Frequently Asked Questions


International Funding:




Application Process & Timeline

  • What is the process for applying to the Monsanto Fund?

    Your organization must be invited to apply by the Monsanto Fund liaison in your country. We will seek out those we feel have the requisite skills in the geographical and focus areas in which we are interested in funding. Once you have been invited to apply, your Monsanto Fund liaison will provide you with an access code to be able to complete your application online. Please note all applications must originate in the country in which the project will occur. Even if you are a U.S.-based organization, you need to apply through the Monsanto Fund liaison for the country in which the project will take place, not the U.S. Monsanto Fund staff.

  • What is the deadline for grant applications?

    Organizations can view and familiarize themselves with the grant application any time throughout the year. We will have two application and review cycles a year. The first cycle will begin taking applications on January 1st. The deadline for the 1st cycle will be midnight CT on February 29th. The second cycle will begin taking applications on July 1st. The deadline for the 2nd cycle will be 5:00 p.m. CT on
    August 31st.

  • Is there someone I can talk to about my proposal?

    You should talk to the Monsanto Fund liaison in your country. They are your point of contact if you have questions about your proposal.

  • When and how should we expect to hear if we will be receiving a grant?

    In the first cycle of funding, grant decisions will be communicated in May via email and then, if applicable, through a grant agreement letter. For the 2nd cycle, grant decisions will be communicated in November.

  • If we are not selected, will the Monsanto Fund provide feedback on
    our application?

    If your grant request is not selected for funding, your Monsanto Fund liaison will provide feedback on
    your application.

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Eligibility

  • What types of organizations are eligible to apply for international grants from the Monsanto Fund?

    Eligible organizations include public charities incorporated in U.S. and working in a foreign country, indigenous public charities, units of government, private schools primarily serving an economically disadvantaged population, and private hospitals primarily serving an economically disadvantaged population.

  • What are the eligibility requirements in terms of tax exempt status?

    The Monsanto Fund is a private foundation whose giving is governed by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). All applicants for grants must qualify as tax exempt public charities or its equivalent and provide proof of tax-exempt status as outlined by IRS rules. In the U.S., a 501 (C) 3 document is sufficient to meet this requirement. Outside the U.S. there is no such document, so Monsanto Fund must obtain sufficient documentation from the organization to establish equivalency.

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Program Requests

  • What types of requests will the Monsanto Fund NOT fund?

    • Funding will not be provided for the following:
    • Individual aid or personal support
    • Underwriting deficits
    • Fraternal, labor or veterans organizations, unless the project benefits the general public
    • Benefits, dinners, advertisements
    • Religious, politically partisan or similar groups
    • Endowments
    • Activities that directly support Monsanto marketing programs
    • Projects in which the Monsanto Company has a financial interest or could derive a financial benefit through cash or rights to intellectual property
    • Organizations that discriminate based on race, creed, ethnicity, religion, sex, age or national origin

  • What is the maximum size grant we can apply for?

    Single grant requests must be for at least US $25,000. Beyond that requirement, the grant sizes will vary by region. Each region has an allocation of funding and will decide how many and the maximum size grants they will make in their country.

  • Can we apply for a multi-year grant?

    Yes. You are allowed to apply for a multi-year grant. Usually we do not make multi-year grants that last longer than 3 years.

  • Must the program we are applying for be a new program or can it be an existing program?

    You can apply for either a new program OR an existing program. If it is an existing program, please describe current successes as well as how you were able to fund the program in the past and why you need funding from the Monsanto Fund at this time.

  • Will Monsanto Fund grants cover overhead costs?

    Yes. Up to 20% of the requested grant amount can be utilized for overhead costs.

  • Can funds be used for staff salaries?

    Yes. The Monsanto Fund grant can be used to pay for staff salaries.

  • If we are awarded a grant, how will we receive payment?

    All payments outside the U.S. are made via wire transfer. The grantee is notified via email when the transfer is made.

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Requirements and Reporting

  • What are the specific reporting requirements?

    Grantees receiving awards will receive a Monsanto Fund Grant Agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of our grant, including the reporting requirements. Most grantees will be asked to report twice a year to the Monsanto Fund. Upon our receipt of the signed grant agreement, the first payment will be issued, usually half of the grant request. Subsequent payments on the grant will be made contingent upon receipt of progress report on program goals and financial report on expenditure of funds. Grantee must expend at least 70% of the initial funds to receive subsequent payments.

    Grantees awarded grants for capital projects will need to provide appropriate documentation to the Monsanto Fund from the project vendor or contractor to receive payment. For example, for purchases of equipment, grantee should provide a copy of an order of purchase from the vendor that lists the items to be purchased and amount.

    For building construction projects, an executed copy of the construction contract between the contractor and the grantee that outlines all phases of the project and associated timelines should be provided before initial payment can be made. In addition, the Monsanto Fund liaison in your country is required to make a site visit to the construction project at various stages of completion for the grantee to receive subsequent payments.

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