Grants Supporting ACFEF-Accredited Programs, Students and Graduates
The ACFEF Accrediting Commission is pleased to offer grants to support the development and management of ACFEF-accredited programs, as well as to support the continuing education of students from ACFEF-accredited programs.
ACFEF AC will award a limited number of grants per granting cycle based on fund availability. If awarded, the applicant must meet the grant requirements. ACFEF AC reserves the right to revoke any grant funds at any time if the applicant fails to meet the grant requirements or falsifies information reports.
- Program Grant: equipment, application fees and annual fees
- Graduate Certification Upleveling Grant: testing fees within four years of graduation
- Student Club Grant: funds for culinary club
- ACF Membership Grant: membership fees for one year within four years of graduation
Program Grant
Grants are available to support:
- Accreditation fees
- Annual fees
- Instructional equipment
- Instructor certification fees
Application deadline: May 31
Award notification: August 15
Eligibility Requirements: to be considered, an applicant must:
- be a program coordinator at an existing ACFEF-accredited program in good standing OR seeking accreditation within 12 months.
- provide a comprehensive narrative explaining the need for the requested grant, as well as a prioritized list with estimated costs, including the impact to the program if the grant is not awarded.
- for instructional equipment, must provide purchase validation/receipt within three months of receiving grant.
Amount:
- Up to 75% of cost, no more than $2,500.
- Grant is awarded as a credit for accreditation and certification fees.
- Grant expires six (6) months after the date of award in which applicants may reapply with no penalty.
Graduate Certification Upleveling Grant
Grants are available to support graduates from an ACFEF-accredited program with achieving their next level of professional ACF certification up to Certified Sous Chef (CSC) and/or Certified Working Pastry Chef (CWPC).
Application deadline: 15th of each month
Award notification: first Monday of each month
Eligibility Requirements: to be considered, an applicant must meet the following:
- Be a graduate of an accredited ACFEF culinary or baking & pastry program (must provide transcript and/or copy of diploma).
- Currently certified at the CFC/CFPC or CC/CPC level.
- Be an active member of the national American Culinary Federation or local chapter.
- Graduates must apply within four years of graduation.
- Provide a letter of recommendation from a present employer, chef, or culinary educator supporting commitment to the profession.
Amount:
- Applicant will receive a grant of $175 and is responsible for paying the remaining amount.
- Grant is awarded as a credit towards the certification process.
- Grant expires six (6) months after the date of award in which applicants may reapply with no penalty.
- Grant awardees unsuccessful with the first attempt at the written or practical exams may reapply one time for a reduced award of $75.
Culinary Club Grant
Grants are available to new and existing culinary clubs at ACFEF-accredited programs to allow students to participate in additional culinary-related opportunities outside of the classroom.
Application deadline: May 31
Award notification: August 15
Eligibility Requirements and Amounts:
For New Clubs to receive a matching grant up to $500, the club must document the following:
- A minimum bank account balance of $250 up to $500. Matching funds up to $500 will be available. Application to include a bank statement current at the time of the application demonstrating the minimum balance required for a match up to $500.
- A letter from the club’s president and the faculty advisor outlining the intended mission of the club and planned activities for the school year.
For established Culinary Clubs to receive a grant of support up to $250 the club must document the following:
- A minimum back account balance of $250. Application to include a bank statement current at the time of the application demonstrating the minimum balance required.
- A letter from the club’s president and the faculty advisor outlining the intended mission of the club and planned activities for the school year.
New and established clubs will have a school year-end requirement to report on the financial health of the club and provide a summary of accomplishments and activities for the grant year. The year-end report is due by May 31 of the school year grant. Clubs that fail to provide the year-end report will forfeit any opportunity for future grants.
ACF Membership Grant
Grants are provided to support the transition from student member to professional member and to continue the professional development journey with ACF.
Application deadline: July 1
Award notification: August 15
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be a graduate of an accredited ACFEF culinary or baking & pastry program (must provide transcript and/or copy of diploma).
- Participate in two chapter events—provide letter by a chapter board member.
- Submit a 500-word essay explaining the value of your ACF membership and how it has benefitted your professional development.
Amount:
- One-year national membership at student or culinarian level.
- Grant is awarded as a credit to membership.
- Grant expires six (6) months after the date of award in which applicants may reapply with no penalty.