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Spring 2026 Grant and Scholarship Awardees

Date Posted: September 3, 2026

The Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust is proud to announce it awarded 18 grants and scholarships totaling $120,000 this Spring 2026 across its three funding programs, investing in Philadelphia small businesses, nonprofits, and students building toward economic self-sufficiency and community impact.

Spring 2026 Moving Mountains Grant Awardees

Stabilizing and strengthening Philadelphia-owned small businesses.

The Moving Mountains Grant provides $10,000 awards to Philadelphia-based small businesses generating under $250,000 in annual revenue and operating for at least three years, with priority given to businesses in North Philadelphia. The grant is designed to stabilize and strengthen day-to-day operations, prioritizing core needs that unlock capacity, reduce risk, and sustain or grow revenue. We awarded five grants totaling $50,000 this Spring 2026.

  • C2 Consulting Contract Readiness & Business Growth Readiness, owned by Chelsea Cox, a strategic planning, communications, and analytics consulting firm. Grant will modernize certifications, upgrade management support and digital footprint, and formalize bookkeeping. ($10,000)
  • DreamWorld Bakes, owned by Ashley Huston, a neighborhood bakery and cake studio. Grant will support accessible expansion in accordance with ADA regulations. ($10,000)
  • Plant and People Partnership, owned by Cherron Perry Thomas, a retail plant and wellness events business. Grant will support delivery capabilities, event activations, and digital marketing. ($10,000)
  • STEM Prep, owned by Renee Harris, offering STEM education programs for students with an afterschool and summer focus. Grant will fund instructional lab materials, program staffing, and digital marketing outreach. ($10,000)
  • Unicorn Beauty, owned by Sara Brown, a nail salon offering luxury beauty and personal services. Grant will renovate facilities and fund staff brand certifications and supply and inventory upgrades. ($10,000)

Spring 2026 Pathways to Impact Grant Awardees

Advancing equity, opportunity, and community empowerment.

The Pathways to Impact Grant supports Philadelphia-based nonprofit organizations advancing equity, opportunity, and community empowerment across education, youth mentorship, workforce readiness, and food access. We awarded five $10,000 grants totaling $50,000 this Spring 2026 to organizations reflecting that range of impact.

  • Diamond Beauty Academy, led by Danielle McLane, providing beauty industry education and mentorship that builds confidence, entrepreneurship, and career pathways for students. ($10,000)
  • Friends of FDR Park, led by Karen Harris, a volunteer organization building community programming and stewardship at South Philadelphia’s FDR Park. ($10,000)
  • The Keith Dawson Foundation, led by Keith Hilliard-Dawson, supporting families affected by leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers while promoting healthier lifestyles in the community. ($10,000)
  • SheCANic Foundation, led by Vanya Robinson, educating and empowering women in Philadelphia through free car care workshops, scholarships, and hands-on automotive training. ($10,000)
  • Shoot Basketballs Not People, led by Garry Mills, using basketball to provide Philadelphia youth with mentorship, academic enrichment, and mental health support. ($10,000)

Spring 2026 Step Up Scholarship Awardees

Investing in Philadelphia students pursuing postsecondary education.

The Step Up Scholarship provides $2,500 awards to Philadelphia residents who are recent high school graduates or currently enrolled in postsecondary education, with a minimum 2.75 GPA. Rooted in the Trust’s values of self-help and social responsibility, the scholarship invests in students who demonstrate perseverance, initiative, and a strong commitment to personal growth and community impact. We awarded eight scholarships totaling $20,000 this Spring 2026.

  • Adijared Huerta, University of Pennsylvania
  • Amir Staten, Morehouse College
  • Anaya Walker, Howard University
  • Dean Harvey, Morehouse College
  • Marcel Allen, Drexel University
  • Mariafernanda Herrera, Villanova University
  • Sabrina Guo, University of Pennsylvania
  • Shakya Geiger, Community College of Philadelphia (Compass Program)