Scholarships & Grants

MN LDEI Microgrants for Women in Food, Beverage and Hospitality

2023 Applications are open.
February 7, 2023-March 14, 2023

These one-time microgrants aim to provide support to women in food, beverage and hospitality fields including small business owners, food service employees and those interested in the field.  We understand that small amounts of money provided at the right time can have a large impact. Microgrants can include but are not limited to:

• Business promotion (website, promotional events, social media)
• Equipment purchases
• Short-term classes including certification courses
• Industry conference fees
• Business expansion
• Professional development

Microgrants are competitively awarded by a committee assessing the applicant’s career goals, leadership qualities and perceived need. The amount of each grant may vary depending on the specific amount requested and the funds available.

Invoices and/or receipts must be submitted to Mnlesdames@gmail.com no later than September 15, 2023 to receive your reimbursement.

For further information please email us at mnlesdames@gmail.com.

Scholarships for Culinary Education

The Minnesota chapter of LDEI has provided Minnesota women with scholarships for Culinary Education in the fields of food, beverage and hospitality for over 15 years. During that time, we have given over $39,000 in scholarships.

Our scholarships are given to qualified female applicants pursuing fulltime academic coursework in the fields of culinary arts, hospitality, nutrition, agriculture and related areas of study. The amount of each scholarship given is a minimum of $1,000. Applicants are judged on their career and academic goals, past performance, leadership qualities, volunteer and community involvement, and references.

The following criteria must be met by students applying for this scholarship: they must be legal residents of the State of Minnesota; they must be enrolled in, or accepted to, a full-time accredited institution of higher learning in the United States; and they must have at least one year’s prior experience in the food industry. In addition to experience and academic excellence, the financial need of each applicant is also considered.

Click here to meet our past Scholarship Recipients

For further information please email us at mnlesdames@gmail.com.