Founders First CDC is preparing to open applications for its Annual Kitty Fund Grant, a $20,000 initiative designed to support mom entrepreneurs who operate employer-based businesses in the United States. The 2026 grant cycle officially launches on March 10, 2026.
The Kitty Fund was created in honor of Catherine “Kitty” Abrams Tadlock Webster and recognizes the economic and leadership impact of mothers who are building companies, creating jobs, and sustaining growth while managing family responsibilities.
For the first time, the program will combine direct funding with business accelerator support, offering both capital and structured development resources to help women-led businesses scale long-term.
Grant Breakdown
This year’s Kitty Fund Grant includes:
• $20,000 total fund
• 20 mom entrepreneurs will each receive a $1,000 micro-grant
• Free enrollment in one business growth program:
• Passport Community, or
The program is designed to strengthen operational capacity, leadership development, and sustainable business growth beyond financial assistance alone.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Founder identifies as a mother
• Must be a CEO, President, or Business Owner
• Must operate an active U.S.-based business
• Business annual revenue does not exceed $5 million
• Business employs 2 to 100 employees
• Business has been operating for at least 1 year
About the Program
The Kitty Fund Grant is hosted by Founders First CDC, a nonprofit organization focused on helping underrepresented entrepreneurs scale employer-based businesses through funding, education, and leadership development.
Application Launch
• Full Grant Application Opens: March 10, 2026
• Who Should Apply: Mom entrepreneurs seeking both financial support and structured business growth programs
Entrepreneurs can review full eligibility requirements and prepare for the application launch by visiting the official grant page:
Learn more, check eligibility, and pre-register now: Founders First CDC Kitty Fund Grant
I’m a mother of 2 boys and I started this business about a year ago with a strong vision and passion for creating high-quality medical scrubs. I worked hard and saved enough to purchase my first two sets, which I personally tested while working in a clinical setting. The feedback I received from others, along with my own experience, confirmed that the scrubs were both comfortable and well-made.
Since then, I have had a few customers, and I remain confident in the quality and potential of my products. My goal is to expand beyond basic scrubs by offering a wider range of items such as scrub jackets, jogger-style pants, and medical bags.
At this time, I am seeking funding to help grow my business, increase inventory, and continue building my brand. My long-term vision is to develop a well-known and trusted scrub line that can compete with leading brands in the industry.