The Boundless Futures Foundation has officially surpassed $1.5 million in lifetime grants awarded to female founders and mission-driven nonprofits since its inception in 2023.
To mark the milestone, the organization announced its latest round of “EmpowHer” grants, distributing a total of $300,000 across six female-led startups. Each company will receive $50,000 to help scale business models that pair financial growth with meaningful social and environmental impact.
Founded by Soon and McKeel Hagerty, the Boundless Futures Foundation focuses on empowering early-stage female entrepreneurs tackling pressing global issues, ranging from poverty and hunger to sustainability and healthcare.
“We are continually inspired by the number and caliber of women who are building businesses around solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges,” said Soon Hagerty, co-founder and president of the Foundation. “Reaching $1.5 million in grants is an important milestone… but it is also a reminder of how much opportunity there is to invest in women who are creating businesses with the potential for lasting impact.”
The Newest EmpowHer Grant Recipients
The six startups selected for this funding cycle span diverse industries, including medical technology, environmental remediation, and sustainable construction:
- Accelidea (Boston, MA): Founded by Rose Huang, this MedTech startup uses artificial intelligence to streamline regulatory and engineering processes, helping life-saving medical devices reach patients faster.
- Enspired Solutions (Lansing, MI): Co-founded by Dr. Denise Kay, this company commercializes patented, EPA-recognized technology designed to destroy toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” at the molecular level.
- RIES (New York, NY): Created by beauty industry veteran Megan Graham, RIES produces patented, reusable airless pump travel bottles for prestige beauty products, reducing plastic waste. It is currently the only travel brand available on Sephora.com.
- Rif Care (Southern California): Co-founded by Valerie Emanuel and Rebecca Caputo, Rif Care develops clean, scientifically backed, and sustainable products focused on women’s wellness.
- ShopConsciously (San Jose, CA): Founded by Mpho Hansjee, this platform connects consumers and corporate buyers with handmade, upcycled goods crafted by women artisans in Africa, promoting economic empowerment and sustainability.
- Tikal Industries (Chicago, IL): Co-founded by CTO Tayyaba Ali, Tikal transforms industrial waste into low-carbon construction materials, operating out of modular micro-factories located near waste sources to reduce transportation emissions.
Beyond financial capital, the Boundless Futures Foundation provides its grantees with access to an “Advisory Circle” made up of seasoned female founders. This network offers mentorship, leadership development, and skills-building resources to help guide the entrepreneurs through their growth stages.
The next application window for EmpowHer grants will open on November 1, 2026. Entrepreneurs interested in applying can find more information at boundlessfutures.org.
