Small Grants Program for Micronutrient Data and Interventions that Support Vulnerable Populations

Small Grants Program for Micronutrient Data and Interventions that Support Vulnerable Populations is sponsored by Micronutrient Data Innovation Alliance (DInA) / Micronutrient Forum. Supports innovative projects and country-led efforts to strengthen the large-scale food fortification (LSFF) data ecosystem and address critical gaps in micronutrient data and interventions that support vulnerable populations.

## **Small Grants Program for Micronutrient Data and Interventions that Support Vulnerable Populations** The Micronutrient Data Innovation Alliance (DInA) launched its Small Grants Program in 2023 to support its alliance members in advancing micronutrient data and interventions.

This annual program provides small grants of up to $15,000 USD to eligible organizations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) for capacity-building activities and advocacy efforts over a one-year period. Each year, the Small Grants Program focuses on a specific theme to address critical gaps in micronutrient data.

The program offers an opportunity for prospective grantees to apply for funding for initiatives that correspond with a range of activities outlined in the call for proposals.

These activities include: * Hosting stakeholder meetings or building coalitions to advocate for micronutrient data collection * Designing micronutrient surveys or interventions * Disseminating micronutrient survey results * Expanding the capacity of a laboratory for micronutrient biomarkers * Increasing capacity for survey design or statistical analysis * Promoting science communication for micronutrient data * Performing additional analysis of micronutrient data.

To learn more about the program, please contact us at DInA@micronutrientforum. org ## 2024 Small Grants Program Highlights DInA supported locally-led efforts to strengthen micronutrient data systems in five countries.

Projects ranged from assessing blood folate thresholds to inform neural tube defect risk prediction, to examining micronutrient content in human milk, mapping micronutrient gaps in women’s diets, evaluating a fortified wheat flour program, and developing a proposal for a national micronutrient survey. Each grant helped fill critical context-specific evidence gaps and inform more targeted, data-driven decision-making.

## 2024 Small Grants Program Highlights DInA supported locally-led efforts to strengthen micronutrient data systems in five countries. Projects ranged from assessing blood folate thresholds to inform neural tube defect risk prediction, to examining micronutrient content in human milk, mapping micronutrient gaps in women’s diets, evaluating a fortified wheat flour program, and developing a proposal for a national micronutrient survey.

Each grant helped fill critical context-specific evidence gaps and inform more targeted, data-driven decision-making. #### **Meet the 2025 Small Grants Program Grantees! ** Thank you to all who submitted applications for the 2025 Small Grants Program.

We appreciate the strong interest and the many high-quality proposals received. ### **2025 Program Theme** The 2025 Small Grants program invited proposals that supports innovative projects and country-led efforts to strengthen the large-scale food fortification (LSFF) data ecosystem. While LSFF is a proven, cost-effective nutrition intervention, significant data gaps hinder its full potential.

Five grantees were selected for their pioneering approaches to closing data gaps, strengthening policies, and advancing nutrition interventions in Africa. ###### Project Description The study will produce a set of actionable outputs to strengthen Ethiopia’s LSFF ecosystem and guide policymakers and stakeholders.

These include a comprehensive assessment report detailing fortified food consumption patterns, coverage gaps, and accessibility issues; an evaluation of industry compliance with national fortification standards, with recommendations to improve enforcement; and an impact analysis of LSFF programs to assess progress in reducing micronutrient deficiencies.

The study will also provide recommendations to enhance multi-sectoral collaboration across government, academia, NGOs, and the private sector, as well as evidence-based policy guidance to improve program sustainability, effectiveness, and alignment with Ethiopia’s nutrition and public health goals.

**The role of policies on food fortification in food processing and value addition: a comparative study between Malawi and Mozambique** ###### Project Description Project Description: This comparative study investigates how national LSFF policies shape food processing and value addition in Malawi and Mozambique.

By combining policy reviews, field data collection with food processors, and cross-country analysis, the project will generate actionable insights for improving compliance and aligning regulatory frameworks with on-the-ground realities. Outputs will include case studies of processors, a comparative policy analysis, policy briefs, and a regional dissemination workshop to encourage cross-border learning.

**Strengthening LSFF data quality: a comprehensive landscape analysis of LSFF data in Ghana** ###### Project Description Ghana Health Service (GHS) will lead a comprehensive landscape analysis to strengthen the quality and use of LSFF data in Ghana.

The project will begin with a desk review and mapping of existing data systems, stakeholders, and data flows, followed by key informant interviews to document gaps in data collection, management, and utilization. Based on these findings, GHS will develop a roadmap with clear strategies to improve LSFF data systems, which will be validated during stakeholder workshops.

These workshops will also establish agreed roles and responsibilities among stakeholders, enhancing coordination and collaboration to ensure LSFF decision-making is evidence-based and impactful. **Policy-driven needs assessment to inform LSFF in Malawi** ###### Project Description LUANAR will conduct a policy-driven needs assessment to evaluate the effectiveness of LSFF interventions across different subpopulations in Malawi.

Using Household Consumption and Expenditure Survey (HCES) data, the project will model fortification scenarios, assess coverage and intake adequacy, and identify gaps in current programming. Findings will be validated through stakeholder workshops and shared in policy briefs to ensure LSFF interventions are data-driven, targeted, and sustainable.

**Strengthening the large-scale food fortification data ecosystem for enhanced decision making in Kenya** ###### Project Description This project aims to address persistent LSFF data gaps in Kenya by harmonizing data collection, analysis, and reporting systems.

SUN CSA will convene multi-stakeholder consultations, build a national community of practice, and strengthen technical capacity across government, academia, civil society, and industry. Expected outcomes include an integrated LSFF data framework aligned with national nutrition strategies and improved mechanisms for evidence-based policymaking, monitoring, and advocacy.

The Micronutrient Data Innovation Alliance (DInA) is a diverse membership coalition driving collective action to strengthen the micronutrient data ecosystem. Hosted by the Micronutrient Forum, we are dedicated to tackling global micronutrient deficiencies and helping national leaders make data-driven health and nutrition program and policy decisions.

Interested in being in being part of a global community of micronutrient data advocates? Apply to be a member today!