Mars to accept submissions for grant

August 29, 2023

Mars recently announced that it is currently accepting submissions for its 2024 Forrest E. Mars Jr Chocolate History Grant through to 28 October, 2023. The grant provides funding for innovation in the areas of chocolate history research, cocoa science, scholarship and education.

First created in 2013, 51 grants have been awarded, totalling over US$50,000 to historical, educational, civic and community organisations since its inception.

Last year’s recipients featured a range of scholars, educators and historians with a wide range of projects including those from Montana State University, for research into how indigenous African peoples might have interacted with modern science to shape the sustainable cocoa value chain; Lewes Historical Society for construction of an 18th century replica of a coffee, tea chocolate exchange and demonstrati0n area; and others.

“For 11 years, the Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant has funded over 50 innovative research and educational programs and experiences,” said Kelly Lynch, Director: Brand & Experience, Mars Wrigley Premium Brands. “This diverse group of recipients have uncovered previously unknown stories and facts about chocolate’s rich history and educated thousands of people about its impact on our nation and the world around us. We are honoured to continue to fund these exciting and inspiring projects.”

The Forrest E. Mars Jr Chocolate History grant has a special emphasis on uncovering and sharing chocolate’s role in global history as well as its influence on heritage, culture and science. Grant funds will be awarded for projects that investigate and/or educate on the history of chocolate, the chocolate making process, cocoa science and the anticipated audience reach.

Grant winners will be announced at the annual meeting of the Heritage Chocolate Society, scheduled for 27-28 February 2024 in Washington, the US.

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