Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant

The Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant is administered by Mars through its Heritage Chocolate Society, with the goal of preserving and sharing the cultural significance of chocolate. Established in 2013, the program has supported over 55 projects through historical, educational, civic, and community organizations. It reflects Mars’s longstanding dedication to chocolate innovation, cocoa science, and heritage education, grounded in more than a century of chocolate-making experience. The grant program aligns with Mars’s broader mission of using chocolate history to inspire creativity, education, and cross-cultural connection. The grant provides funding for projects that explore the history of chocolate, highlight its cultural significance, and expand knowledge of chocolate’s role in global heritage. Proposals may include immersive experiences, research projects, publications, and educational resources. A strong emphasis is placed on uncovering chocolate’s origins, tracing its cultural journey, and making this history accessible to wide audiences, including K–12 students in the United States through classroom-focused resources. Attention to equity, inclusion, and diversity will be prioritized in the evaluation process. Grant funds may be used to support projects that investigate chocolate innovation, cocoa science, or the chocolate-making process. Applicants must demonstrate how their project will reach a meaningful audience and contribute to a greater understanding of chocolate’s place in history. While the grant does not specify restrictions on allowable costs, recipients are required to present their results at the following Heritage Chocolate Society meeting, either in person or digitally. Any publications resulting from funded projects must be reviewed by Mars before release, and use of Mars’s trademarks or imagery requires written approval. Eligibility extends to nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, individuals, and educators in K–12 U.S. public schools. Applicants must be able to attend the Heritage Chocolate Society annual meeting in Washington, D.C., either in person or virtually, to receive their award. Previous recipients have included universities, historical societies, museums, community groups, and schools across the United States and Canada. This diversity of grantees underscores the program’s commitment to broadening the understanding and dissemination of chocolate’s history. The 2026 application cycle is currently open, with submissions accepted through October 26, 2025. Winners will be announced at the Heritage Chocolate Society Annual Meeting, scheduled for February 18–19, 2026, in Washington, D.C. At that time, at least $50,000 in grant funds will be awarded across multiple projects. Feedback on proposals will be provided once the selection process is complete. Winners will later submit a four-to-five-minute video of their project outcomes to be shared at the subsequent Heritage Chocolate Society meeting. Applications must be submitted through the grant portal during the open window. Early application is encouraged, and the process is competitive, with awards determined by a panel of experts in history, food studies, and cultural preservation. Proposals will be judged on merit, educational impact, and alignment with the program’s goals of promoting inclusivity, access, and historical storytelling. Direct inquiries may be directed to David Borghesani, Mars Chocolate Historian, at david.borghesani@effem.com. This structure ensures transparency, accountability, and continuity in preserving chocolate history for future generations.

Proposals should demonstrate clear educational impact, broad audience reach, and strong attention to equity, diversity, and inclusion.