According to the foundation's Web site, the group bestows grants to those who forward "the interest of Awesome in the universe, $1,000 at a time." Now, they have expanded that philosophy to include food awesomeness by starting Awesome Food.
Every month, one microgrant of $1,000 will be awarded to an awesome idea revolving around food. It can be anything from urban farming, food truck startups, recipe collects, or pop-up cafes.
"For not that much money, you can do really incredible things," says Jennifer 8. Lee, a founding member of Awesome Food. "There's a small market for really incredible ideas."
Without delving too much into specifics, the organization is simply looking for innovation and creativity by asking foodies to answer two essay questions: "Describe yourself, your project, and how you'll pull it off" and "How would you use the money?"
Right now, the project is being funded by a group of trustees that includes Foodspotting (the foodie version of Instagram), "Cooking for Geeks" author Jeff Porter, Alaina Browne of Serious Eats, and Lee, a food blogger and author of "The Fortune Cookie Chronicles." Each trustee donates 100 dollars each month and helps choose the project that will receive the grant.
So far, the foundation has received over 100 applications for Awesome Food since July 20, and Lee has seen everything from healthy fast-food ventures to a woman who just needs a bicycle to deliver sandwiches. "We want the ideas to be a little bit out there," Lee said.
Applications close on August 5, so if you have a really awesome food idea, fill out this form. Good luck!
Follow Short Order on Facebook and Twitter @Short_Order.
