Boundless Futures Foundation has surpassed $1.5 million in lifetime grants to female founders since its 2023 launch, with the latest round awarding $300,000 to six women-led businesses addressing healthcare, environmental, and economic challenges. Each of the newest grantees receives $50,000 to accelerate companies that combine growth with measurable social or environmental impact.
The six businesses range across medical device innovation, environmental remediation, sustainable packaging, women’s wellness, economic empowerment for artisans, and lower-carbon construction materials. Together they illustrate how female entrepreneurs are building ventures around solutions to pressing societal problems rather than pursuing profit alone.
Healthcare and Environmental Innovation Leading the Round
Accelidea, founded by cancer survivor Rose Huang in Boston, uses artificial intelligence to streamline regulatory and engineering work for medical device makers. Huang spent 15 years bringing more than 20 medical devices to market at startups and Fortune 500 companies. Her company targets a critical bottleneck: patients waiting years for technology that could extend their lives.
Enspired Solutions addresses one of the most persistent environmental contaminants through chemistry that destroys PFAS at the molecular level. Co-founder Denise Kay, PhD, brings more than 20 years in environmental toxicology and risk assessment. The company’s patented technology has earned recognition from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
RIES, founded by Megan Graham in New York, offers a patented reusable airless pump bottle designed for prestige beauty products. Graham drew on her background in beauty marketing at Vogue and Allure to identify a gap: sustainable travel solutions for consumers who want to bring their routines on the go. RIES launched in 2022 and is the first and only travel brand available on Sephora.com.
Wellness, Artisan Networks, and Construction Materials
Rif Care, co-founded by Valerie Emanuel and Rebecca Caputo in Southern California, creates cleaner products for women’s wellness. Emanuel brings expertise in sustainability and ethical brand building, while Caputo contributes knowledge from cancer diagnostics and sustainable research. The pair combines consumer brand experience with scientific credibility to develop thoughtful solutions.
ShopConsciously, founded by Mpho Hansjee in San Jose, connects consumers and corporate buyers with handmade and upcycled products from women artisans across Africa. Hansjee first established the nonprofit Women Enabled Enterprises in 2020 to provide women entrepreneurs with business education and mentorship. She recognized that access to customers remained a critical barrier and launched ShopConsciously in 2021 as a market access platform. The company has since expanded into physical retail, wholesale, and corporate gifting.
Tikal Industries, co-founded by Tayyaba Ali in Chicago, transforms industrial waste into lower-carbon construction materials, including cement replacements. The company’s materials meet ASTM performance standards while reducing emissions from manufacturing and transportation. Tikal operates modular micro factories positioned near waste sources and their end markets.
Beyond Capital: Advisory Support and Mentor Networks
Boundless Futures Foundation provides more than financial support to its grantees. Each EmpowHer recipient gains access to an Advisory Circle of seasoned female founders offering optional resources including leadership development, skills building, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
The foundation, started by Soon and McKeel Hagerty, has supported more than 50 female founders through EmpowHer grants and mission-aligned nonprofits through its Her Village grant program. The $1.5 million milestone reflects a commitment to providing both capital and connections to women building businesses designed to create positive change.
The next round of EmpowHer grants opens for application November 1, 2026. The foundation receives hundreds of applications during each grant cycle from female founders across the United States. EmpowHer grants support early-stage, female-founded businesses addressing social issues related to poverty, hunger, humanitarian aid, sustainability, and the environment.
Frequently asked questions
What types of businesses does Boundless Futures Foundation fund?
Boundless Futures Foundation funds early-stage female-founded businesses up to five years old that solve social issues related to poverty, hunger, humanitarian aid, sustainability, and environmental protection.
How much do female founders receive from EmpowHer grants?
Each EmpowHer grant recipient receives $50,000 to help advance their business alongside access to an Advisory Circle of seasoned female founders.
When is the next application deadline for Boundless Futures grants?
The next round of EmpowHer grants opens for application on November 1, 2026, according to the foundation.
What support do grantees receive beyond funding?
EmpowHer recipients gain access to an Advisory Circle offering optional resources including leadership development, skills building assistance, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
