Latest news with #GrantProgram
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Independent Restaurant Coalition and Chase Launch New Multi-Year Partnership and Announce $4 Million in Grants to Restaurants
Partnership Establishes Significant Relief Funding for Independent Restaurants and Bars Recovering from Natural Disasters, Plus a New Grant Program to Recognize Innovative Social Impact Practices An Estimated 40% of Small Businesses Impacted By Natural Disasters Never Reopen; Another 25% Close Within a Year WASHINGTON, July 30, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC) and Chase today announced a multi-year partnership to offer meaningful support to independent restaurants and bars as they continue to be vital employers and leaders in communities nationwide. This new partnership includes two grant programs – the IRC and Chase Disaster Relief Fund and the IRC and Chase Innovator Awards – that together will award $4 million in grants to independent restaurants and bars across the country this year. Beginning today, the IRC and Chase Innovator Awards will open for grant applications to provide $1 million in funding for independent restaurants and bars that use innovative business practices and positively impact their communities. Examples include prioritizing sustainability, utilizing local products and services, and supporting the health and well-being of their teams. On September 3, the IRC and Chase Disaster Relief Fund will begin accepting applications to award $3 million in grants to support independently owned restaurants, bars, cafés, and food trucks recovering from natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, ice storms, flooding, and more. "Restaurants are often among the first in their communities to lend a hand. Thanks to Chase, we can finally do something to help businesses who have sacrificed so much for their neighbors," said Bobby Stuckey, Partner and Master Sommelier of Frasca Hospitality Group and IRC co-founder. "Independent restaurants support first responders, feed the hungry, and support other businesses in the communities they serve. Chase understands that, which is why we are proud to collaborate with them on programming that advances the work of these vital businesses and helps educate the public on their importance." Independent restaurants and bars are both significant drivers of the U.S. economy and essential parts of their communities. They make up 69% of the restaurant industryi, but as most are operating on pre-tax profit margins of 3%-5%ii, they are under increasing pressure. To continue fulfilling their essential economic and cultural roles, these restaurants urgently need access to solutions that can help them manage costs and stay afloat. "It is an honor to support the people who make our communities stronger every day," said Erika Polmar, Executive Director of the Independent Restaurant Coalition. "Independent restaurants and bars are first jobs and second chances—the place where people gather, celebrate, and find comfort—and the people behind them are often the first to show up when their neighbors need help. Just this month, we've seen independent restaurants in Texas feed first responders. Their generosity, resilience, and creativity are unmatched. Thanks to Chase, we have an opportunity to lift more of these businesses up and ensure they have the resources to keep doing what they do best. As the official financial services partner to the IRC, Chase will provide financial and educational resources to IRC members, as well as access to research and data and marketing support through industry activations and sponsorships. Together, Chase and the IRC will continue to educate the industry and the general public on the importance of independent restaurants nationwide. "We are proud to partner with an organization that shares our belief that restaurants and bars are more than just kitchens—they are vital parts of the communities they serve," said Chris Stang, Head of Lifestyle and Dining at Chase. "Independent restaurants bring people together, drive local economies, and give neighborhoods their unique character. Through the establishment of the Innovator Awards and Disaster Relief Fund, we will work with the IRC to make an investment in the future of this industry and help ensure small businesses have the resources they need to grow while continuing to serve their communities." About IRC and Chase Disaster Relief Fund Launching in September, the IRC and Chase Disaster Relief Fund aims to provide independent restaurant and bar owners with essential financial relief so they can address immediate needs to stay in business, including property damage, temporary operating expenses, lost inventory, and more. The scale of natural disasters in recent years, including the devastating flooding this month in Central Texas, underscore the urgent need for this support: Southern California Wildfires (2025): Many restaurants throughout Los Angeles County were destroyed or had significant interruptions to their businesses. One month after the fires, businesses in Malibu that reopened were losing 50% to 85% of their revenue due to fire damage and road Midwest Tornadoes (2024-2025): Dozens of restaurants across multiple states reported significant inventory and property loss, totaling tens of millions of dollars in damages. The Minden–Harlan (Iowa) tornado alone inflicted $12.2 million in damages, decimating 90% of the business North Carolina Hurricanes (2024): Coastal and inland restaurants faced closures and lost