Research & Funding
How to Apply & Review Process
The Nestlé Foundation supports highquality, impactful research that advances maternal, child, and adolescent nutrition in low and middleincome countries (LMICs). Our application process ensures that funded projects align with publichealth relevance, sustainability, and meaningful local capacity building.
This page outlines a clear, stepbystep guide to help you prepare and submit a strong application.
Application Process
Your Path to Funding
Submit a Letter of Intent (LI)
All applicants begin by submitting a Letter of Intent (LI) through the Foundation’s online platform.
What to Include
A short overview of the proposed project:
- Research question and objectives
- Expected public health impact
- Study setting and population
- Estimated budget
How to Submit
- All LIs must be submitted electronically through the Spheriq platform.
- Submissions by email or other means are not accepted.
- MSc and PhD students must submit jointly with their thesis advisor or academic supervisor.
When to Apply
LIs are accepted year round. There is no deadline for this first step.
Full Application (By Invitation Only)
If the LI is aligned with the Foundation’s mission and funding priorities, the applicant will receive an invitation to submit a full proposal.
Uninvited full applications are not reviewed.
Full Proposal Requirements
A complete application includes:
- A clear introduction and background
- A detailed research plan (specific aims, hypotheses, methodology)
- CVs of all applicants
- A fully itemized budget with justification
- Ethical approval from all participating institutions (mandatory)
Proposals generally should not exceed 20–25 pages and must follow the official templates provided.
Deadlines & Review Cycle
TIMELINE FOR FULL GRANT APPLICATIONS
While LIs are rolling and accepted year-round, full applications follow two annual deadlines:
Review Session
SPRING
AUTUMN
Submission Deadline
January 10
July 10
Decision Notification
Mid-late April
Mid-late November
Earliest Start Date
Mid-late May
Mid-late December
Applications are reviewed by the Foundation Council during meetings in March and October.
Early submission is strongly encouraged
Evaluation Criteria
We evaluate proposals on:
Public Health Relevance
- Practical implications for improving nutrition.
- Potential for sustainable and scalable impact
Scientific Quality
- Clear hypotheses and sound methodology
- Feasibility in the local context
Local Capacity & Leadership
- Strong involvement of LMIC-based investigators
- Clear training and human resource development components
- Requirement: PI must be based in an LMICs for collaborative projects
Budget & Compliance
- At least 75% of funds used within the LMICs
- Realistic and well justified costs
- Alignment with Foundation’s funding policy (e.g., no animal studies, no invitro only projects)
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Focus on practical, food-based solutions with real-world applicability
Demonstrate immediate or near term impact for the target population
Embed capacity building throughout your project
Ensure all ethical approvals and institutional commitments are secured early
Use the required templates and follow all submission instructions
Completion of the Foundation’s upcoming MOOC and participation in enLINK may further strengthen your application.
Documents & Resources
Guidelines for Grant Applications
Guidelines for Intermediate & Final Reports
Official Application Template (Word)
Need Support?
We welcome applications from motivated researchers committed to improving nutritional health in LMICs.
If you have questions during the application process, you may contact the Foundation through the official channels and consult the documents above.
Together, we advance nutrition for the world’s most vulnerable populations.