About GFI
The Good Food Institute is a nonprofit think tank working to make the global food system better for the planet, people, and animals. As an international network of organizations, we advance alternative proteins to help meet climate, global health, food security, and biodiversity goals.
How can we feed 10 billion people and improve the global food system for the planet, people, and animals?
Our theory of change
We work around the world to make alternative proteins—plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cultivated from animal cells—as delicious and affordable as conventional meat. As an international network of organizations powered by philanthropy, we are uniquely positioned to accelerate alternative proteins by catalyzing and growing the field.
By reimagining how meat is made, we can produce food that people love and usher in a future that benefits our planet and its inhabitants.
Together, we are creating a world where alternative proteins are no longer alternative.
What we do
We advance alternative protein innovation to make the global food system better for the planet, people, and animals. We are not a trade association or member-based organization—we accelerate the alternative protein field by tackling gaps that others in the ecosystem are not positioned to address. We focus on three programmatic priorities:
Cultivating a strong scientific ecosystem
Science
Our science and technology teams map out the most neglected areas that will allow alternative proteins to compete on taste and price. We fund open-access research, build strong scientific and training ecosystems, and publish technical analyses and other resources to ensure the sector is equipped to overcome its most critical challenges.
Emboldening public support for alternative proteins
Policy
Our policy teams work with governments worldwide to leverage alternative proteins as solutions to the challenges they face. We advocate for public investment in alternative proteins, fairness in the regulatory sphere, and freedom to use language consumers understand on product labels.
Encouraging the private sector to prioritize alternative proteins
Industry
Our corporate engagement teams produce open-access data and industry insights, highlighting opportunities for innovation and investment in their engagements across the private sector. We identify and prioritize barriers to growth, share opportunities in alternative proteins, and offer the best sources of market and consumer research.
How we’re funded
We are a nonprofit supported by a global community of donors from more than 60 countries who are committed to advancing alternative proteins. We are listed as a top-recommended charity by evaluators such as Founders Pledge, Giving Green, and Charity Navigator and have earned Candid’s Platinum Seal of Transparency, reflecting our commitment to maximum impact, efficiency, and inclusion.
GFI only accepts gifts from companies in the alternative protein sector for open-access research or as sponsors for events and conferences. We do not accept gifts that may compromise our independence or integrity, or that may create a real or perceived conflict of interest.
For more information about GFI’s finances, please visit our 990s page. To learn more about how we’re funded, please contact us at philanthropy@gfi.org.
GFI around the world
GFI is a global network of six organizations focused on one vision: creating a world where alternative proteins are no longer alternative. We operate in regions of the world with the greatest potential to advance the alternative protein ecosystem.
Meet our team
GFI’s global team of experts works with partners around the world to build a better food system. Our advisory councils include corporate leaders and top academic researchers. Our diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and passions are among our core strengths.
Our signature reports
Explore our reports to learn how we’re creating a brighter food future around the world.
Year in Review
Discover how we’re creating a world where alternative proteins are no longer alternative. Dig into our latest and past annual reports.
State of the Industry Reports
Explore our comprehensive State of the Industry Reports, which provide insights into the rapidly evolving alternative protein landscape.
The State of Global Policy on Alternative Proteins
Our annual State of Global Policy Report tracks public investment in alternative proteins and showcases the actions governments took to position themselves as leaders in the field.
Building the good food future
Mission
We are developing the roadmap for a sustainable, secure, and just protein supply. We identify the most effective solutions, mobilize resources and talent, and empower partners across the food system to make alternative proteins accessible, affordable, and delicious.
Vision
A world where alternative proteins are no longer alternative.
Values
Believe change is possible. Do the most good we can. Share knowledge freely. Act on evidence. Invite everyone to the table.
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“The Good Food Institute is the most important organization pushing this work. It’s second-to-none in the influence of its public policy efforts, its centrality to the ecosystem of companies and researchers, and its international footprint. It has also been effective at convincing traditional meat companies to explore alternative proteins, which could lead both to important products and turn political enemies into allies.”
– Ezra Klein, Journalist, The New York Times
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“GFI has really put cultivated meat on the map for us. We’re grateful to have GFI’s team of scientists analyzing the areas of need in this burgeoning industry and driving conversations about how existing players can become partners in progress.”
— Lavanya Anandan, Merck KGaA
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“GFI motivates our work by showing how other groups are tackling similar challenges and creating progress toward a better future of food. I know it’s worth it to engage in this work year in and year out if we can get new students involved to solve urgent problems in the space.”
— Melanie Mendel, The Utrecht Alt Protein Project
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“GFI is at the center of a new movement to change the way the world eats. The organization is making a positive impact on government policies, corporate research focus, and the world of food science. I am proud to be part of the GFI community.”
— Max Bazerman, Harvard Business School
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“GFI’s support was the catalyst that allowed us to go from an idea to proof of concept. The grant funding, mentorship, and networking support from GFI has been invaluable and enabled us to achieve the crucial first steps in bringing a brand new alternative protein source to market.”
— Beth Zotter, Umaro