revenue due to flooding and storm damage, with recovery costs exceeding insurance coverage for many small establishments. One month after the storms, nearly 80% of Asheville's businesses and homes did not have drinking water.v The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates that 40% of small businesses never reopen after a natural disaster, and within one year, an additional 25% shut downvi. A study conducted by Chase and the IRC showed that as independent restaurants are already operating on slim margins, unexpected costs have an outsized impactvii, further emphasizing the critical need for funding after a disaster strikes. Administered by the Edward Charles Foundation, the IRC and Chase Disaster Relief Fund will open for applications on September 3, 2025. Restaurants interested in applying must complete an eligibility screener to confirm they meet basic requirements, including being independently owned, operating fewer than 20 locations nationwide, and having sustained direct disaster-related damage within the past 12 months. Businesses affiliated with national chains, franchises, or publicly traded companies are not eligible to apply. Additional details, eligibility requirements, and application materials will be available at About the IRC and Chase Innovator Awards The IRC and Chase Innovator Awards will recognize 40 independent restaurants and bars with $25,000 grants to strengthen the ideas, practices, and business models that promote sustainability and environmental innovation. This includes zero-waste kitchens and low-carbon menus, as well as workforce and industry innovation like childcare support and leadership or culinary training. Applications for the IRC and Chase Innovator Awards are open through August 27, 2025, and recipients will be announced in October. Eligibility requirements1 and link to apply can be found at Since its founding, the IRC has successfully advocated for over $28.6 billion in federal aid, providing critical support to restaurants nationwide. This latest initiative continues the IRC's commitment to supporting independent restaurants facing ongoing challenges. Chase's support for and involvement in the restaurant industry is vast. In 2021, Chase acquired The Infatuation, the popular restaurant discovery platform, and Zagat, the iconic restaurant review brand, to further its commitment to meeting customers' interest in dining. Since then, Chase has added more dining opportunities, recommendations and experiences for its more than 85 million customers, from celebrated events like EEEEEATSCON food festivals in the U.S. to unique partnerships, promotions and involvement in dining events and experiences across the globe. About Independent Restaurant Coalition In March 2020, the restaurant and bar community formed the Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC) to save the independent restaurants and bars from the devastating impacts of the COVID 19 pandemic. We continue to fight to create meaningful change for independent restaurants and bars nationwide by providing strong advocacy centered on making sure that independent businesses are being seen, heard and supported by federal policy makers. For more information or to sign up for newsletters, please visit About Chase Chase is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), a leading financial services firm based in the United States of America with assets of $4.6 trillion and operations worldwide. Chase serves more than 85 million consumers and 7 million small businesses, with a broad range of financial services, including personal banking, credit cards, mortgages, auto financing, investment advice, small business loans and payment processing. Customers can choose how and where they want to bank: Nearly 5,000 branches in 48 states and the District of Columbia, nearly 15,000 ATMs, mobile, online and by phone. For more information, go to ___________________________________ 1 No purchase, payment, or obligation is necessary to submit an application or receive a grant. A purchase/payment will not increase your chances of being selected for a grant. The Independent Restaurant Coalition and Chase Innovator Awards Grant Program submission period begins on 7/30/25 at 9:00:00 a.m. Eastern Time ("ET") and ends on 8/27/25 at 9:00:00 a.m. ET. Who may apply for the grant: a small, independent business whose primary purpose and profit comes from preparing, serving, and selling of food and/or beverages to the public, such as, but not limited to, full-service restaurants, limited-service restaurants with counter service, cafes, bars, pubs and food carts. The business must have a physical public facing location that customers can either dine or drink onsite or carry food out. Additionally the business must be: [1] be a for-profit only business (corporation, LLC or sole proprietor) located/headquartered in the 50 US, DC, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam; [2] have been actively engaged in its current business activity for at least two (2) consecutive years immediately preceding the start of the Program; [3] be owned by natural persons who are legal residents of the 50 US, DC, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam, and who are at 18 years old; [4] have a valid employer identification number or taxpayer identification number; [5] have no more than a maximum of 20 locations in the 24 months prior to submitting an Application; [6] total annual revenue of less than $13,000,000 (13 million) for tax year 2024 (or tax year 2023 if information is not yet available for 2024); and [7] not be owned by an employee of Sponsors or a company wholly owned by a Sponsor or Sponsor's parent company. The total maximum retail value of all grants is $1,000,000.00. Limit: One (1) grant per small business. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. For complete details and Official Terms and Conditions and Program Rules go to SPONSORS: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., 201 N. Walnut Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 and Independent Restaurant Coalition, PO Box 480, Joseph, Oregon, 97846. i ii iii iv v vi vii View source version on Contacts Press: press@
