$21M+In open-access research support
118Grants awarded since 2019
21Countries where GFI has funded research

Catalytic research, powered by donors

Protecting our environment, feeding the world, and revitalizing economies require a healthy, sustainable, and just food system. A strong open-access research environment and talent pipeline are essential to fostering good food innovation.

As a nonprofit, GFI is uniquely positioned to empower high-quality research that will build the scientific foundation of the alternative protein industries. Our philanthropy-driven research program answers fundamental questions that can spin off entire industries, inspiring additional research and creating new opportunities to feed the world. 

All of GFI’s work is made possible thanks to generous donors. Philanthropic support is vital to our mission. To discuss how you can be part of this transformative work with your gift or grant, please contact philanthropy@gfi.org.

Illustrated graphic with scientists reading 2024 research grants program, rfp now live

GFI’s Research Grant Program: RFP now live

  • Total funding available: $3.4MM
  • Project duration: Up to 24 months
  • Funding amount per project: Up to 250,000 USD with up to 50,000 USD additional funding for projects partnering with researchers and/or industry stakeholders not previously engaged in alternative protein research.
  • Informational webinar: April 2nd, 2024 at 11am ET (8am PT) RSVP
  • Submission deadline: May 23rd, 2024 at 4pm ET (1pm PT)
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Priority A: Upcycled plant proteins

Improve the functionality of known food industry sidestreams using emerging processing methods/technology with a calculated sidestream volume, limited economic assessment, and end-product demonstration.

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Priority B: Next-gen fermentation downstream processing

Sustainable and low-cost approaches for downstream food protein isolation from precision fermentation biomanufacturing.

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Priority C: Optimization of hydrolysate production to enable lower-cost media

Improve the processing methods of various raw materials into hydrolysates and extracts and characterize their composition.

For more information, including challenges, solutions, and related GFI resources for each of these topic areas, refer to our RFP. 

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Research Grant Program projects

Explore the Research Grant Program awarded project portfolio to meet the scientists and researchers breaking boundaries in alt protein research.

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Resource

Research funding database

GFI’s research funding database provides curated grant opportunities for open-access alternative protein research.

Additional resources

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Research grants tracker

Explore data on funded alternative protein research grants from around the world to discover insights using our dashboard or our database.

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Solutions Database

Explore startup ideas, commercial opportunities, research projects, and investment priorities throughout the alternative protein supply chain.

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Alternative Protein Researcher Directory

Explore the global landscape of researchers working to advance the science of plant-based meat, cultivated meat, and fermentation.

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GFIdeas Community

Learn from and network with experts in alternative protein. GFIdeas is a community for entrepreneurs, scientists, students, and subject matter experts.