PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GRANT
What is the CCC Professional Development Grant?
CCC is pleased to offer a series of rolling grants to assist BIPOC cheese professionals in pursuing professional development opportunities that are not paid for by an employer, or are voluntary in nature. We will offer two separate grants; our Microgrant for $250 and our Standard Grant which will range from $500-$1500.
When are applications due?
First grant season begins in April:
May 10th 2024
Deadline to apply is 12am CST on May 10th 2024
Second grant season begins in November
November 23rd 2024
Deadline to apply is 12am CST on November 23rd 2024
Who can apply?
Any BIPOC-identifying individual who is currently employed in the cheese industry.
Please note only new applicants can apply
If you apply for both the micro and professional grant you will only be awarded one.
How much is each grant worth?
Each grant is between $500-1500. The CCC board will allocate the amount based on the number of applications we receive, and the total funds we have available to distribute, per grant cycle.
What can the grant money be used for?
To cover lost wages, or childcare costs, if you take a day of unpaid time off to volunteer at a cheese event (CMI, Counter Culture, etc), attend cheese education on your own time, visit a cheesemaker, etc.
To help you pay for cheese educational materials such as books, journal or magazine subscriptions, etc.
To help cover the cost of continuing cheese education, such as online or in-person class fees, virtual conference fees, etc.
Or something else that you’re welcome to ask for in your application!
How do I apply?
Fill out the designated form by clicking the "Apply" button at the bottom of this page. The form will ask for your contact details, where you are currently working and your position there, and how long you’ve worked in the cheese industry. You’ll also need to describe (in a few sentences, no need for an essay!) what you’d like to use the money towards, and what you hope to get out of the experience or education.
You will also be asked to submit a short 250-500 word essay.
More details will be given in the application process
Is there anything else I need to do?
If your application is accepted, all we ask is that you let us know how the experience or education went, so we can continue to let our funders know how their donations are being used. Anything you tell us can be anonymized if you wish! We would also love it if you could share any images or videos that we can put in the report, or that we can share on social media with your permission.
When will I hear back?
You can expect a response within 3 weeks from application close date.
Have a question that has not been addressed here?
Please email info@cheeseculturecoalition.org
Thank you so much for your interest in applying for our grant. We look forward to hearing from you, and supporting the growth of your cheese career!