The Dallas Food and Wine Alliance is a nonprofit committed to supporting the culinary field in Dallas, Texas. In a press release issued by the organization, they said $16,000 in donations would be split among eligible candidates.
According to the release, this includes food and beverage professionals, culinary nonprofits, farmers, businesses, and more. Candidates must have projects that impact the community through their innovation.
The Dallas Chapter was created when the original Austin Food & Wine Alliance expanded in 2020. They were already known for Wine and Spirits, and the expansion made it a statewide organization, according to Dallas Culture Map.
They currently have chapters in Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston.
In addition to the $16,000, there will be $60,000 awarded in San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, according to the press release.
Cathy Cochran-Lewis, the Alliance President and Grant Chair, said in a statement that they experienced setbacks due to Covid 19, but are excited to move forward.
“It’s only through amazing partnerships and the generous and supportive culture in Dallas and North Texas that we’ve been able to raise the funds to award grants this year,” Cochran-Lewis said. “These funds will continue to go back into the community through unique and innovative projects.”
The release states the grant program is the first to support local culinary innovations that give back to their community too.
The Alliance has been helping fund projects since 2012. They helped fund the state’s first apple orchard, Argus Cidery.
Alliance has also helped with Miche Bread, a community-supported bake shop in Austin, and a volunteer program for culinary students, New Farm Institute at Green Gate Farms.
The Dallas funding will be split into three grants. There will be $8,500 for the Dallas Bourbon Club Grant, a $5,000 Tito’s Handmade Vodka Entrepreneur Grant, and a Truffle Masters Grant for Community Heroes of $2,500.
The amount of funding provided is determined by The Food and Wine Alliance board of directors based on fundraising efforts. Each city has their own judging committee composed of community members and culinary professionals.
The alliance has said they will give special consideration to Dallas initiatives that support inclusion and diversity.
Dallas Culture Map reported H-E-B as the top supporter.
They are “followed by ABC Bank, American Lamb Board, Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Austin Monthly, Buffalo Trace, Con ‘Olio Oils & Vinegars, Fairmont Austin, Fever-Tree, Giant Noise, Lifeworks, Pabst Brewing, Patrón Tequila, Premiere Events, Republic National Distributing Company, Siete Family Foods, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Sysco, Texas Beef Council, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Twang, Unifresh, and William Grant & Sons,” Culture Map stated.
The Dallas Bourbon Club Grant will be awarded to either a business or a nonprofit that works in wine, spirits, or food. Tito’s Handmade Vodka Entrepreneur Grant is for an entrepreneur to help them pursue business dreams. The Truffle Masters Grant for Community Heroes will be awarded to a chef who has supported others despite the challenges they have had to overcome.
Applications will be accepted from October 1 to October 24.