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Mars Announces Call for 2026 Chocolate History Grant Submissions

Mars, in partnership with AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate, has officially opened submissions for the prestigious 2026 Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant. This initiative is aimed at providing critical funding for innovative projects focusing on chocolate history and cocoa science. The submission window remains open until October 26, 2025, offering organizations, individuals, and educational institutions an opportunity to secure financial support for their research and educational programs related to chocolate.

A Legacy of Support for Chocolate History

Established in 2013, this grant program has made significant contributions to chocolate research, with over $600,000 awarded to various institutions across the United States. Last year alone, five organizations received grants totaling $58,900, reflecting a commitment to advancing the understanding of chocolate's historical context. The recipients included:

• - Historic Philadelphia/Betsy Ross House (Philadelphia, PA)
• - University of Florida (Gainesville, FL)
• - Tampa Bay Times Newspaper in Education (Tampa Bay, FL)
• - Conner Prairie Museum (Fishers, IN)
• - The Lovett School (Atlanta, GA), which received the inaugural Classroom Resource Grant.

This funding is specifically designed to foster scholarly innovation in the realm of chocolate history research and education. Projects that delve into the chocolate-making process or explore the significance of chocolate in cultural contexts are particularly encouraged to apply. Notably, K-12 educators are invited to submit applications for a special classroom resource grant aimed at enriching students' understanding of chocolate.

Encouraging Educational Initiatives

According to Kelly Lynch, Marketing Director for Mars Wrigley Premium Brands, the annual influx of grant applications showcases the vibrant interest in chocolate-related research. "Every year we are impressed by the depth and breadth of grant applications and the projects proposed," said Lynch. "Mars and AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate are honored to support these inspiring initiatives, revealing exciting and educational chocolate-based research to share with the world."

The selection of grant recipients will be based on a rigorous merit evaluation conducted by a panel of experts in the field. The educational impact of each proposal will be a pivotal factor, alongside considerations for equity, inclusion, and diversity within the projects.

Application Process and Announcement of Winners

Interested parties can submit their grant proposals through the AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate website. The winners will be announced during the annual meeting of the Heritage Chocolate Society, scheduled for February 18-19, 2026, in Washington, DC. This Society, founded in 2003 by Forrest E. Mars, Jr., serves as a platform for discussions surrounding the diverse history of chocolate and its societal impact.

About AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate

AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate, launched in 2006, is the only chocolate brand wholly dedicated to educating consumers about chocolate's rich historical narrative through products inspired by traditional 18th-century recipes. Their offerings include Tasting Squares, Tablet Bars, Grated Chocolate for baking and drinking, and Gourmet Hot Cocoa, all Rainforest Alliance Certified™ and free from preservatives. Products can be found in fine gift shops across historic sites in the USA as well as online.

About Mars, Incorporated

Mars, Incorporated is a family-owned global leader in snack foods and pet care, driven by the vision that a better tomorrow begins with responsible business practices today. The company boasts a diverse portfolio that includes beloved brands like SNICKERS®, DOVE®, and PEDIGREE®. Each day, their 150,000 associates strive to create a positive impact on people, pets, and the planet, guided by the Mars Five Principles which promote quality and responsibility in all operations.

For more details about the Chocolate History Grant and application guidelines, visit AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate.