About the Open Call

The 2027 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise celebrate young immigrant professionals in the culinary arts. Six winners each receive $50,000 in unrestricted prize money and a public relations campaign to promote their work. Eligible applicants include chefs, beverage professionals, food artisans, writers, and multimedia specialists (film/TV, photography, digital content) who were born outside the United States. Applicants must be 38 years or younger as of December 31, 2026, and have at least five years of professional experience in the field.

What is Offered

Six individual unrestricted cash awards of $50,000, professional endorsement from leaders in the field, a comprehensive public relations campaign, and travel/accommodations for the spring 2027 awards ceremony in New York City.

Requirements

Born outside the U.S. to non-American parents; 38 years old or younger (born after Jan 1, 1988, with exceptions to Jan 1, 1986, for specific career interruptions); 5 years professional culinary experience; U.S. resident for 4+ years; specific immigration status (Citizen, Green Card, H-1B, O-1, H-4 with EAD, DACA, or Asylee/Asylum Seeker); not a full-time student.

How to Apply

Register for the Vilcek Foundation Prizes Portal and complete all application sections, including professional details, CV, three essay questions (culinary story, goals, and immigration story), a portfolio of up to five work samples via URL, press coverage, and contact information for two references.