Objectives: The Monsanto Fund was created in 1964 to improve people’s lives around the globe. The Fund is the charitable arm of the Monsanto Company, leader in innovative and sustainable agriculture. The main goal of the Fund is to strengthening farming communities and the communities where the Company works. Accordingly, the Fund sponsors projects in the United States and in the areas where the Monsanto Company is present internationally.
Areas of Funding: The Fund is interested in projects developed in the fields of education and social infrastructures.
1) Educational projects shall address young people in farming communities with the aim of improving their education and widening their horizon and possibilities. Projects funded under this programme have developed activities to support and enhance local schools. For instance, new libraries have been opened and science centres and societies have been started. Also, this programme encourages NGOs to develop ad hoc training and academic programmes for farmers to enrich and supplement their existing knowledge. The educational activities for adults could further enhance their employability within and outside the community of belonging encouraging further education as a means of personal progress and also as a savvy career option.
2) Infrastructural projects could help NGOs working to provide food, to improve sanitation, to guarantee access to water, and also to respond to other specific needs of deprived and marginalised communities around the world. In this case, activities will mainly take place in developing countries and in rural areas where agriculture is a resource although the population struggles to survive.
Geographic Focus: The Monsanto Fund financially supports projects all around the world. To understand what projects have been funded in your region, consult this interactive map.
Programs or Prizes: There are several programmes with different deadlines. Majority of existing calls are open to US-based organisations only. If interested, more details could be found here.
Organisations that are not based in the US can only apply for the International Grant. This programme financially supports activities developed in one of the 2 main areas of funding (see above). Grants could be sought both for new activities and to further existing projects. If you are seeking funding to continue an existing project, you must list current success and reasons why you need more funding (especially if the project was funded already by Monsanto).
The minimum amount considered is $25,000. The Fund grants mainly 1-year projects (although exceptions could be made if necessary taken that the maximum duration of a project is 3 years).
How to Apply Information: Applications for the International Grant are accepted twice a year (from the beginning of January to the end of February and from the beginning of July to the end of August). Before applying, you have to contact a regional or local representative of the Monsanto Fund. You must seek for recommendation from your local representative in order to be considered for the award. Although a list of regional Monsanto representatives is not given, you can use this form and by selecting the country where you live, your query will automatically be sent to the local representative. If the local representative is willing to support your application, you will be given a special code thanks to which you will be able to access the online application system where to submit a full application.
Only non-profit organisations with at least 2 years of experience will be considered.
