Research & Funding
Funding Strategy & Priorities
For over 60 years, the Nestlé Foundation has been committed to advancing sustainable improvements in human nutrition in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We support high-quality research that addresses urgent public health challenges and strengthens local capacity.
Our goal is simple: enable evidence-based solutions that improve nutrition for mothers, children, and adolescents in resource-constrained settings.
Our intention is both clear and purposeful.
What We Support
The Foundation funds research with clear public health relevance, practical application, and measurable impact. Priority areas include:
Maternal, Child & Adolescent Nutrition
Growth, early development and nutrition
Macro- and micronutrient deficiencies and imbalances
Breastfeeding and complementary feeding
Local food-based interventions
Nutrition education and health promotion
Infection-nutrition interactions
Emerging & Innovative Areas
Gut health and microbiome research
Personalized or precision nutrition
Functional foods and approaches addressing the triple burden of malnutrition
We particularly value simple, scalable, food-based solutions that have the potential for population-level impact.
What We Do Not Fund
To remain focused on our mission, the Foundation normally does not support:
Laboratory-only, invitro, or animal studies
Highly specialized research lacking public-health relevance
Pure data collection without a linked intervention
Agricultural or commercial product development
Policy or technology research without nutritional impact
Humanitarian aid or NGO programme implementation
Conferences, meetings, or non-research activities
Projects led by investigators in high-income countries are considered only when part of a genuine LMIC-led collaboration.
Obesity & Chronic Disease Research
While obesity and NCDs are important global issues, we generally do not fund projects focused solely on these conditions. Exceptions may be considered if:
The work clearly links to maternal, child, or adolescent nutrition
The research addresses malnutrition in an innovative way
Eligibility
We welcome proposals from:
- Universities
- Hospitals
- Research institutions in LMICs
We encourage:
- South–South collaborations
- LMIC-led North–South partnerships with strong capacity building components
- The involvement of early-career researchers and graduate students
Funding Principles
- Maximum budget: up to USD 100,000 per year, or USD 300,000 over three years
- At least 75% of the budget must be spent within the LMICs
- Applicants must be formally affiliated with an eligible institution
Our Commitment
The Nestlé Foundation is dedicated to empowering researchers, strengthening scientific capacity in LMICs, and supporting evidence-based solutions that advance nutrition and health for vulnerable populations.
Together, we can drive sustainable improvements in global nutrition.