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hard Rock Heals Foundation Gives $250,000 in Grants to 50 Community Charities Around the World
Funds to Support Mental Health, Human Trafficking Prevention and Children's Wellness HOLLYWOOD, Fla., July 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hard Rock Heals Foundation, the charitable arm of Hard Rock International, proudly announces the distribution of $250,000 in grants to 50 local nonprofit organizations across the globe. These $5,000 grants are part of the foundation's annual commitment to help strengthen the communities in which Hard Rock operates through targeted support of impactful, grassroots initiatives. The 2025 Hard Rock Heals Foundation Grant Program supports three focus areas: Mental health awareness and research Prevention of human trafficking and promotion of human rights Children's wellness and education The deserving, locally based organizations selected this year span 15 countries and over 40 cities, reflecting the brand's global reach and deep community connections. From autism awareness in the Maldives and childhood educational support in Mexico, to youth wellness in Austria and support for people experiencing homelessness in Florida, the 2025 recipients exemplify purpose-driven work that uplifts communities. "Since 2016, the Hard Rock Heals Foundation has supported hundreds of local programs focused on healing and hope," said Tracy Bradford, President of the Hard Rock Heals Foundation and Seminole Hard Rock Support Services. "This year's grant recipients, whether serving children, combating homelessness, or standing up for human rights, embody the spirit of our mottos: 'Love All – Serve All' and 'Take Time to Be Kind.'" The program empowers each Hard Rock property to nominate one charity annually. Examples of 2025 grant recipients include: The Bowery Mission (nominated by Hard Rock Cafe New York) – Serving New Yorkers experiencing homelessness Make-A-Wish Foundation of Georgia (nominated by REVERB by Hard Rock Atlanta) – Granting life-changing wishes to critically ill children Maldives Autism Association (nominated by Hard Rock Hotel Maldives) – Providing resources for children and families with autism Julie Weintraub's Hands Across the Bay (nominated by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa) – Supporting survivors of human trafficking Cruz Roja Española (nominated by Hard Rock Hotel Marbella) – Offering essential care and education to underserved children CAREER WARDROBE (nominated by Hard Rock Cafe Philadelphia) – Empowering women through professional development The full list of 2025 grant recipients is available at About Hard Rock Heals Foundation®The Hard Rock Heals Foundation® is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization that oversees all philanthropic activities for Hard Rock International. Guided by the belief that music is a universal force for good, the Foundation funds health, wellness, disaster relief, and community-based programs that promote healing through music and kindness. Since launching its grant program in 2016, Hard Rock Heals Foundation has supported hundreds of local organizations making a lasting impact. For more information, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Hard Rock International Sign in to access your portfolio
Globe and Mail
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
America's National Parks™ Awards $250,000 to 11 National Park Service Units for Educational Programs Honoring America's 250th Anniversary
Fort Washington, Pa. - June 26th, 2025 - America's National Parks™ is excited to announce it has awarded a total of $250,000 to 11 National Park Service units through the America's National Parks™ 250th Grant Program - History Happens Here. This grant supports the parks' efforts in the upcoming celebrations for the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution. 'It's amazing to be able to support the national park sites and Rangers through this grant program to enhance the visitor experience and stories told at these American Revolution sites,' says Stan Anton Marketing & Communications Manager at Eastern National. 