Dream Makers Founder Grant

Dream Makers Founder Grant is sponsored by Fifteen Percent Pledge. The Dream Makers Founder Grant is an annual program that awards five $25,000 grants to underrepresented entrepreneurs.

About the Award - Fifteen Percent Pledge Dream Makers Founder Grant Underrepresented communities continue to fuel entrepreneurship nationwide, with historically excluded founders driving innovation and economic growth. Despite this momentum, systemic barriers still prevent many from accessing the funding they need to scale. That is why we are excited to announce the return of the Dream Makers Founder Grant in 2025!

This $1 million grant fund, established by Nancy Twine, is dedicated to supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs and elevating the talents and innovations of historically excluded founders. As part of this multi-year commitment, the Pledge will award $125,000 annually, distributing five $25,000 grants each year to outstanding business owners.

With this grant, we aim to provide underrepresented entrepreneurs with the opportunity to scale their businesses and continue our mission of fostering an ecosystem where more founders can thrive.

Check out last year’s winners: Business MUST be a member of the Fifteen Percent Pledge's Business Equity Community Business must have annual revenue over $100K and no greater than $1 million Business must have between 1-10 employees, including the founder. Business must sell a product or good. Business must have at least 51% women ownership.

Business must sell a CPG product that is NOT in the Beauty Category: wellness products such as supplements, ingestibles, and nutritional powders Businesses must have been generating revenue for at least two full years. Winning businesses must use grant dollars only towards marketing, manufacturing, and R&D Businesses must be based in the United States. Please see terms and conditions for full details.

Application Process + Timeline Applicants must create, update, or complete their business profile in our Business Equity Community to access award application questions. See FAQs for more information. Got additional questions?

Email brands@15pp. org. Frequently Asked Questions What is the purpose of this grant program?

To provide emerging businesses with non-dilutive funding. Who is eligible to apply? Business must have an annual revenue of at least $100K and no greater than $1 million.

Business must have between 1-10 employees, including the founder. Business must sell a product or good. Business must have at least 51% women ownership.

Business must sell a CPG product that is NOT in the Beauty Category: wellness products such as supplements, ingestibles, and nutritional powders Businesses must have been generating revenue for at least two full years. Winning businesses must use grant dollars only toward marketing, manufacturing, and R&D. Businesses must be based in the United States.

Please see terms and conditions for full details. Are there any restrictions on how the grant funds can be used? Businesses must only use grant dollars toward marketing, manufacturing, and R&D.

How do I apply for the grant? Visit the grant page and click Apply. Applications will be submitted via Typeform Is there a deadline for submitting grant applications?

Yes, applications will close at 11:59PM EST on May 30. How long will it take to receive a decision on my grant application? Winners will be announced in Early August , though we may reach out before then to request additional information.

How will finalists be notified? Finalists will be notified through the main contact email provided in the Business Equity Community profile. Is the Pledge providing cash to the grant recipient?

The winner will receive a cash award. Please note grants are paid out in quarterly disbursements. If my application is successful, when will I receive the grant funds?

Grant funds will be disbursed quarterly after winners are notified. Is there expectation for equity stake? Can I send you samples of my product?

We do not accept product samples during the call for applications. Is my information confidential? The information you provide will be available to the Fifteen Percent Pledge team, Dream Makers Founder Grant team, and members of the review committee only.

Please note that all committee members have signed a non-disclosure agreement. Can I apply for the award if I am not a U.S. citizen? Yes, but your business must be incorporated and legally operating in the United States of America.

Is the cash award subject to taxation? It may be subject to local taxation. Payment of all and any taxes in relation to the cash award is the sole responsibility of the award winner.

In what language should my application be submitted? What happens if I submit my application after the deadline? We will not accept any applications after the deadline.

What can I contact if I have technical problems with the application process? Please email brands@15pp. org with a short description and screenshot of your issue.

Will I receive feedback on my application? Due to the overwhelming amount of applications we receive, our team does not have the capacity to provide feedback on individual applications. How should I share financial data or other materials like pitch decks?

Attachments can be uploaded directly to your application. Why is there a revenue requirement? Given the size of this award, it’s important that the winner has a business idea that has demonstrated success in the market.

Can service businesses apply? No, all businesses must produce and sell a physical product or good. Are you are a founder, venture capitalist, corporate employee, or other leader who wants to invest or contribute to funding a grant for a Black business owner?

Individuals can also donate here to support the Pledge's general operations and long-term organizational growth. The Fifteen Percent Pledge is a racial equity and economic justice non-profit organization addressing the inequities that exist throughout the American consumer economy and working towards closing the racial wealth gap.

In recognition that Black people in the U.S. comprise nearly 15% of the population, the Fifteen Percent Pledge calls on major retailers and corporations to commit a minimum of 15% of their shelf space, sales revenue, and annual spend to support Black-owned businesses. In 2022, the Pledge was the recipient of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Company of the Year Award.

About the Dream Makers Founder Grant The Dream Makers Founder Grant is a $1 Million grant fund that has been established by Nancy R. Twine to drive a dedicated effort to support female entrepreneurs, particularly spotlighting the talents and innovations of Black and BIPOC founders in the consumer goods industry.

This grant aims to bridge the resource gap and help emerging businesses flourish, reach new audiences, and achieve their full potential.