Enthuse Foundation Grant

The Enthuse Foundation Grant Program is a private funding initiative designed to empower women entrepreneurs in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector across the United States. The foundation, known for supporting women-led businesses, particularly in the early growth stages, offers this competitive grant opportunity as a means to address critical business needs that are often underfunded. Founded by leaders in the marketing industry, the Enthuse Foundation is driven by a mission to "pay it forward" and foster the next generation of female business leaders. Since its inception, the grant program has evolved to become a key support mechanism for women-owned enterprises, providing both financial aid and public recognition. The grant program allocates funding in various themed categories to meet the diverse operational and personal needs of business owners. In the 2025 cycle, the foundation awarded $37,000 across eight women entrepreneurs, signaling a continued commitment to funding innovation and growth in the women-led CPG sector. Funding categories include Planet & Purpose ($5,000), Healthcare, Business Tools, Business Insurance, Retirement, Professional Services, and Digital Marketing (each at $2,500), with an additional Morgan Stanley grant also valued at $2,500. Each grant is tailored to support specific needs, such as environmental sustainability efforts, mental and physical healthcare costs, retirement savings, external business service hiring, insurance, and technology-related tools. To qualify for the program, applicants must identify as women and operate an established CPG business that serves as their full-time professional engagement. The business must be U.S.-based, and applicants must hold U.S. citizenship. Applicants who have previously received support from the Enthuse Foundation through either the Pitch Competition or prior Grant Programs are not eligible. In addition, successful applicants will be required to submit standard New Vendor Forms and provide proof of how the funds will be used. The evaluation process places strong emphasis on demonstrated financial need, clarity and strength of the proposed use of funds, and the quality of both written responses and interview performance. The selection process reflects the foundation’s goal of identifying impactful, prepared, and driven entrepreneurs who are at pivotal moments in their business journey. While each grant category may have additional specific eligibility criteria, the core requirements remain consistent across the program. The 2026 grant timeline, while subject to change, includes an opening window for applications in March 2026 and a closing deadline of April 27 2026. Selected recipients will be notified and receive funds by June 2026. No pre-application steps such as letters of intent or concept papers are required, simplifying the submission process for busy founders. Past recipients include entrepreneurs from a range of sectors within the CPG space. Businesses such as Tuck and Bundle, Beyond the Bib, ChiChi Foods, Caribbrew, Stursi, Layermor Fragrance, WellCapped, and Josephine’s Baking Co. illustrate the program’s support for a broad spectrum of women-led ventures, from military family-focused brands to personal care and food companies. The foundation highlights both the professional and personal impact the grants have on recipients, reinforcing the program’s role as a launching pad for long-term success in entrepreneurship.

A clear plan for the use of funds and demonstrating financial need are key criteria.