Research Grant Program

The Good Food Institute (GFI) offers a Research Grant Program funded by donations from a small number of generous donors. This program supports open-access research in the field of alternative proteins, which includes plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cultivated meat industries. Since its inception in 2019, the program has awarded over 129 grants across 25 countries, totaling more than $24 million in research support. GFI's mission is to protect the environment, feed the world, and revitalize economies by fostering a healthy, sustainable, and just food system. The organization is a nonprofit entity that relies on philanthropic support to empower high-quality research that can inspire further innovation and opportunities in the alternative protein sector. The primary objectives of GFI's Research Grant Program are to address technical bottlenecks, catalyze further funding, and foster collaborations to attract new talent to the field. Annually, the program releases requests for proposals (RFPs) inviting open-access research aimed at enhancing organoleptic properties, reducing costs, and scaling up alternative proteins. The research funded by GFI spans various sectors, including academia, government, industry, and nonprofits, and focuses on advancing the science and technology of alternative proteins, including seafood like fish and shellfish. Eligibility for the grant program is broad, allowing submissions from any sector interested in contributing to the advancement of alternative protein science. The program specifically seeks innovative projects that can advance the field and address the identified priorities in each RFP. The program has a global reach, funding research in over 20 different countries across five continents, and continues to focus on supporting the best research worldwide. While specific submission requirements, application questions, and evaluation criteria are not detailed in the provided text, interested parties are encouraged to check back later in the year for updates on the research grant program and its funding opportunities. GFI also offers additional resources such as the GFIdeas community, which connects entrepreneurs, scientists, investors, and experts from over 45 countries. This community provides access to a Slack channel, a monthly newsletter, seminars, and a networking directory to facilitate collaborations. The Alt Protein Research Directory is another resource provided by GFI, offering a platform for researchers to connect, discover collaboration opportunities, and explore the global landscape of alternative protein science. Additionally, The Grazer, a bi-monthly roundup, provides updates on the latest research, funding opportunities, resources, and events in the field of alternative proteins. For further inquiries or to discuss potential contributions to GFI's transformative work, interested parties can contact the organization via email at philanthropy@gfi.org. The timeline, specific deadlines, and award dates for the grant program are not provided in the text, so prospective applicants should stay informed through GFI's updates and resources.