1. Submit applications online at www.AAPISTRONG.com
2. Applications accepted from 12:00 AM ET on May 1 through 11:59 PM ET on May 31
3. Note: Portal closes upon receipt of 5,000 applications, even before deadline

Required Information in Application:

• Proof of AAPI/Native Hawaiian majority ownership (at least 51%)
• Proof of current operational status
• Copy of food service license
• Demonstration of financial need
• Explanation of community impact (cultural contribution, hiring practices, charitable work)
• Details on how grant funds will be used for growth and expansion
• For grand prize contenders: confirmation of ability to attend Santa Clara conference

Selection Process:

• Applications reviewed based on eligibility criteria
• Three grand prize winners announced and pitched live at National ACE's #AAPISTRONG Annual Conference
• All selected recipients announced with grants distributed by December 2024

Grand Prize Component:

• Three winners selected for $25,000 grand prizes
• Winners announced live at National ACE Annual Conference (September 4, 2024 in Santa Clara, CA)
• Travel vouchers and hotel accommodations provided for finalists

Recommendation:
Applicants encouraged to submit early due to high demand and 5,000 application limit