Washington, DC — America’s LGBTQ+-owned restaurants and bars serving food will once again find a vital lifeline this year stemming from the ongoing partnership formed by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), the business voice of the LGBTQ+ community and certifying body for LGBTQ+-owned businesses nationwide, and Grubhub, a leading U.S. food-ordering and delivery marketplace, through the Grubhub Community Fund.

Today marks the launch of Central Region applications for the NGLCC Community Impact Grant Program by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, made possible through continued support from the Grubhub Community Fund. These grants, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, offer funding for a variety of purposes, including everything from supporting employee wages and incentives, maintaining or upgrading existing infrastructure, enabling marketing and PR efforts and more. 

“We often say at NGLCC that if you can buy it, an LGBTQ+-owned business can supply it,” said NGLCC Co-Founder & President Justin Nelson. He added, “This rings especially true for LGBTQ+-owned restaurants and food-serving establishments across America, which play a vital role in their communities. We’re thrilled to once again collaborate on this program, thanks to the generous support of the Grubhub Community Fund, to offer grants that will benefit businesses nationwide.”

“Grubhub’s partnership with NGLCC continues to go on from strength to strength over the years, and we’re really proud of the impact this initiative has had on LGBTQ+-owned businesses nationwide,” said Dave Tovar, Grubhub’s senior vice president of Communications and Government Relations. “We are inspired by countless stories of how these grants empower independent restaurants to thrive and make meaningful contributions to their communities. We know this year’s grant recipients will do incredible things with the funds they receive as this program continues to grow.”

“As a proud advocate for LGBTQ+ economic empowerment in our vibrant community, the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to join forces with the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Grubhub once again to support LGBTQ+-owned businesses across the nation. These grants represent more than just financial assistance; they signify a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the resilience of our community. Together, we’re building a stronger, more equitable future for all.”

Once again, under the innovative grant program, the NGLCC has set a goal to allocate 30 percent of the funds to businesses owned by people of color and transgender and gender expansive (TGX) individuals. Between now and June 2024, NGLCC will roll the grant program out regionally, with applications for East Coast establishments launching on April 30, 2024, through May 17, 2024. Applications for the Central US will open in May 2024, and those for the West Coast will roll out in June 2024. Restaurants wishing to learn more about applying for grants should visit nglcc.org/ghgrant.

The NGLCC’s network of nearly 55 Affiliate Chambers across America will once again help amplify this grant opportunity to support local restaurants. Those local chambers will again benefit from this initiative’s Affiliate Chamber Fund. In addition to supporting local efforts to share the grant opportunity, this fund has and will continue to enable any establishment that receives a grant that is not currently a member of an NGLCC local affiliate chamber to have one year of membership paid.

For more information on the Community Impact Grant Program regarding restaurant eligibility requirements, timelines, how to apply, and more, please visit www.nglcc.org/ghgrant.

# # #

About NGLCC

The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) is the business voice of the LGBT community and is the largest global advocacy organization specifically dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people. NGLCC is the exclusive certification body for LGBT-owned businesses, known as Certified LGBT Business Enterprise® (Certified LGBTBE®) suppliers.

www.nglcc.org @nglcc

About Grubhub

Grubhub is part of Just Eat Takeaway.com (LSE: JET, AMS: TKWY), a leading global online food delivery marketplace. Dedicated to connecting diners with the food they love from their favorite local restaurants, Grubhub elevates food ordering through innovative restaurant technology, easy-to-use platforms and an improved delivery experience. Grubhub features more than 365,000 restaurant partners in over 4,000 U.S. cities.

About the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce

Established in 1997, we are Central Texas’ home for LGBTQ+ and allied businesses and organizations. We work to create and support a vibrant and prosperous regional economy strengthened through the full participation of diverse local communities. We represent hundreds of small business, corporate, and nonprofit members who share the values of promoting equality and diversity in the workplace.

austinlgbtchamber.com @austinlgbtbiz