K-Food Grant Initiative
SHIA Restaurant, in partnership with the Korean Community Service Center of Greater Washington (KCSC), is proud to launch the inaugural K-Food Grant Initiative. Anyone residing, working, studying or doing business in the DMV supporting Korean food and culture are invited to share their projects that creatively highlight K-food in new and engaging ways.
Some examples of project areas include:
- Rediscovering Tradition: Projects that explore and reintroduce lesser-known historical recipes or dishes.
- Modernizing K-Food: Initiatives that offer contemporary interpretations of Korean culinary traditions.
- Cultural Storytelling: Projects that highlight the cultural narratives or unique ingredients embedded within Korean food.
- Community Engagement: Initiatives that foster community through culinary experiences and education.
Two applicants will be selected based on the evaluation criteria listed below. They will each be awarded with a $4,000 grant to execute their project from November 2025 to February 2026, culminating in a presentation of their project’s results to guests of the KCSC Gala in April 2026.
Evaluation Criteria
Elevation of K-Food
How effectively does the project introduce and promote lesser-known or unique aspects of Korean cuisine, particularly traditional dishes?
Long-Term Community Impact
How great is the potential to create a positive influence on the greater DMV area?
Creativity
How original and innovative is the project in idea and execution?
Feasibility
How practical or realistic is the project, including proposed budget utilization and timeline?
For questions, reach out to:
Monica Kang
Chief Strategy and Partnerships Officer at SHIA monica@shiarestaurant.org
