Menu
Log in
Forgot password
Log in
Forgot password



About the Lisa Weiss Cookbook Grant

Les Dames d’Escoffier San Francisco is pleased to announce the Lisa Weiss Cookbook Grant. Dame Lisa Weiss, who died in 2025, was a prolific James Beard Award-nominated cookbook author. In Lisa’s memory, her husband, Dan Weiss, has given a grant to support a first-time or published cookbook author who demonstrates promise, enthusiasm, and progress toward the goal of writing a cookbook for publication.


Grant Award

  • One grant annually of $5,000
  • Non-renewable award
  • Recognition at an LDEI-SF member event
  • Opportunity for connection with LDEI-SF members

Eligible Use of Funds

The grant is unrestricted and the recipient may use the money toward any stage of the cookbook-making process, which might include but is not limited to research, photography, promotion, social media, or a book tour. 

    Eligibility

    Applicants must:

      • Identify as women
      • Reside in one of the following greater San Francisco Bay Area counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, and Sonoma. 
      • Be preparing to publish a cookbook or in the process of proposing or writing one. LDEI-SF seeks to support new voices, unique insight, a groundbreaking view, or a new area of culinary practice or study.
    Financial need is not a criterion for this grant. LDEI-SF is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its membership and outreach. 

    Current Dames are not eligible to apply, nor are applicants who have received other Les Dames d’Escoffier awards, including scholarships, grants, and fellowships.     

    Application Process

    Applicants must complete an online application by October 23, 2026 and submit:

      • Completed application form
      • Responses to 11 questions, including a writing sample and three recipes

    After the application deadline:

      • Applications will be independently reviewed and scored by the Lisa Weiss Cookbook Grant Committee
      • Top applicants will be selected as finalists
      • Each finalist will have a brief Zoom-style interview
      • The committee will review finalist interviews and select a grant recipient

    Selection Criteria

    Applicants will be evaluated based on:

      • Progress in developing a cookbook concept
      • Distinctive voice and/or concept
      • How the cookbook demonstrates unique insight, a groundbreaking view, or a new area of culinary practice or study
      • Experience with food and recipe writing
      • Related culinary experience
      • Quality of writing and recipes

    Timeline

      • Applications Open: September 8, 2026
      • Application Deadline: October 23, 2026
      • Award Recipient Announced: by November 30, 2026

    Grant recipient will be recognized at a future LDEI-SF member event.

    Apply

    Applications open September 8. Please check back then!


    For questions, please contact Elaine Johnson, elaine.s.johnson@gmail.com.

    Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software