Grant Application Information

The Food Security Theme's area of work on Improved Crop Varieties focuses on three main priority areas:

1. Enabling farmer participation in setting priorities for and in conducting plant breeding, developing seed production and distribution systems, and improving agronomic practices

2. Accelerating the discovery, development and application of new genetic and agroecological strategies for enhancing yield stability, producing more resilient crops, improving human nutrition and preventing environmental degradation.

3. Fostering national development policies that support resilient and profitable smallholder agriculture, and strengthen institutions that integrate the scientific and participatory approaches to innovation development

The Foundation is a proactive grant maker - that is, the staff seek out opportunities that will advance the Foundation's long-term goals rather than reacting to unsolicited proposals.

The Foundation strongly discourages unsolicited grant proposals. We do not use an application form or standard format for proposals. Organizations seeking funding should carefully review the Foundation's grant making guidelines included in this publication to determine if their project conforms to the Foundation's strategic interests. Only then should organizations send a short letter of inquiry addressed to the Program Coordinator, Biotechnology, Breeding and Seed Systems. Inquiries can also be sent electronically by email to the Program Coordinator.

Letters of inquiry should briefly describe the purpose of the project for which funds are being requested; the issues the proposed project will address; information about the organization; estimated budget and period for which funds are being requested; and qualification of key personnel involved in the project. Please do not send attachments.

Letters of inquiry will be considered as they are received throughout the year. Inquiries take from six to eight weeks for review. Organizations submitting inquiries that are of interest to the Foundation may be asked to submit a proposal.

It is important to note that, as a matter of policy, the Foundation does not give or lend money for personal aid to individuals or, except in rare cases, provide general institutional support, fund endowments, or contribute to building and operating funds.