Mars opens submissions for the 2025 Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant
A New Grant Supporting Teachers in Classrooms is Unveiled
Mars announced Monday that it is currently accepting submissions for its 2025 Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant through Oct. 26.
The grant provides funding for innovation in the areas of chocolate history research, cocoa science, scholarship and education.
For the first time this year, a teacher grant category has been added to aid educators in their classrooms. Kindergarten through 12th Grade teachers are encouraged to apply for a classroom resource grant that also includes Chocolate History education materials and a presentation from the Mars Chocolate Historian, David Borghesani.
“Mars and AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate have funded chocolate history research and experiences for the past 13 years through this one-of-a-kind grant program. We are thrilled to open the grant opportunity to teachers across the country to bring chocolate’s fascinating story, and its educational possibilities, into their classrooms,” said Kelly Lynch, Director, Brand Marketing and Media, MARS WRIGLEY Premium Brands. “Education is one of our core missions and opening this grant opportunity to teachers, along with researchers, chefs, authors, museums and historic sites, allows us to reach even more people with our delicious shared history.”
Created in 2013, the Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant has awarded over 55 grants totaling over $550,000 to historical, educational, civic and community organizations since its inception. Grant funded programs and exhibits have been experienced by tens of 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:
- The Fort Ticonderoga Association
- Conner Prairie Museum
- Montana State University
- University of Florida Board of Trustees
- New-York Historical Society
- Virginia Museum of History and Culture
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.
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. Teachers of K-12 students are also encouraged to apply for a classroom resource grant.
Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant winners will be announced at the annual meeting of the Heritage Chocolate Society scheduled for February 19-20, 2025 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.