Boundless Futures Foundation, a private foundation that empowers women entrepreneurs in the United States, has awarded $445,000 in EmpowHer grants to female company founders, and $140,000 in Her Village grants to nonprofits that support businesswomen since it began in late 2023. According to the announcement, all the companies receiving EmpowHer grants leverage their businesses to address social issues related to poverty and hunger, sustainability and the environment, and strong communities. The foundation, founded by Soon and McKeel Hagerty, provides grant funding to individuals in the early stages of starting a business that solves a social issue and to mission-aligned nonprofits.

In its fifth round of EmpowHer grants, Boundless Futures Foundation announced that it is awarding $60,000 to female founders with companies in three states: California, Oregon and Texas.

This round of EmpowHer grantees includes a company that creates sleep and soothing products and donates part of its proceeds to support foster children. Another company supports sustainability and the environment by creating compostable underwear for women, and the third company produces organic, vegan sourdough bagels in plastic-free packaging and donates part of its proceeds to a local food bank.

"I am in awe of the female founders who continue to show that you can use your businesses for both growth and good," said Soon Hagerty, co-founder and president, Boundless Futures Foundation. "In creating Boundless Futures Foundation, it has given me a chance to witness the talent, passion and creativity in all of our female founders and it is our hope that their success inspires other female founders just getting started on their journeys to make an impact through business."

The grant recipients are carefully selected business owners who align with Boundless Futures Foundation's mission to empower and uplift female entrepreneurs.

New EmpowHer grant recipients include the following:

  • For the Cubs in Austin, Texas, was founded by Amy Vale. The company creates sensitivity-aware products to assist with sleeping and soothing and donates part of its proceeds to support foster children. The company will receive a $25,000 grant.

  • Best Coast Bagels in Salem, Ore., was founded by Lauren Fuhrman-Burch. The company makes organic, vegan sourdough bagels and donates one percent of its profits to a local food bank. The company will receive a $20,000 grant.

  • CUFT in Hermosa, Calif., was founded by mother-daughter duo Elizabeth Mozilo and Gabrielle Rooney. The company supports sustainability and the environment by creating compostable underwear for women. For every three pairs sold, the company donates one pair to a woman in a shelter. The company will receive a $15,000 grant.
Each of the grantees is embraced by an Advisory Circle of seasoned female entrepreneurs who provide optional resources including leadership development, skill-building assistance, mentorship and networking opportunities.