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:
- Bridal Babes
- Nemi Snacks
- The Plant Project
- Rif Care
- Noir Lux Candle Co.
Grant Award Criteria
- 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: skincare, makeup, hair care, body care, nail care, fragrance, 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.
April 28
Applications Open
Applications Open
May 30
Applications Close
Applications Close
Early August
Winners are announced
Winners are announced
See FAQs for more information. Got additional questions? Email brands@15pp.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
To provide emerging businesses with non-dilutive funding.
- Member of the Fifteen Percent Pledge Business Equity Community. You can join by signing up here: Create Account
- 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:
skincare,
makeup,
hair care,
body care,
fragrance,
nail care,
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.
Businesses must only use grant dollars toward marketing, manufacturing, and R&D.
Visit the grant page and click Apply. Applications will be submitted via Typeform
Yes, applications will close at 11:59PM EST on May 30.
Winners will be announced in Early August, though we may reach out before then to request additional information.
Finalists will be notified through the main contact email provided in the Business Equity Community profile.
The winner will receive a cash award. Please note grants are paid out in quarterly disbursements.
Grant funds will be disbursed quarterly after winners are notified.
No.
We do not accept product samples during the call for applications.
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.
Yes, but your business must be incorporated and legally operating in the United States of America.
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.
English.
We will not accept any applications after the deadline.
Please email brands@15pp.org with a short description and screenshot of your issue.
Due to the overwhelming amount of applications we receive, our team does not have the capacity to provide feedback on individual applications.
Attachments can be uploaded directly to your application.
Given the size of this award, it’s important that the winner has a business idea that has demonstrated success in the market.
No, all businesses must produce and sell a physical product or good.
Donations
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.
About the Fifteen Percent Pledge
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.