What is the Rachael Ray Grow Grant program?
In 2019, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation partnered with the Rachael Ray Foundation to create the ProStart Grow Grants. The ProStart Grow Grants provide $5,000 grants to ProStart schools, or schools interested in becoming a ProStart school, with grants to support their programs.
How do the Grow Grants work?
Schools with existing ProStart programs, or those looking to join the program submit an application, with winning schools demonstrating how the ProStart program positively impacts their students and the community.
What will the Grow Grants cover?
Funding from the Rachel Ray Foundation provides grants to help schools build or grow a ProStart program and to help support their students learn career-enhancing skills. Areas covered include but are
not limited to:
- Student Uniforms – Chef coats, footwear, hats, aprons, etc.
- Travel – Industry field trips, college visits, competition
- Curriculum and Academic Resources – Textbooks, practice materials, exams,
- Educator Professional Development
- Kitchen Equipment
- Horticulture Equipment and Projects
Who needs to submit the application?
Applications can be submitted by ProStart educators, high school family and consumer sciences instructors or school administrators. The application can be found at this link here: APPLY NOW
How are the winners chosen?
The NRAEF assembles a panel of independent judges to review the applications. During a two-week judging period, the panel will review each application using a defined rubric to help select recipients. The final selections will be made based on the following need-based qualifications:
- How the grant will make an impact on the school, the students, and the community
- Barriers to success (e.g. financial support, access to resources, etc.)
- Efficacy of program (e.g. working towards building the ProStart program, administering exams, obtaining the COA, etc.)
- Classroom equipment
What is the role of the State Restaurant Associations?
The NRAEF will provide materials to State Restaurant Associations (SRAs) to help them promote the grant to educators and school administrators in their state. Upon selecting the schools, the NRAEF will also work with SRA partners to announce the selections and support the school in implementing the grant work.
Once schools are selected, what happens next?
The NRAEF will be in contact with the applicant to notify and congratulate their school on the award. From there we will provide next steps on how we will move forward.
Are there any tips or guidelines I should follow?
This grant is the first-of-its-kind, so here are some tips for success in submitting your application.
Be detailed. Share specific examples that help illustrate the need for the grant. Share detailed information about how the funds will be used and the impact they will have.
Demonstrate the need. This is a need-based grant, so be sure to effectively convey why your ProStart school should be selected for this exciting opportunity.
For more information, contact ProStart@nraef.org with additional questions.
For more information and questions, contact ProStart@nraef.org.