Les Dames d’Escoffier International North Carolina Chapter (LDEI NC) is a regional branch of a global organization focused on promoting the careers of women in the food, beverage, agriculture, and hospitality industries. LDEI NC aims to foster leadership, provide mentorship, and offer tangible support to women professionals in these fields. For 2025, the North Carolina Chapter has introduced a grant program specifically aimed at supporting women in Western North Carolina who have been affected by Hurricane Helene.
The 2025 grant program offers one-time financial support to women who are either starting or advancing a business or career in the aforementioned industries. This initiative targets residents of specific counties within Western North Carolina, emphasizing the organization's commitment to regional recovery and economic revitalization following the hurricane. Applicants must reside in one of the listed counties, be at least 18 years of age, be U.S. citizens, and must have a specific career or business-related goal tied to the use of the grant.
Grant funds are intended to assist in professional growth, such as the purchase of business equipment or attendance at non-degree professional development seminars, workshops, or conferences. However, the funds may not be used for salaries, rent, tuition, taxes, legal fees, vendors, personal expenses, or debt repayment. This restriction ensures that funds are directly invested into entrepreneurial or career-development efforts rather than operational or personal costs.
Two individual grants, each valued at $1,000, will be awarded during the 2025 cycle. The application period runs from June 15 to July 31, 2025, closing at 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time. Notification of awards will be issued between August 22 and August 25, 2025, with disbursement of funds expected by September 8, 2025. All applicants must submit complete application packages; incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Evaluation will be conducted by a designated committee within LDEI NC. Reviewers will assess the clarity and viability of the applicant’s stated business or career goals, and how effectively the proposed use of funds aligns with the stated mission of LDEI NC. The goal-specific nature of the grant is central to the evaluation process, highlighting the importance of well-articulated objectives in the application.
Applicants with questions may contact the Giving Committee Chair, Susan, at susan@loveandcraftkitchen.com. This initiative underscores LDEI NC’s commitment to empowering women in underserved and disaster-affected communities, offering targeted support that encourages long-term career development and resilience in vital sectors of the local economy.
