15 and FARE Micro Award

Eligible small businesses may apply for a 15 and FARE Micro Award of up to $2,500 to support food allergy safety improvements.

Funding may be used for:

• Dedicated allergen-safe cookware or preparation tools
• Staff training time and certification
• Menu updates, labeling, or signage
• Stock epinephrine (where permitted)
• Process improvements to reduce cross-contact
• Marketing and communications related to becoming a partner

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
• Annual revenue of $500,000 or less
• In operation for at least two (2) years
• Located in Kansas City, MO/KS only
• Willing and able to complete all program requirements

Priority consideration will be given to women-owned and minority-owned businesses.

Program Requirements

Selected restaurants will be required to complete all core components of the program to achieve recognition as a 15 and FARE Restaurant Partner. This includes training the majority of staff, conducting three consecutive monthly on-site audits, implementing a comprehensive food allergy policy or standard operating procedure, and demonstrating clear allergen transparency across menus. Restaurants must also submit all required documentation verifying completion of these elements in order to receive final recognition.

Funding will be distributed in two phases to support both participation and successful completion. Awardees will receive 50% of the total Micro Award ($1,250) upon acceptance into the program. The remaining 50% ($1,250) will be disbursed after all program requirements have been completed and recognition has been formally granted.

Funds may NOT be used for:

• Purchase of alcohol
• General or routine business operating expenses (e.g., rent, utilities, payroll unrelated to training)
• Any use not directly tied to food allergy safety improvements

Applicants must not have:

• A familial conflict of interest with FARE or the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation
• A pre-existing business or financial relationship with FARE or the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation

Award recipients are responsible for all applicable tax obligations. Recipients will receive a Form 1099 for tax reporting purposes.

Application Timeline

• Application Opens: October 26, 2026
• Application Deadline: November 30, 2026
• Award Notifications: By December 18, 2026
• Program Start: January 1, 2027
• Program Completion: Approximately 3–4 months after program start

How to Apply

To apply, complete the online application and submit required documentation.

Apply Now

Applicants will be asked to provide:

• Basic business and contact information
• Short responses about current practices, use of funds, and impact
• Upload of W-9
• Proof of annual revenue ($500,000 or less)

Participation and Recognition

Restaurants that successfully complete all program requirements will:

• Be designated as a 15 and FARE Restaurant Partner
• Receive a program logo for promotional use
• Be included in FARE’s restaurant directory/mapMay be highlighted throughout the year during press or social media

Recognition is valid for one year and may require renewal.

For more information, please contact:

Rachel Ciordas, FARE Restaurant Program Consultant 
rciordas@foodallergy.org / 816-309-0552 

Learn more about 15 and FARE at foodallergy.org/fni.  

Learn more about the 15 and FARE Restaurant Program at foodallergy.org/15andFARE/restaurant.