'We're extremely confident that these grant funds will be put to good use, and I personally can't wait to get out there to see these programs come to life. Many of these exhibits will live well beyond 2026 and will be another tool to provide educational opportunities on our nation's history.' America's National Parks™ is thrilled to support these 11 parks to fulfill educational programs supporting America's 250th over the course of the next year and a half. These programs will be underway no later than Spring 2026. The Parks and Programs Grant Recipients: Andersonville National Historic Site will use the America's National Parks™ grant funds for travel assistance to take their new America's 250th traveling trunk program to schools and other off-site locations in the park's commuting area. The trunk is a tool to teach classes and groups the story of our nation's Prisoners of War, especially those during the American Revolution. Boston National Historical Park will use America's National Parks™ grant funds to support commemorative events for the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill with multi-day events. This project encourages local visitors and tourists to engage in a variety of experiences around citizenship, national identity, and belonging. Fire Island National Seashore will use America's National Parks™ grant funds to develop a series of exhibits that explore the multifaceted history of the William Floyd Estate and its inhabitants as part of America's 250th commemoration. Using museum objects, archival documents, and historic photographs, these exhibits will illuminate key themes, including the role of labor at the estate, the experiences of women within the household, the military service of both the Floyd family and the laborers who lived and worked on the estate, and William Floyd's contributions to the Revolutionary War and the founding of the nation. Fort Stanwix National Monument will use America's National Parks™ grant funds to create a professional development experience for local teachers, a traveling exhibit about child life/involvement at Fort Stanwix and in the Continental Army, an America's 250th ranger-led offsite education program geared towards 4th and 5th-grade students, and an America's 250th lesson plan to reach schools too far away from the park to either visit or schedule an offsite program. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park will use America's National Parks™ grant funds by installing five high-quality reproduction artworks at key locations throughout the park. Each piece will represent a distinct era in America's 250-year history, including the Cherokee period, European settlement, the American Revolution, the Antebellum era, the Civil War, the Civil Rights movement, and the present day. Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site will use America's National Parks™ grant funds to engage the public and community partners in exploring the history and legacy of George Washington's first Revolutionary War headquarters through dynamic programming. Funding will support speaker honoraria, event filming for future online access, and outreach efforts to expand audience engagement. Minute Man National Historical Park will use America's National Parks™ grant funds to create an exhibit space in its exhibit room for its musket balls, new exhibit panels, and reconfigure the exhibit room to include an original piece from the North Bridge for display. Moores Creek National Battlefield will use America's National Parks™ grant funds to create audio descriptions of park exhibits and create a tactile map of Moores Creek National Battlefield. This will ensure that more visitors to the park can enjoy and understand the park's story by making it as accessible as possible. New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park will use America's National Parks™ grant funds to provide an honorarium for a scholar, an honorarium for an artist, and the necessary funds to mount an exhibition, all related to an upcoming book about William Rotch Sr., a Quaker from Nantucket accused of disloyalty four times in three countries over two decades (1775 – 1795). He became a cautionary tale for those who dared dissent. Salem Maritime National Historic Site will use America's National Parks™ grant funds to expand the interpretive story of the park's rich privateering history by developing four separate exhibits across the park to reach prospective visitors across a full range of locations including the park's Visitor Center, during Park Ranger guided Derby House tours, visitors to the America's National Parks™ shared Waite and Pierce store, and outdoor displays on the waterfront. Springfield Armory National Historic Site will use America's National Parks™ grant funds to stage three special events designed to recenter and reinterpret the role that the area of Springfield Armory National Historic Site played in the American Revolution. Investing in these events — 'Preparing the Noble Train,' 'State Fair for All of New England,' 'The Continental Arsenal at Springfield,' and 'Reenactment of Henry Knox's Noble Train of Artillery' — will bring this site's exceptional history to a broader audience. Through these grants, America's National Parks™ aims to deliver on its mission to enhance visitor experiences and support the preservation of national parks. For more information on America's National Parks™ and how it is supporting the National Park Service during America's 250th Anniversary, visit here. About America's National Parks™: America's National Parks™ provides quality educational experiences to national park visitors through our park stores, interpretive services, and custom products. Proceeds from your purchases and donations at America's National Parks™ stores support education and preservation at the National Park Service sites where we operate. We provide products and services that inspire people to enjoy and protect America's national parks for future generations of park lovers. For over 70 years, we've been a loyal supporter of the National Park Service, giving back more than $183 million in aid, thanks to your purchases and donations.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
