Sephora Beauty Grant

The Sephora Beauty Grant is a private funding initiative administered through a partnership between the Fifteen Percent Pledge and Sephora. The Fifteen Percent Pledge is a nonprofit organization focused on advancing racial equity and economic justice by encouraging major retailers to dedicate at least fifteen percent of their shelf space and purchasing power to Black-owned businesses. Through this collaboration, the grant program seeks to address systemic inequities in the consumer marketplace by providing financial and strategic support to underrepresented founders within the beauty industry. The primary purpose of the grant is to elevate and scale beauty businesses led by founders from historically underrepresented backgrounds. The program offers a single award of one hundred thousand dollars in unrestricted funding, allowing recipients flexibility in how the funds are used to grow their business operations. In addition to financial support, the selected grantee receives pro bono consulting services and significant public visibility, including recognition at a major industry event hosted by the Fifteen Percent Pledge. These additional benefits are designed to enhance both operational capacity and brand exposure. Eligible applicants must operate a consumer packaged goods business within the beauty sector, including categories such as skincare, haircare, makeup, fragrance, and bath and body products. Businesses must be based in the United States, have been in operation for at least one year, and demonstrate annual revenue of at least one hundred thousand dollars. Ownership requirements specify that at least fifty one percent of the business must be held by an underrepresented founder or founding team, with eligibility extending to a wide range of historically marginalized identities including but not limited to racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA plus individuals, and women. The application process requires prospective applicants to first create or update a business profile within the Fifteen Percent Pledge Business Equity Community platform. Only after completing this step can applicants access the grant application questions. The application window is open for a defined four week period, during which applicants must submit all required information. While specific application components are not fully detailed, the process implies submission of business information, financial metrics, and responses to qualitative evaluation questions. The program follows a structured timeline beginning with the application opening in late October and closing in late November. Finalists are notified in early January, and the selected grantee is publicly announced at the Fifteen Percent Pledge annual gala in early February. The 2026 award announcement is scheduled for February seventh in Los Angeles. This timeline indicates a multi stage evaluation process culminating in a high profile recognition event. Evaluation criteria are not explicitly outlined but are inferred to include leadership, innovation, and impact within the beauty industry, as demonstrated by prior recognition of past recipients. The program does not specify any matching fund requirements or cost sharing obligations. Applicants seeking additional information or clarification are directed to contact the program administrators via an official email address provided by the Fifteen Percent Pledge.

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