Call for Applications: $50,000 Prize Open to Immigrants Working in Culinary Arts The Vilcek Foundation 02/13/2026

Online / Virtual

Opportunity type: Call for Entry/Open Call

Opportunity Disciplines: Interdisciplinary/Hybrid

Description

The Vilcek Foundation will award six Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Culinary Arts two categories: Food & Beverage and Media & Storytelling. In each category, three young, immigrant culinary professionals who demonstrate outstanding early achievement in their field will receive individual unrestricted cash awards of $50,000. 

The Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Culinary Arts are open to chefs, brewers, bakers, mixologists, food filmmakers and journalists, chocolatiers, sommeliers, historians, cheese makers, food stylists, content creators, caterers, pastry chefs, food critics, distillers, culinary writers, testers, sous chefs, vintners, recipe developers, podcasters, and culinary editors. Applications are open through May 4, 2026.

Apply if you:

• Were born outside the United States to non-American parents;

• Are not more than 38 years old;

• Have five years of professional experience in the fields related to Food & Beverage or Media & Storytelling, and possess a strong track record of creative, high-caliber work that enriches the discourse of the culinary arts.

Why Should You Apply

Individuals chosen for this prize will receive:

• An unrestricted cash award of $50,000;

• An opportunity to reflect on how the applicant’s experience as an immigrant has shaped their success;

• An invaluable endorsement from leaders in the culinary arts field;

• A comprehensive public relations campaign to promote each applicant’s work.

Eligible Categories 

Food & Beverage

• Culinary Artists – chefs, sous chefs, pastry chefs, caterers, etc.

• Beverage Professionals – vintners, distillers, brewers, sommeliers, mixologists, etc.

• Artisans & Food Makers – producers of craft and fine foods such as breads and baked goods, chocolates, cheeses, preserves, charcuterie, confections, tea, vinegars, spices, condiments, and other fine craft products.

Media & Storytelling:

• Writers, Thinkers, & Researchers – culinary writers, editors, journalists, authors, academics (historical, theoretical, anthropological), food critics, food essayists, and professionals working in food sustainability and innovation, etc.

• Multi-Media & Entertainment Specialists – culinary professionals in film/TV, broadcast and documentary producers, filmmakers, content creators, podcasters, photographers, stylists, recipe developers and testers, etc.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must: 

• Have been born outside the United States to non-American parents;

• Not be more than 38 years old as of December 31, 2026 (born on or after January 1, 1988). Exceptions will be made if you were born between January 1, 1986, and December 31, 1987, and if you experienced career interruptions due to caregiving, medical, military, or parental leave;

• Have lived in the United States for a minimum of four years in total or immigrated to the United States at least four years prior to the date of this application;

• Be one of the following: a naturalized citizen or a permanent resident of the United States; an H-1B or O-1 visa holder with a valid visa stamp; an H-4 visa holder with a valid EAD card; a recipient of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) relief; an asylee or an asylum seeker who has applied for asylum and has a valid EAD card. You may be required to submit a scanned copy of a valid immigration document if your application progresses in the review process. The staff at the Vilcek Foundation will reach out with instructions at the appropriate time;

• Have at least five years of professional experience in culinary arts; 

• Not be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate degree program (Exceptions may apply for some doctoral students who will complete their program this year);

• Intend to pursue a professional career in the United States;

• Not be a past winner of the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in any category.

Visit the Vilcek Foundation’s website to learn more and apply. Applications close on May 4, 2026

About the Vilcek Foundation

What We Do

The Vilcek Foundation celebrates immigrant contributions in the United States and fosters appreciation of the arts and sciences.

Who We Are

The Vilcek Foundation was established in 2000 to amplify the diverse ways immigrants and cultural leaders enrich artistic and scientific communities in the United States. Since its formation, the foundation has awarded over $17 million in prizes and grants to individuals and organizations committed to progressing our society.

How to apply

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must: 

• Have been born outside the United States to non-American parents;

• Not be more than 38 years old as of December 31, 2026 (born on or after January 1, 1988). Exceptions will be made if you were born between January 1, 1986, and December 31, 1987, and if you experienced career interruptions due to caregiving, medical, military, or parental leave;

• Have lived in the United States for a minimum of four years in total or immigrated to the United States at least four years prior to the date of this application;

• Be one of the following: a naturalized citizen or a permanent resident of the United States; an H-1B or O-1 visa holder with a valid visa stamp; an H-4 visa holder with a valid EAD card; a recipient of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) relief; an asylee or an asylum seeker who has applied for asylum and has a valid EAD card. You may be required to submit a scanned copy of a valid immigration document if your application progresses in the review process. The staff at the Vilcek Foundation will reach out with instructions at the appropriate time;

• Have at least five years of professional experience in culinary arts; 

• Not be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate degree program (Exceptions may apply for some doctoral students who will complete their program this year);

• Intend to pursue a professional career in the United States;

• Not be a past winner of the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in any category.

Visit the Vilcek Foundation’s website to learn more and apply. Applications close on May 4, 2026

Application Deadline

05/04/2026