You still have time to apply to the High Five Grant before it closes on September 30, 2024. If you’re on the fence about throwing your hat in the ring, we’re here to answer your questions!
Eligibility
Do I have to be a mom?
Yes. This is a grant specifically for mothers. That includes being a stepmom, adoptive mom, expecting mom, empty nester, or foster mom. While we love our furry friends, you need to have cared for or currently care for human children to meet this requirement.
Do I need to own my business?
Applicants must own at least 50% of their for-profit business. Your co-owner does not need to be another mom.
Are nonprofits eligible?
The High Five Grant for Moms is currently open to for-profit businesses only.
Is there a revenue requirement?
The High Five Grant is open to mom-owned businesses with a gross revenue between $10,000–$500,000 in 2023 or the last 12 months.
Why did you change your revenue requirement?
The High Five Grant for Moms is committed to helping as many mom-owned businesses as possible hit $1 million in revenue. As such, we are focused on helping businesses who have a proven concept, forward momentum, and the potential to scale.
I live outside the US. Am I still eligible?
Our grant is currently open to mom-owned businesses in the US and Canada only.
My company sells a service, not a product. Can I still apply?
Yes! We’re committed to supporting all mompreneurs.
Application Details
Why do you charge an application fee?
First, we have found that an application fee helps us filter out hobbyists from applicants who are serious about building their businesses. We also use the fees to supplement the grant amounts.
How is my application fee used?
All application fees go toward grant awards. The only exception is the small credit card processing fee (which is standard for all credit card transactions), but we do not use any of the application fees for administrative costs or salaries.
Is there a refund for the application fee?
No. Once you've submitted your application, it is final and all funds go towards grants for mom business owners.
Will donating to the High Five Grant help my application?
Nope! The donation option at the end of the application is 100% optional and has absolutely no influence on the judging process. Our judging panel is not told who has donated money.
What do you use the donations for?
All donated funds go directly into the grant fund and will be used solely for awards given to mom business owners.
Can I change my application after I submit it?
No. Once your application is submitted, it is final. We recommend applicants write their answers to all the application questions in a Google or Word document before filling out and submitting the application.
Award Information
What grants are being awarded?
We are giving away eight total grants:
GRAND PRIZE: $10,000 cash prize, 20 hours/week for six months of Kajae professional services ($7K-$10K value), 100 Grand Plan Workshop Ticket ($297) for the Mama Ladder’s signature event on February 1, 2025, a $1,000 travel voucher to travel to Salt Lake City for the workshop (if winner lives out of state), and a Clean Simple Eats Super Greens Variety Pack and Collagen Variety Pack to boost your health while building your business.
1st Runner Up: $5,000 cash prize and a Clean Simple Eats Super Greens Variety Pack and Collagen Variety Pack to boost your health while building your business.
2nd Runner Up: $2,500 cash prize and a Clean Simple Eats Super Greens Variety Pack and Collagen Variety Pack to boost your health while building your business.
Five Honorable Mentions: $1,000 cash prize and a Clean Simple Eats Super Greens Variety Pack and Collagen Variety Pack each
How does the grant need to be used?
Grant winners have full freedom to decide how to use these funds to grow their business. They are to be used to GROW a business, not to fund personal activities or purchases. Whether it's a new logo, website, product inventory, business coaching, event costs, etc. -- that's up to you!
Do I have to pay the High Five Grant back?
No. This is 100% yours, although you will need to pay applicable income taxes to your respective government as grants are considered income.
Do I have to report the grant as income?
Yes. You will need to work with your tax professional to report the High Five Grant as income. You will need to pay applicable taxes on it, per your respective government. In order to receive the grant, American finalists must submit a W-9 form to The Mama Ladder.
Judging Criteria & Process
Who are the judges?
We have eight amazing entrepreneurs 2024 Judging Panel. This is the first year we’ve included men as judges because supporting women in business takes all of us! You can learn more about Adrian Dayton, Ameka Coleman, Bassam Salem, Brian Hanks, Charlene Li, Keren de Zwert, Monica Fullerton, and Trent Mano here.
How are finalists selected and notified?
Judges will select our eight finalists by reviewing applications on a rolling basis between September 11 and October 10. On October 11, finalists will be invited to a call with grant founder Crystalee Beck.
When are the finalists announced?
Finalists will be publicly announced on our social media channels and our website on October 14. This is the same day public voting on our finalists will launch on highfivegrant.com.
How do you determine the grand prize winner, runners up, and honorable mentions?
The winners are determined using the following rubric:
75% input from the judging panel & sponsors
25% input from public voting at highfivegrant.com
General Grant Information
Is this a scam?
The High Five Grant is 100%, completely, totally legit. We work hard behind the scenes to create this opportunity for deserving, ambitious mothers. Because we are passionate about supporting women at the intersection of motherhood and entrepreneurship, we have given more than $70,000 in grants and $30,000 in goods and services since 2018.
We are proud that former High Five Grant for Moms finalists have been on Shark Tank and Good Morning America, and they also have products at Target, Walmart, CVS, and Amazon.
What is The Mama Ladder?
The Mama Ladder offers a community of heart-powered mom business owners. We are dedicated to helping moms fulfill their personal and professional goals. We host workshops and retreats with the goals of helping mothers have clarity, confidence, and community.
Who are the sponsors of the High Five Grant?
We are honored to have powerhouse sponsors backing us this year, including The Profitability Project, Clean Simple Eats, Comma Copywriters, Kajae, and Robinson Burnett & Associates.
