The World Food Prize awards individuals around the world who work towards the improvement of the quality, quantity and availability of food. The award prize is up to USD 500,000 annually in Des Moines, Iowa, USA.
About The World Food Prize Grant
The World Food Prize is an award dedicated to the support of elevating food security all around the world. The award is sponsored by the World Food Prize Foundation, established by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr Norman E. Borlaug in 1986. The award aims to elevate food security and agricultural development across fields of food production and supply.
Up to USD 500,000 is awarded to successful applicants for the progress of feeding the world’s population. Application opens yearly with a deadline of May 1 of the awarding year. Self-nominations are not considered, and applicants must be nominated by an academic institution, private or public organisations.
Funding Size
- Typical grant amount: USD 500,000
- Maximum award: USD 500,000
- Project duration supported: Not specified.
Who Can Apply to the World Food Prize
- Eligible organisation types:
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- Individuals advancing global food security
- Academic institutions
- Individuals who have worked across political boundaries.
- Public or private organisations
- Registration requirements: Nominations can be submitted by institutions or organisations. The award does not accept self-nominations by individuals
- Geographic eligibility: Global
- Sector or thematic focus:
- Agriculture, nutrition, rural development, and food science
- Food distribution and natural resource conservation.
Application Process
- Complete and submit the nomination form on the official website by May 1 of the award year.
- The committee reviews all nominations before forwarding recommendations of successful applicants for final approval.
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Required Materials
- Nomination form
- Statement of impact
- Two reference letters from professionals.
Key Dates
- Application deadline: May 1, 2026.
- Notification timeline: Not specified
Applications are open annually, and the deadline for all submissions is May 1 of the award year.
Selection Notes
- The award is highly competitive and focuses on addressing global food security.
- Priority focus areas: Leadership across the food sector to improve food quality, quantity and make it accessible for all.
- Exclusions:
- Self-nominations
- Projects that do not focus on food security,
Official Source of the World Food Prize
- Official Application Page: https://www.worldfoodprize.org/index.cfm?nodeID=87515&audienceID=1

