John Besh - John Besh Foundation

John Besh Foundation

Mission

The John Besh Foundation was established in 2011, providing scholarships, grants and loans to individuals in the New Orleans community with the passion, creativity and knowledge to enact change in New Orleans and Louisiana. The foundation was created in order to better serve his community by bringing a focus to his efforts in New Orleans. Through partnerships and donations, the Foundation promotes the preservation of the culinary history and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana through the cultivation of new talent and the support of local endeavors. It proposes to foster using the cross-cultural force of great food. Like food, which can represent sustenance and exuberance, relationship and new beginnings, the John Besh Foundation will build up communities and encourage new growth. It will celebrate New Orleans' past by building a lasting community - a culinary world - that can revel in what exists while sustainably cultivating further progress, talent, and opportunity.

Chefs Move! Scholarship

John Besh co-founded, Chefs Move! with Jessica Bride. It began with the belief that New Orleans has a vibrant food culture and industry and is the perfect place to offer opportunities to diversify kitchen leadership. Chefs Move! is a yearlong fully paid scholarship for a minority recipient from the New Orleans area to attend culinary school at The French Culinary Institute in New York City and to return to New Orleans after graduation. Chefs Move! has an advisory committee made up of local community activists and business leaders and is hosted by the John Besh Foundation. In its second year, the Chefs Move! Scholarship will be awarded to two recipients in the culinary arts and pastry arts categories.

Micro Loan Program

In 2011, John Besh set up a micro loan program to aid New Orleans farmers in rebuilding their businesses. Giving out low-interest loans ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 he continues to support and promote sustainable local farming and dining. The loans are available to farmers within a 200-mile radius of New Orleans—including portions of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Applications are reviewed by the Hope Credit Union, which evaluates them and sets up a repayment plan. The term of the loans can vary. As a guarantee for the loan, the foundation puts cash into a protected account tied to the specific loan. The program also matches those getting loans with students in the Tulane University MBA program to help them with business plans.