Frequently Asked Questions About the Glossier Grant Program

What is the Glossier Grant Program for Black-Owned Businesses?

Glossier Grant Program for Black-Owned Beauty Businesses is a grant program that aims to help drive meaningful change in the beauty industry by supporting Black-owned businesses with capital, advisory support, and amplification. This year’s program includes a new Alumni Award for a former grantee preparing to take their business to the next level.

Who is eligible to apply for a grant?

For more details on the eligibility requirements, please refer to the Grant Terms and Conditions.

If my business does not operate in the United States can I apply?

Unfortunately, the grants are only available to businesses based in the United States. However, for UK-based businesses, we’re running our second Grant Program in partnership with Black Girl Fest this year. 

Why is this limited to only beauty businesses that sell physical products, not services or resellers?

We’re focusing on companies that sell their own physical beauty products because that’s the area we believe we are best positioned to make an impact, especially when it comes to sharing what we’ve learned.

Why are pre-launch businesses no longer eligible?

We believe that our team is best equipped to support businesses already selling beauty products with advisory support, and that a $50,000 grant can provide a meaningful impact to businesses in this stage.

Can I apply more than once?

Due to the anticipated high volume of applications, we are only able to accept one application per business.

What is the amount of each grant?

As part of the 2024 program, each of the four selected businesses that are new grantees will be awarded $50,000. The Alumni Award is a $100,000 grant.

How many grants will be awarded?

We will be awarding a total of $300,000 in grants across five companies: four new grantees and one alumni. 

Do I have to pay back the grant?

Nope! Grantees will not be asked to pay back the grant.

How does Glossier expect businesses to use this money? Are there requirements for how they need to spend the funds?

The only requirement is that grantees use the funding for legitimate business expenses that are consistent with what’s outlined in their application. 

How do I apply?

The application can be accessed here. 

Is there a deadline for applying for a grant?

The application process opens on May 15, 2024 and the deadline to apply for a grant is June 1, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

How long does the application process take?

Time spent on the application will vary based on the applicant, but we anticipate that applicants shouldn’t need to spend longer than two hours on their entry.

What information is needed to apply for a grant?

In addition to providing basic information about the business owner, the company, and its products, each applicant must answer a series of short questions, provide net sales for 2023 and expected net sales for 2024, information on any existing debt or equity funding, and provide a pitch deck with an overview of their business plans. If an applicant is selected as a finalist, they will be asked to provide more detailed financial information, including financial statements, as well as product samples.

Can I start my application and finish it at a later time?

Yes, applicants have the option to save their work directly in the OpenWater application platform and return to complete it at any time before the application deadline. 

Can I edit my application responses to the questions?

Yes, applicants can edit their responses until the application closing period on June 1st at 11:59PM ET.

Can I send Glossier samples of my product?

Unfortunately, we’re not able to accept physical products for consideration with the application at the initial stage. However, applicants are welcome to include pictures of their products! If selected as a finalist, we will require that applicants send product samples to our panelists.

How will I know if my application has been received?

Once an application is complete, applicants will see a confirmation that their application has been recorded and receive an automated confirmation email from OpenWater at noreply@secure-platform.com. Please make sure to add this email address to your contacts so that our emails (including about the status of your application) do not end up in your "Spam" folder. 

Applicants will also be able to login to the OpenWater platform to confirm if their application was submitted, which will show up as “Complete” applications in their account. If the application is not properly submitted, it will show up as “Incomplete.” 

Will my competitive business and financial information be kept confidential?

Absolutely! We understand that applicants may be providing us non-public, confidential information about their business as part of the application and we commit to keeping that information confidential. This information will only be shared with individuals involved with the selection process..

How will I know if I have been selected as a finalist to receive a grant?

We will let applicants know if they have been selected as a finalist and will reach out via the email address or phone number provided in the application.

If I am selected as a finalist, does that mean I get the grant?

Being selected as a finalist does not guarantee you will receive a grant. Finalists will be asked to provide additional information, including business financial statements and samples of their product, to further evaluate their application. Finalists are expected to maintain confidentiality during this part of the review process.

When can I expect to hear back if I’m selected?

Grantees will be publicly announced by August, and applicants will be notified around that time frame. 

Who is reviewing applications?

Applications will be reviewed by a diverse group of Glossier team members spanning Brand Marketing, Creative, Finance, and Into the Gloss.

How are applications being evaluated?

Applications for new grantees will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Purpose: The inspiration and purpose behind your business and the impact you hope to achieve both for your customers and the broader community
2. Differentiation: What sets your brand and products apart from others in your category 
3. Business Plan: Your plans for business growth and how our Grant Program will help you achieve your goals

For the Alumni Award, applications will be evaluated on the following criteria: 

1. Results + Scalability: A track record of business growth and thoughtful plans outlined for the business to scale sustainably.
2. Future Business Plans: A very clear vision for how to use the $100,000 grant towards a measurable project(s) to grow their business.
3. Long-Term Vision and Goals: How has your vision for your business evolved over time, especially since winning the Glossier Grant? What are your big-picture goals for the years ahead and how does this award fit into them?

Will there be additional documentation or information required after I submit my application?

If we have questions about an application during the review process, we may contact applicants for more information. If selected as a finalist, applicants will be notified via email or telephone. Being selected as a finalist does not guarantee a grant. Finalists will be asked to provide additional information, including business financial statements, as well as product samples, to further evaluate your application.

Do I need to have made a purchase of Glossier products to apply for a grant?

No, applicants do not need to be a current or past customer of Glossier to apply for a grant. A purchase of Glossier products will not improve an applicant’s chance of selection.

Will grantees receive benefits from this program, in addition to the funding?

Yes! Grantees will receive the opportunity to participate in advisory, community and social amplification initiatives through fall 2024. This will include:

• An advisory partner from the Glossier leadership team and a monthly call with a team member based on expressed support interests
• One one-on-one call with Glossier’s CEO, Kyle Leahy
• Monthly video calls to stay connected with other grantees 
• A dedicated feature on one of Glossier’s channels (e.g. Instagram, Into the Gloss, TikTok, Twitter) highlighting the business

What if I don’t have an Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or other social media account for my business to link to in the application?

No need to create one just for this application! Applicants can provide links to any social media accounts that they have, if any.

Who do I contact if I have questions about my application or the application process?

Applicants can get in touch by reaching out to gteam@glossier.com with the subject line “Grant Application”.

*See the Official Terms and Conditions for full details about the Program.