World's 50 Best Raises over $1.23 Million: Here's How You Can Apply for a Grant

The World's 50 Best Restaurants has raised more than US $1.23 million to date through its Recovery Fund ‘Bid for Recovery’ auction, with the support of founding donor S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna.

With 165 exciting lots donated by chefs, bars and brands, the auction proved a major international success, attracting bids from across the world.

A day with chef Mauro Colagreco, chef-owner of the World’s Best Restaurant, Mirazur, went for $19k, while a wine safari across southern France guided by Saison’s Mark Bright fetched US $17.6k. Meanwhile, a foraging and cooking experience with Tokyo chef Zaiyu Hasegawa made $12.2k, and a luxury stay in Massimo Bottura’s Italian villa hotel, courtesy of S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, raised $12.6k.

The Recovery Fund, remains open, with donations continuing to come in, including those generated by sales of the Home Comforts e-cookbook, featuring simple lockdown recipes from the world’s best chefs and bartenders, which is available for $10 (£8) on www.50BestforRecovery.com 

50 Best Recovery Fund

The proceeds of the 50 Best Recovery Fund will be divided between individual restaurants and bars and a series of non-profit organisations identified by the 50 Best organisation. Of the total amount raised, at least 50% will go directly to restaurants and bars.

Direct Grant Applications for Restaurants

Individual bars and restaurants from all countries can apply for grants of up to $5,000. Here's how:

All types of restaurants and bars in all countries are eligible to apply for a grants and must meet all of the following criteria:
- Must have been trading since 1 January 2019 or before (restaurants or bars open for
less than 18 months, including the coronavirus closure period, are not eligible)
- Must have still been trading immediately prior to the coronavirus lockdown in 2020
- Must have an active website or social media account eg Instagram or Facebook
showing posts dating back to at least 1 January 2019 as evidence of trading
- Must have 80 workers or fewer (restaurants); or 40 workers or fewer (bars)
- Must be an independent business and not part of a multi-site chain

How to Apply

Applications for direct grants open on Monday 27 July 2020 at 14:00 UK time and close on Wednesday 29 July 2020 at 14:00 UK time.

To apply for a grant for your restaurant or bar:
Please visit The World's 50 Best website and submit your application form between Monday 27 July 2020
at 14:00 UK time and Wednesday 29 July 2020 at 14:00 UK time.