Independent restaurants, caterers invited to apply for $5,000 Resilience Fund grants

Applications are open June 15 through June 30

Northern California independent restaurants and caterers are eligible to apply for a $5,000 Resilience Fund grant from the California Restaurant Foundation.

Applications open today and must be completed and submitted by June 30.

The fund, which debuted in 2021 during the COVID-19 crisis, has helped independent restaurants across California, in partnership with The PG&E Corporation Foundation for Northern California. In Southern California, it’s SoCalGas, and San Diego Gas and Electric. Caterers are a new addition this year.

Resilience Fund recipients can use the grant money to support business needs, including kitchen equipment upgrades, technology improvements, unforeseen hardships, employee training programs and retention bonuses.

Our Family BBQ & Pies in Sacramento was a recipient of the Resiliency Fund grant. (Courtesy photo)

“By investing in these critical areas, restaurant owners and caterers can enhance operational efficiency, improve service quality, and foster a more skilled workforce,” a news release said. “The Resilience Fund is thoughtfully designed not only to provide immediate relief, but also to ensure the long-term resilience and sustainability of California’s restaurant community.”

From June 15 to June 30, applications can be found here.

“Grants will be available to all California-based restaurant owners and commercial caterers within the utility companies’ service areas, provided they operate fewer than five units and generate less than $3 million in annual revenue,” the news release said.

The Resilience Fund has distributed nearly $6 million in grants since its inception in 2021, helping restaurants respond to the challenges of the pandemic and beyond. To date, more than 1,325 grants have been awarded to independent restaurants throughout California, with 66 percent given to women-owned businesses and 77 percent to businesses owned by people of color.

The California Restaurant Foundation is a nonprofit focused on investing in and empowering California restaurants and their workforce.