Advancing Alternative Proteins Planning Grants RFA is sponsored by The Good Food Institute (GFI) with Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR). This funding opportunity supports preparatory work for high-impact, competitive proposals for alternative protein research and research infrastructure, with a focus on improving the flavor of plant-based and fermentation-derived proteins for center-of-plate foods.

Alternative protein research grants 2026 | The Good Food Institute $27M+ In open-access research support 141 Grants awarded since 2019 26 Countries 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 . GFI’s Research Grant Program Our program is dedicated to achieving three primary objectives: addressing technical bottlenecks, catalyzing further funding, and fostering collaborations to attract new talent to the field.

To meet these goals, we annually release requests for proposals (RFPs) inviting open-access research focused on enhancing organoleptic properties, reducing costs, and scaling up alternative proteins. In general, we are seeking to fund innovative projects that will specifically advance the science and technology of the plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cultivated meat industries. “Meat” includes seafood such as fish and shellfish.

Each RFP identifies priorities for research and can be submitted from any sector (academia, government, industry, nonprofits, etc.). To date, we have funded research in over twenty different countries across five continents, and we will continue to focus on providing funding for the best research from around the world.

Advancing Alternative Proteins Planning Grants RFA We are excited to announce a new funding opportunity to support preparatory work for high-impact, competitive proposals for alternative protein research and research infrastructure.

Total funding available: Up to $250,000 Project duration: Up to 1 year Funding amount per project: Up to $25,000 Eligibility restrictions: This RFA is open to U.S. and Canada-based researchers at qualifying institutions. Only nonprofit entities or public/governmental institutions may receive grant funds Submission deadline: July 20, 2026, at 12 p. m.

EDT (UTC-4) Infrastructure track : Will support necessary planning activities for the development of highly competitive proposals for non-GFI-sponsored research infrastructure programs to advance alternative protein science, technology, or R&D Research track: Supports necessary planning activities for the development of highly competitive proposals for non-GFI-sponsored direct research grant funding programs, as well as center-level programs, to advance alternative protein science, technology, or R&D.

From Planning to Competitive Proposal: Advancing Alternative Proteins Planning Grants Information Session Join us to gain a clear understanding of the program and how to position your work for larger-scale funding.

FFAR/GFI grant partnership GFI is proud to partner with Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) on their new Protein Innovation Program, which reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the sustainability of food and agriculture supply chains, and creating a safer, more resilient global food system.

We’re excited to announce a new grant opportunity open to researchers worldwide that will support innovative, pre-competitive research aimed at improving the flavor of plant-based and fermentation-derived proteins intended for center-of-plate foods. Interested in learning more?

While the application period for this grant opportunity has ended, you can still read the report that shaped this Request for Applications and explore full program details on FFAR’s open opportunities page. Watch the webinar recording Research funding database GFI’s research funding database provides curated grant opportunities for open-access alternative protein research.

Research Grant Program projects Explore the Research Grant Program awarded project portfolio to meet the scientists and researchers breaking boundaries in alt protein research. Become a part of the online ecosystem for alt protein pioneers! Connect with 2,000+ entrepreneurs, scientists, investors, and subject matter experts from 45+ countries.

Gain access to our Slack community, monthly newsletter, seminar offerings, and a networking directory where collaborations thrive. Alt Protein Research Directory Join this vibrant research community and explore the global landscape of researchers working to advance the science of plant-based meat, cultivated meat, and fermentation.

Use the researcher directory to connect with like-minded peers, discover researchers seeking to apply their expertise, and explore new avenues of collaboration with students, laboratories, and companies. Explore data on funded alternative protein research grants from around the world to discover insights using our dashboard or our database.

Explore startup ideas, commercial opportunities, research projects, and investment priorities throughout the alternative protein supply chain. Alternative Protein Researcher Directory Explore the global landscape of researchers working to advance the science of plant-based meat, cultivated meat, and fermentation. The alternative protein ecosystem Discover global hubs of alternative protein innovation with our interactive map.

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