At Mars, Incorporated, we are dedicated to understanding and sharing the intricate role chocolate has played throughout global history, emphasizing its influence on heritage and culture. Our mission is anchored in a century-long history of chocolate making, focusing on cocoa science, sustainability, and educating the public about chocolate's historical journey from ancient Mesoamerica to its contemporary global presence. Through initiatives like the Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant, we aim to support research and education that unveil and preserve the rich narratives of chocolate and its impact on societies worldwide.
The Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant program is designed to support projects that investigate and educate about the history of chocolate and the chocolate making process. Launched in 2013 and named after Mars, Incorporated's owner and a proponent of the history of the Americas, the grant places a special emphasis on exploring chocolate's role in global history and its influence on culture and heritage. The program awards funds competitively based on the merit of proposals, as evaluated by a panel of experts, with a significant focus on educational impact, and prioritizing equity, inclusion, and diversity in the proposals submitted. This mission reflects an extension of Mars' long-standing commitment to chocolate history, underpinned by its collaboration with experts to uncover chocolate's origins and its journey across the globe, thereby enriching the public's understanding of this beloved food's historical significance.