Applications
Since our scholarship and grant program began ten years ago, we have awarded more than $250,000 to women across the state pursuing a wide variety of food- and culinary-related careers.
Scholarships
We offer annual scholarships for education and continuing education awards to female applicants pursuing culinary or pastry arts, farming, beverage management, hospitality, nutrition and dietetics, or agriculture coursework at four-year universities and community colleges.
Application will be available early 2027
Scholarship Award Applicant Eligibility
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Any female student accepted to or attending a college/university/junior college/graduate school or trade school (not in your last semester) majoring in a food-related field (ie: Nutrition/Dietetics, Hospitality, Culinary Arts, Baking & Pastry, Agricultural Sciences, etc.)
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Agree to collaborate with LDEI by allowing the use of your likeness and testimonials, and participating in LDEI activities as requested.
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Has a completed application form below.
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Has a completed essay.
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Has 2 letters of recommendation.
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Submits a video (no longer than 90 seconds) introducing yourself and your goals in a unique and personal way.
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Includes a headshot.
Individual Educational Scholarships:
Each scholarship is a minimum of $4,000, and the recipient(s) must submit a complete application by the deadline. Money is to be used only for tuition.
Nedra Moore
Creations Galore & Moore
2025 Entrepreneur Grant Winner
Entrepreneur Grants
The mission of LDEI Birmingham is to mentor and support women working in the food, culinary and hospitality industry. Our chapter assists female-owned businesses in the industry with cash awards up to $5,000 to help them expand and enhance their business.
Application will be available early 2027
Entrepreneur Award Applicant Eligibility
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Female business owner in the food, agriculture, culinary, or hospitality industry.
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Willing to support and participate in Les Dames d’Escoffier events.
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Has a completed application.
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Has a completed essay.
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Has a completed business plan.
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Has 2 letters of recommendation.
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Submitted a video (no longer than 90 seconds) introducing yourself and your goals in a unique and personal way.
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Includes a headshot.
Entrepreneur Grant: Up to $5,000
The candidate must define and validate how her business plans to meet its mission and goals. Only complete applications with all required information and forms will be considered for this award.
Women helping women, we are all about that.
Past Entrepreneur
Grant Recipients
Jennifer Dunbar's 12-acre market vegetable farm in Wilsonville is focused on growing clean, healthy food through sustainable growing methods. They offer a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) weekly subscription, attend Pepper Place Farmers’ Market, sell to restaurants, offer farm tours, volunteer opportunities, and host onsite markets for two Montessori Schools
Tasteful Touch Catering, based in Pinson, is built on Toni North’s passion for creating tasteful culinary experiences. With a deep love for food and hospitality, she founded her catering company to bring people together through thoughtfully prepared meals that not only satisfy but also create lasting memories.
Dr. Rylie M. Hightower opened The Lumbar, one of downtown Birmingham’s most popular and unusual bars, at the end of 2018 while studying for her doctorate in biomedical neuroscience at UAB. Her dream: to open a space where creative thought takes place over good food and drinks. Rylie’s business hosts and celebrates events like Apollo Week and Women’s History Month and has hosted over 40 scientific presentations and science-themed happy hours. She used the grant to expand her outdoor seating.
Jennifer Dunbar's 12-acre market vegetable farm in Wilsonville is focused on growing clean, healthy food through sustainable growing methods. They offer a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) weekly subscription, attend Pepper Place Farmers’ Market, sell to restaurants, offer farm tours, volunteer opportunities, and host onsite markets for two Montessori Schools