Request For Proposals: Small Grants Program to Strengthen Food Fortification Data
The Micronutrient Data Innovation Alliance (DInA) has launched its second Small Grants Program, inviting eligible organizations in low- and middle-income countries to apply for grants of up to $15,000 USD. This year’s focus is on large-scale food fortification (LSFF) data. While LSFF has a long track record of success, significant data gaps still hinder effective program design, implementation, and scale-up. Through this initiative, DInA aims to generate new evidence that strengthens LSFF programming, improves policy decision-making, and ensures fortified foods reach the most vulnerable populations.
DInA strongly encourages proposals from National Fortification Alliances (NFAs) or organizations working in close collaboration with NFAs, given their central role in coordinating LSFF efforts at national and regional levels. Successful proposals will focus on improving LSFF data ecosystems, including evaluating coverage and compliance metrics, analyzing existing data for policy insights, and strengthening regional collaboration.
The deadline for applications is 30 April 2025 at 11:59 PM EDT. For complete details on eligibility, application requirements, and evaluation criteria, view the full Request for Proposals below.
If you have any additional questions about the request for proposals, please contact us at DInA@micronutrientforum.org.
Focus
The 2025 Small Grants Program will focus on country-led efforts to strengthen the large-scale food fortification (LSFF) data ecosystem. LSFF is a proven, cost-effective intervention to improve micronutrient intake and address micronutrient deficiencies as part of a broader food systems strategy to improve poor diets. LSFF has a proven track record of success over the past several decades:
147 countries have mandatory or voluntary salt iodization programs, eliminating iodine deficiency and goitre in much of the world.
94 countries have legislation that mandates fortification of at least one industrially milled cereal grain.
More than 30 countries fortify edible oil.
Funding Information
Grants of up to $15,000 USD
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
Live and work in a low- and middle-income country (as classified by the World Bank)
Be a member of DInA.
Represent an organization or stakeholder group (e.g., government, academia, non-profit etc.)
Commit to working on an LSFF policy-related topic.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be reviewed for eligibility, clarity, and completeness. Successful applicants must present a well thought out plan to improve the LSFF data ecosystem in a country or regional context.
Priority will be given to projects that:
Support country commitments to LSFF data.
Evaluate LSFF consumption and compliance metrics.
Analyze LSFF program data and translate findings into policy-relevant insights.
Facilitate regional collaboration to generate and share more LSFF data to influence policy decisions.
Have a high likelihood of downstream actions to support national decision making regarding LSFF programs.
Encourage collaboration among key stakeholder groups.
Would not be possible without this funding.
The Micronutrient Data Innovation Alliance (DInA) Small Grants Program plays a crucial role in strengthening food fortification data, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This initiative, hosted by the Micronutrient Forum, provides grants of up to $15,000 USD to eligible organizations, enabling them to conduct research, advocacy, and data-related activities that enhance large-scale food fortification.
Addressing Data Gaps in Food Fortification
Food fortification is a cost-effective strategy to combat micronutrient deficiencies, yet critical data gaps hinder its full potential. Many countries have implemented LSFF programs, such as salt iodization, cereal grain fortification, and edible oil enrichment, but challenges remain in coverage, compliance, and consumption metrics. The DInA Small Grants Program aims to bridge these gaps by supporting data collection, analysis, and dissemination to inform evidence-based policymaking.
Strengthening Decision-Making and Policy
By generating robust scientific evidence, the program empowers national fortification stakeholders to design effective interventions. Governments, academia, and non-profit organizations can leverage this funding to improve dietary patterns, micronutrient deficiency assessments, and population consumption habits.Collaboration among National Fortification Alliances (NFAs) and international partners is encouraged to ensure fortified foods reach vulnerable populations.
Opportunities for Stakeholders
Eligible applicants must be DInA members and operate within low- and middle-income countries. The grants support initiatives that enhance LSFF ecosystems, ultimately improving nutrition outcomes and reducing micronutrient deficiencies.
This program is a significant step toward ensuring fortified foods effectively address global micronutrient deficiencies. Would you like more details on the application process?
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