LIST: Austin federal grant funding losses include $50M for flood mitigation, $15M for public health
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The city of Austin is starting to see the direct impact of federal cuts on its services and staff. In a work session Tuesday, Austin City Council members talked about the city's five-year financial forecast. While much of that discussion surrounded the state cap on property tax, and the impact that state law has had on local government, federal cuts are also a major concern for Austin leaders. 'We find ourselves in real financial pressure for this upcoming budget cycle and the needs of our community are great and they are increasing as more services are cut at the federal level,' Austin Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes said. In a memo from the city of Austin's Intergovernmental Relations Office, staff said the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is ending a number of resiliency grants. The city of Austin expects to lose $50 million it was anticipating for hardening major infrastructure as a result. '[FEMA] is ending its Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grant Program and canceling all BRIC applications from Fiscal Years 2020-2023 if funds have not been distributed in communities. Staff is still reviewing the impact. There is an expected loss of a $50 million BRIC Flood Mitigation grant,' city staff wrote. A city spokesperson said that grant was earmarked for the Fallwell Lane Capital Renewal Project which would help protect the South Austin Regional (SAR) Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Austin Energy Sand Hill Energy Center (SHEC) from major flood events. 'It has been estimated that a single catastrophic flood event at the facilities could cause losses of over $1.6 billion at the site…both plants would be inoperable and unable to generate electricity or treat wastewater,' the city's website said. The city said that wastewater treatment plan represents half the wastewater treatment plant capacity for the city, and the energy center represents 24% of the base load power capacity. Because the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is cutting $11.4 billion in COVID-19-related funding, Austin Public Health (APH) said five grants and 27 full-time staff will be cut in their current capacity. APH said the city will work to move those employees to other vacant positions through the remainder of the fiscal year (end of September). 'To clarify, the annualized cost is $7.5M, but through multi-year grants, it may add up to approximately $15M. An additional 28 or more staff members may be affected by more cuts,' APH said. The city said because nearly all employees at the Institute of Museum and Library Services in Washington D.C. were placed on administrative leave, grants and contracts are unlikely to move forward. 'Austin Public Library (APL) submitted three grant applications that will no longer be considered, resulting in a loss of $275K in prospective funding,' the memo said. The Intergovernmental Relations Office said the Department of Energy has informed them it's finalizing a list of contracts to cancel. 'The City of Austin was notified that a $1 million grant for Advanced Grid Responsive Technologies for Existing Multifamily Properties may be included for cancellation,' staff wrote. The city's Intergovernmental Relations Office said it will continue to keep city leaders updated on further changes. 'We can only anticipate more,' Fuentes said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Associated Press
04-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Duke Energy Offers $500,000 To Support South Carolina First Responders
GREENVILLE, S.C., April 4, 2025 /3BL/ - South Carolina government agencies and nonprofits can now apply for grants up to $20,000 to fund training, life-saving equipment and innovative technology to aid in weather-related disaster planning and recovery operations. What's happening: Duke Energy Foundation is offering $500,000 through the 2025 Helping Emergency Response Organizations (HERO) Grant Program to support severe weather emergency preparedness across the Palmetto State. Why it matters: Hurricane Helene's impact on South Carolina was historic, widespread and deadly – forever changing lives and landscapes. The storm also forced communities and their first responders to rethink how they prepare for future severe weather events. Duke Energy Foundation microgrants will help local governments and nonprofits improve their planning and responses. How it works Application process: South Carolina nonprofits and governmental agencies can apply for individual grants up to $20,000 through April 25. Eligible projects: Funding is available to support equipment upgrades, communication tools, specialized training, planning initiatives, severe weather materials and kits, storm shelters and preparedness activities that benefit low-income communities. More info and application: Go to for complete details. By the numbers What they're saying Duke Energy FoundationDuke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders. Duke Energy Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage. More information is available at and the Duke Energy News Center . Follow Duke Energy on X , LinkedIn , Instagram and Facebook , and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition. Contact: Ryan Mosier24-Hour: 800.559.3853 View original content here . Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Duke Energy Corporation
