The Food Policy Research Program offers funding for formative and evaluation research projects in food policy. Funding is available on a rolling basis and will also include special calls for proposals to address pressing needs in food policy research.
Open Applications
The Food Policy Research Program invites research teams to submit proposals for formative research and evaluation research projects. Proposals will be reviewed and funded on a rolling basis. Applicants must be affiliated with a university or research institution. All proposed projects must conclude prior to January 2029.
Formative Research Studies
The Food Policy Research Program will fund up to $300k in awards for formative research per year, supporting approximately 6 projects. The funding limit for a single grant is $75,000. Formative research projects should develop evidence to inform policy development.
Evaluation Research Studies
The Food Policy Research Program will fund larger-scale food policy evaluations. Evaluation projects should study existing policies or programs.
Funding Priority Areas
Funding for formative research and evaluation research projects is available for the following priority areas:
- Taxes and subsidies
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Labeling
- Marketing
- Procurement
Application steps
1. Letter of Intent
- Download and complete the Letter of Intent template for formative and evaluation research studies.
- Email the completed letter of intent to FPR-Funding@uic.edu with the following subject line: Letter of Intent for Formative Research Funding OR Letter of Intent for Evaluation Research Funding.
- The Food Policy Research Program will review letters of intent on a rolling basis and invite selected applicants to complete a proposal application.
2. Research Proposals
- If you receive an invitation to submit a proposal application, we will provide you with a link to create an account and log in to our application system, InfoReady.
- You will be asked to provide supplemental details in the InfoReady system and to upload an application.
- The Food Policy Research Program will lead a review process and notify you of funding decisions, grant requirements, and next steps.
For questions related to our funding opportunities, please email FPR-funding@uic.edu.