JPF Memorial Grants

JPF Memorial Grants

Funder: Jacques Pépin Foundation

Purpose: Support graduates of JPF-supported culinary training programs to continue their culinary journeys and pursue their professional goals.

Award Types

• Gloria Pépin Memorial Grant: $5,000 (primary award)
• Carl Robert "Bob" Wesen Memorial Grant: $5,000 (primary award)
• Runner-up awards: $2,500 each

Eligibility

• Must be a graduate of a JPF-supported culinary training program
• Demonstrated exceptional performance and leadership in culinary training
• Committed to advancing their culinary career and community impact

Award Use

Grants support diverse professional goals including:
• Business startup costs (LLC formation, catering business establishment)
• Equipment purchases
• Continued culinary education
• Expansion of food-related enterprises
• Community service initiatives

Recent Awardees (2024)

Gloria Pépin Memorial Grant Winner (2024):

Tashe Mattison, graduate of Cathedral Kitchen in Camden, NJ

- Overcame homelessness to become Assistant Chef Instructor
- Plans to launch catering and juice business

Carl Robert "Bob" Wesen Memorial Grant Winner (2024):

Olvin Cortes, graduate of Foodlink in Rochester, NY

- Now Banquet Chef at the Strathallan Hotel & Spa in Rochester
- Plans to feed neighbors in Rochester community

Runner-up Winners (2024):

Aminata Dabo, graduate of Emma's Torch, Brooklyn, NY

Chris Maruri, graduate of Youth Action Youth Build Good Food Jobs Training Program, New York, NY

Contact Information

The Jacques Pépin Foundation P.O. Box #28 Barrington, RI 02806 info@jp.foundation EIN: 81-2706568