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

Created in 2013, the Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant has awarded 51 grants totaling over $500,000 to historical, educational, civic and community organizations since its inception. Grant funded programs and exhibits have been experienced by thousands of people across North America. Last year's recipients were a diverse group of scholars, educators and historians with a wide range of projects including:

• Montana State University (Bozeman, MT) for research into how Indigenous African peoples might have interacted with modern science to shape the evolution of the sustainable cocoa value chain.
• Westport Museum for History and Culture (Westport, CT) for a three part program that educates visitors about the colonial history of chocolate in New England. The organization was also awarded a second grant for a series of research trips from Virginia to New Hampshire to uncover information about enslaved or Free Black Chocolate Makers in Early America for a book entitled, Cooking Up Freedom.
• Office of Historic Alexandria (Alexandria, VA) for expansion of their Junior Docent program (originally funded from a Forrest E. Mars Chocolate History Grant in 2022) by including a historic chocolate demonstration component.
• Lewes Historical Society (Lewes, DE) for construction of an 18th century replica coffee, tea, chocolate exchange and demonstration area based on a historic, 18th century venue to be used for historical tours and social events.
• Tampa Bay Times Newspaper for Education (Tampa Bay, FL) for creation and distribution of an original, standards-aligned, elementary-level curriculum supplement to 75,000 students in 5 school districts focused on the history, cultural significance and economic impact of chocolate, with a particular focus on the state of Florida.
• French Colonial America (Ste. Genevieve, MO) for creation of an after-school and weekend program for elementary students about the history of chocolate and the cacao tree, the history of chocolate in Ste. Genevieve area, the evolution of chocolate flavors and a final musical performance.

"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 honored to continue to fund these exciting and inspiring projects."

Through its rich history and global impact, it is chocolate's ability to inspire new research, uncover untold stories, and connect past and present that inspires the grant. Submissions can be made on the AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate website by clicking here. AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate is a line of artisanal chocolate products developed from ingredients that date as far back as 1750. Developed by Mars, AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate helps illuminate the stories of our collective history. From chocolate's deep roots in Mesoamerican culture dating back 3000 years, to its essential role as a food and medicinal source for European and Colonial Families, chocolate continues to be woven through global culture and pop culture even today.

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 project(s) that investigate and/or educate on the history of chocolate and/or the chocolate making process, cocoa science as well as the anticipated audience reach. The scholarship process is competitive, and the awards will be made based on merit as judged by a panel of experts. Educational impact will be at the forefront of this decision process as will attention to equity, inclusion, and diversity in the proposal.

Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant winners will be announced at the annual meeting of the Heritage Chocolate Society scheduled for February 27–28, 2024 in Washington, DC. The Heritage Chocolate Society is a group of history leaders and professionals formed in 2003 with the mission to uncover the collective history of chocolate, and share the stories of its cultural and socioeconomic impact to educate the global community. 

Mars Wrigley is on the current Candy Industry “Global Top 100 Candy Companies” list. Click here to view the current “Global Top 100” rankings.