Traverse City, Michigan – July 23, 2024
Boundless Futures Foundation, established by philanthropists Soon and McKeel Hagerty, is pleased to announce the recipients of its third round of EmpowHer grants. These awards total $135,000 and are presented to six female-founded companies across five states (Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania). Each recipient is recognized for integrating social responsibility into their business models, addressing various societal issues through innovative solutions.
Grant Recipients:
- Bake Me Healthy (New York, NY)
Founded by Kimberle Lau, Bake Me Healthy specializes in allergen-free baking mixes utilizing rejected produce and food byproducts to combat climate change. The company receives a $20,000 grant.
- Baleena (Philadelphia, PA)
Julia Yan and Sarah Beth Gleeson launched Baleena, which offers a household washing machine filtration system designed to capture microplastic fibers. Their initiative is awarded a $25,000 grant.
- Evie Co. (Boulder, CO)
Amanda Garrett’s Evie Co. crafts small batches of California olive oil, donating one percent of each sale towards combating climate change and supporting sustainable farming. The company is granted $25,000.
- Recycle Read Repeat (Norristown, PA)
Angela Smith and Kate Jaworski’s RecycleReadRepeat operates a used bookstore that not only provides free books to children but also offers free writing classes for teenagers. They receive a $25,000 grant.
- Valis Insights (Worcester, MA)
Emily Molstad’s Valis Insights enhances scrap metal sorting and recycling processes through advanced software and AI technology, receiving a $20,000 grant.
- VietFive (Chicago, IL)
Anna Huynh’s VietFive is a coffee shop dedicated to workplace adaptability and inclusivity, employing sustainable farming practices at their Vietnam-based coffee farm. The company is awarded a $20,000 grant.
Supportive Measures:
Each grantee will benefit from an Advisory Circle composed of experienced female entrepreneurs, offering mentorship, skills development, and networking opportunities.
Foundation Milestones:
Since its inception in September 2023, Boundless Futures Foundation has committed over $285,000 to support 14 female-led businesses across ten states, demonstrating its dedication to empowering women entrepreneurs and fostering positive societal impacts.
Next Steps:
Applications for the next round of EmpowHer grants are now open, with a deadline of August 31, 2024. Further information, including details on past grantees and how to apply, can be found on the Boundless Futures Foundation website (boundlessfutures.org).
About Boundless Futures Foundation:
Boundless Futures Foundation, founded by Soon and McKeel Hagerty, aims to empower female entrepreneurs aged 22 and above by providing financial aid and leadership resources. The foundation supports individuals launching businesses focused on solving social issues and mission-aligned nonprofits, offering an Advisory Circle for ongoing guidance throughout their entrepreneurial journeys. For more information, please visit boundlessfutures.org and connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.