Fort Worth, September 4, 2025
News Summary
The Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation has introduced the Kirkpatrick Visionary Fund and Award, providing grants of up to $5,000 to culinary professionals in North Texas. Applications are open through October, with the fund aimed at supporting local chefs and entrepreneurs in enhancing their businesses. The initiative honors Russell Kirkpatrick, a key figure in Fort Worth’s hospitality sector, and aims to empower the next generation of culinary innovators.
Fort Worth — The Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation has launched the Kirkpatrick Visionary Fund and the inaugural Kirkpatrick Visionary Award, offering grants of up to $5,000 to culinary professionals, artisans, producers, and entrepreneurs across North Texas. Applications opened on September 1, 2025, and will close on October 31, 2025, with recipients of the inaugural award to be notified by January 2026. Beginning in 2026, the award will shift to an annual cycle running from May through August.
What the fund will do and who it serves
The fund is designed to strengthen individual businesses and support the broader hospitality community by funding practical projects such as launching new product lines, expanding operations, or reimagining business models. Eligible applicants include chefs, food and beverage artisans, local producers, and hospitality entrepreneurs based in North Texas. The initiative aims to provide flexible, project-based support that can be used for capital, product development, marketing, or other strategic needs that help recipients grow and sustain their operations.
Selection, timeline and administration
A selection committee composed of prominent North Texas business leaders will review applications. Committee members for the inaugural award include Marcelle LeBlanc, Joey Turner, Maurice Ahern, Tina Howard, and Hao Tran. Following the October 31 application deadline, recipients will be selected and notified by January 2026. For subsequent years, the program will operate on an annual May–August cycle to align with ongoing community needs and grant administration schedules.
Why the fund was created
The new fund honors Russell Kirkpatrick, co-founder and board chair emeritus of the Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation, recognizing his leadership in building Fort Worth’s hospitality profile. Kirkpatrick brings nearly two decades of experience from Reata and serves as Director of Operations at From Scratch Hospitality. He was also instrumental in launching the Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival, which draws more than 7,000 guests each year and contributes to the regional food scene.
Foundation context and past investments
The Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation’s mission centers on championing and cultivating the North Texas hospitality community. Since its founding, the foundation has invested more than $613,000 in the local community through scholarships, grants, chef stipends, and partnerships with relief and development organizations such as the Southern Smoke Foundation. The Kirkpatrick Visionary Fund expands this work by offering direct, modest grants aimed at practical business impact.
How to apply and where to find information
Applications and further details are available through the foundation’s official website at fwfwf.org. The application period for the inaugural award runs from September 1 through October 31, 2025. Applicants should prepare materials that explain the proposed project, projected use of funds, and expected outcomes for their business or community. Awards will be distributed to selected recipients after the notification process in January 2026.
Expected outcomes and long-term goals
The fund is intended to empower the next generation of culinary innovators in Fort Worth and the wider North Texas region. By offering targeted financial support and raising visibility for selected projects, the foundation anticipates strengthened small businesses, increased product and service diversity, and a more resilient hospitality sector. The annual grant cycle beginning in 2026 aims to provide predictable, recurring support for ongoing community development.
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
Food and beverage professionals, culinary artisans, producers, and hospitality entrepreneurs operating in North Texas are eligible to apply. Applicants should propose projects that will strengthen their business or benefit the local hospitality community.
How much funding is available?
Grants provide up to $5,000 per award. The fund supports one-time project or business-expansion needs rather than ongoing operating expenses.
What are the application dates and timeline?
For the inaugural round, applications opened on September 1, 2025, and close on October 31, 2025. Recipients will be notified by January 2026. From 2026 onward, the program will follow an annual May–August application cycle.
Who selects the recipients?
A selection committee of North Texas business leaders evaluates applications and selects recipients. For the inaugural award, committee members include Marcelle LeBlanc, Joey Turner, Maurice Ahern, Tina Howard, and Hao Tran.
How can the grant funds be used?
Funds may be used to launch new product lines, expand facilities or services, invest in equipment, develop marketing, or otherwise reimagine business models to promote growth and sustainability.
Where can I find the application?
Application materials and full program details are posted on fwfwf.org.
Key features at a glance
| Feature | Value | Visual |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum grant | $5,000 |
|
| Foundation investments to date | $613,000+ |
|
| Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival attendance | 7,000+ guests annually |
|
| Selection committee members | 5 members |
|
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Additional Resources
- Fort Worth Business: Kirkpatrick Visionary Fund
- Dallas Innovates: FW Food + Wine Foundation Grants
- Star-Telegram: Eats Beat
- Dallas News: Questions with Founder
- Wikipedia: General Information
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