NAACP Partners with L’Oréal USA to Launch Third Edition of its Inclusive Beauty Fund

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 23, 2026

Contact: [email protected]

New York, NY - L'Oréal USA today, in partnership with the NAACP and Hispanic Federation, announced the launch of the third round of its Inclusive Beauty Fund, awarding 12 grants of $25,000 each to beauty businesses and entrepreneurs across the United States - including extension artists, braiders, aestheticians, barbers, salon owners, suite owners, students, and stylists. The grants will be administered in partnership with the NAACP's Economic Empowerment Fund and Hispanic Federation through Deed, a leading social impact platform. Open to all, the goal of the program is to support all members of the beauty industry with a focus on small business growth and increasing overall economic opportunity.

The beauty industry was among the sectors hardest hit by the economic fallout of the pandemic, and the Inclusive Beauty Fund was created in direct response to that reality. Since its launch in 2021, the program has supported 73 businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide, providing not only funding but access to mentorship and business development resources that extend well beyond a single grant. What began as a crisis response has since grown into a sustained commitment to growth and economic opportunity, helping recipients grow inventory, refine marketing strategies, open new retail locations, and build businesses with staying power.

For many beauty entrepreneurs, however, the barriers to growth have not disappeared. Access to capital remains one of the most significant challenges they face, particularly those who have long had limited access to traditional financing. Each new round of the Inclusive Beauty Fund is a chance to reach a new group of business owners at precisely that moment.

In this third round, L'Oréal USA is making a more deliberate investment in each new class of recipients, increasing the individual grant amount to $25,000 and giving businesses more capacity to invest in their teams, their products, and their communities. Beyond funding, recipients gain access to professional mentorship and business development support from top executives across L'Oréal's leading beauty brands and SalonCentric, its professional beauty products distributor.

"The beauty industry is full of talented entrepreneurs who simply need an opportunity to expand," said Liliahn Majeed, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, North America, L'Oréal Groupe. "With this third round, we are reaching a new group of business owners and making a more substantial investment in what they are building. Beauty thrives when the people driving it forward have genuine support behind them."

Applications for the 2026 Inclusive Beauty Fund will be administered by the NAACP and Hispanic Federation, respectively. The NAACP and Hispanic Federation will each award grants of $25,000, and applications open on March 23. To apply please use this link: https://app.helloalice.com/grants/naacp-x-l-oreal-inclusive-beauty-fund-2026. Grant recipients will be announced in June 2026.

For more information about the 2026 Inclusive Beauty fund, visit our website.

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About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund - also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.

About L'Oréal USA

L'Oréal USA is the largest subsidiary of the L'Oréal Groupe, the world's leading beauty company. Through its management of over 35 iconic beauty brands, L'Oréal USA has generated more than $11 billion in sales annually. Products are available across all distribution channels including hair salons, department stores, mass market, pharmacies, medi-spas, e-commerce and more. L'Oréal USA's commitment to growth is generated through sustainable innovation and driven by the company's L'Oréal for the Future ambition which demonstrates sustainable development across the Group's value chain. The company is headquartered in New York City, employs more than 12,000 people, and operates administrative, research, manufacturing and distribution facilities across 16 states.