How We Give
Giving is what Les Dames d’Escoffier Sacramento does. We mentor, educate, donate and create for the good of our communities. Philanthropy is a way of life for us; it is engrained in all our philosophies and is the underpinning of our activities and initiatives. Each year, we strive to assist individuals and organizations to benefit from our support through our scholarships, grants and volunteerism.
Our two primary giving programs — scholarships and grants — are designed to uplift women and strengthen the food, beverage, and hospitality industries. While both reflect our mission, they serve distinct purposes.
By offering both grants and scholarships, LDEI Sacramento invests in both the individuals and the organizations shaping our shared future.
Grants (For Organizations)
2025 Deadline: 2025 Application Period Applications will be accepted between September 1 – November 1, 2025.
Through our grant program, we support nonprofit, community-based organizations that empower and educate women in culinary arts, agriculture, nutrition, food science, hospitality, and beverage professions.
Eligible organizations must:
- Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating in the Greater Sacramento region (including Sacramento and Yolo counties)
- Have a charitable mission in one or more of the following industries: food and beverage, agriculture, hospitality, or journalism
- Demonstrate a clear commitment to serving or advancing women in these industries
How to Apply
To apply for a Les Dames d’Escoffier Sacramento grant:
- Open the grant application form. (To view fillable form, open on desktop. If using mobile, open in adobe reader to view fillable form.)
- Complete the form in its entirety.
- Download the form with your changes.
- Click Email Application to open draft email.
- Attach required documents.
- Send the completed form along with all requested attachments to: philanthropy@ldeisacramento.org
Incomplete applications or those missing attachments may not be considered.
Educational Scholarships (For Individuals)
Our scholarships provide direct support to women pursuing education or professional development in food, beverage, agriculture, or hospitality fields. These awards help eliminate financial barriers and invest in the future of promising students and emerging leaders.
Scholarship recipients are selected based on:
- Passion and potential in their chosen field
- Financial need
- Academic or professional goals
- Alignment with our mission to mentor and support the next generation of women in our industries
Giving Time, Not Just Dollars
Beyond financial support, every member of LDEI Sacramento gives generously of her time. As volunteers, our members plan and participate in fundraising events, mentor students and professionals, collaborate with local nonprofits, and directly serve the community. Our impact is driven not only by dollars raised, but by the dedication and heart behind every hour volunteered.
By offering both grants and scholarships — and contributing our time — we invest in both the individuals and the organizations shaping our shared future.
Support Our Mission
Les Dames d’Escoffier Sacramento’s donation program offers members, businesses, and friends the opportunity to support our chapter and the meaningful work we do in the community.
To sustain our scholarship and grant programs, we rely on the generosity of those who believe in our mission. Members, friends, and community partners can make tax-deductible donations to help further our work empowering women in food, beverage, hospitality, and agriculture.
Our primary funding comes from a combination of member contributions, community support, and sponsorships from businesses and institutions in the culinary, hospitality, wine, and agricultural industries.
We invite you to consider adding Les Dames d’Escoffier Sacramento to your philanthropic giving or estate planning. Your support helps make educational and career dreams come true for women across our region.
Every donation makes a difference.
To make a tax-deductible contribution to our Grant or Scholarship Fund, click here. For more information on specific scholarships or giving opportunities, please contact us at philanthropy@ldeisacramento.org