Around the Fund

A recap of activities and recent events

Ford Fund Awards $50,000 to Female Social Entrepreneurs Competing in HERImpact DC Pitch Competition

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 16, 2019 – Ford Motor Company Fund and 1863 Ventures awarded $50,000 to the top three female social entrepreneurs in the first HERImpact DC Pitch Competition. The competition culminated months of hard work as 14 finalists – selected from more than 370 applicants – met with program coaches to develop business plans and pitches. Finalists pitched their ideas for business or startups that address a community need in one of the following categories: mobility, women’s issues, veterans or homelessness.

  • First place, awarded $25,000: Danya Sherman of KnoNap
  • Second place, awarded $20,000: Arion Long of Femly
  • Third place, awarded $5,000: Fonta Gilliam of Invest Sou Sou